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I’ve never really warmed to rugby league. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the intensity of State of Origin and I can appreciate the skill, toughness and athleticism of its players. I just don’t find the game particularly stimulating.
I think it’s the repetitious nature of the sets of six that makes the game a little too predictable for my liking.
One thing I’ve always envied about rugby league, though, is the interchange rule. Allowing a steady influx of fresh players lifts the overall standard of play, minimizes injury, and adds another tactical element to the game.
Rugby is speeding up and defences are continually improving. Having more reserves and a more open substitution policy seems a logical step for the game to take.
I would like to see squads increase their substitution allocations from the current seven to ten players. I would also like no limits on interchange when points are scored, so when kicks at goal are being taken, players can move on and off the field with no impact to the flow of the match.
Players could also be introduced at other times in the match, provided these breaks in play are not overly time-consuming.
From an injury management perspective, larger match day squads also allows player load to be managed in real time.
Knowing that a player can be removed from the field will also change training methods: explosive power and speed can be emphasised over aerobic capacity. Next time you watch a match, notice how nearly all the moments that make you jump out of your seat involve explosive actions.
When players are being asked to run 8-10 kilometres a match, it becomes increasingly difficult to produce these moments.
Easier substitutions could also reduce overuse injuries.
Many people suspect that it’s the contact element of rugby that leads to injury. While collusions do produce injuries, it’s overuse injuries that account for the greatest number of missed matches.
My own knee injury began as nothing but a dull and infrequent ache. A constant training load worsened the injury until the point that my knee could not cope with even the slightest training volume.
I can rattle off dozens of players who have similar histories.
“Rotation” has become somewhat of a buzzword in professional sports these days. Many players think of rotation as a euphemism for being dropped, but the reality is that it’s here to stay. What I’m suggesting is that we introduce rotation on Saturday rather than Monday.
I hear it’s been suggested that rugby alter its points system.
Under the proposed changes, conversions would be worth 3 points and penalties 2. For a number of years, I’ve thought this would be a worthwhile alteration and nothing has changed to alter my view.
Swapping the allocation of points between conversions and penalties strikes a good balance.
It rewards attacking, try scoring teams, whilst still offering a competitive advantage to teams with prolific goal kickers. The change would encourage attack as a first priority and it would negate the effectiveness of teams who deliberately slow the pace of a game.
The current interpretation of the breakdown is allowing negative teams to remain competitive. By placing a premium on try scoring, teams will be forced to score tries.