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The IRB has tweaked the rules again, and five changes will be trialled globally next season. In theory, this means the North will be using them before the South.
However, it isn’t clear whether the Autumn Internationals at the end of 2012 will use them, since players on tour from the southern hemisphere will still be at the end of their season.
Here’s how the IRB press release details the five areas:
1. Law 16.7 (Ruck): The ball has to be used within five seconds of it being made available at the back of a ruck with a warning from the referee to “use it”. Sanction – Scrum.
2. 19.2 (b) (Quick Throw-In) For a quick throw in, the player may be anywhere outside the field of play between the line of touch and the player’s goal line.
3. 19.4 (who throws in) When the ball goes into touch from a knock-on, the non-offending team will be offered the choice of a lineout at the point the ball crossed the touch line; or a scrum at the place of the knock-on. The non-offending team may exercise this option by taking a quick throw-in.
4. 21.4 Penalty and free kick options and requirements: Lineout alternative. A team awarded a penalty or a free kick at a lineout may choose a further lineout, they throw in. This is in addition to the scrum option.
5. A conversion kick must be completed within one minute 30 seconds from the time that a try has been awarded.
That’s all quite plain. Supporters should be delighted to see an end to scrum halves standing over the ball for an eternity at the back of a ruck. The other tweaks could lead to some interesting passages of play along the way if players are alert enough.
That’s not all, however. The TMO (or video referee) will be given greater jurisdiction later this year. Already, we’ve seen a couple of occasions of referees taking advice about players who have knocked-on or gone into touch before, rather than during, the act of scoring. The IRB may now include this formally.
It looks like the TMO will also be allowed to adjudicate on foul play. No more “did you get a number?”. I suppose some players might get reprieved by a review but it’s more likely that others will find themselves in the sin-bin, or off the field for good, if the TMO gets involved.
Also, from the November window, the number of replacents will be increased to 8. We’ll have to get used to speaking about the “matchday 23”.
In the sevens format, teams will be allowed five substitutes which the IRB puts down to the increasing demands of the tournament circuit on player welfare and fitness.
Anything on the scrum? Not yet, but it’s up for further consideration.
“The amendment that will be considered by the Group relates to the engagement sequence and will see the referee call “crouch” then “touch”. The front rows crouch then touch and using outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing prop’s outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then set the scrum.”
It could be the end of crouch, touch, pause – engage.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.