If we have to live with rugby’s infuriating scrum resets, I wish more referees would take a leaf out of Lourens van der Merwe’s book — even if, strictly speaking, the South African whistleblower may be overstepping the mark.
I’m not big on stats, but no doubt there are boffins out there with some pretty damning figures showing just how much this blight on the game can eat into playing time.
How interesting then to see van der Merwe, in charge of last Friday night’s Hurricanes-Chiefs match in Wellington, call “time off” after several scrum collapses -until both packs had regained their footing and were ready to re-engage.
Fox Sports’ Kiwi commentators were quick to question whether a referee is actually entitled to stop the clock in such circumstances – and I, like them, haven’t been able to come up with the definitive answer.
But they were just as quick to commend van der Merwe’s refreshingly commonsense approach.
What a shame, whatever the reason, it’s not the norm.
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.
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