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The recent rule change around the rugby scrum have been generally positive. There have been fewer scrims reset, and it appears to be more of a contest beyond the initial hit.
However, a trend has surfaced since the new rules came into place which has given what I believe an unfair advantage to the team with the tight-head.
The scrum-half is awaiting the referee to indicate when the ball should be fed into the scrum. The referee is then shouting ‘now nine!’ when he wants the ball fed.
This call tells the tight-head scrum when the ball is going into the tunnel, and they are usually responding with a mighty push.
The loose-head hooker will strike for the ball, most likely leaving him on just one-foot.
The result is the team with possession has a scrum that is nearly always going backwards after the ball is fed. In the ITM Cup this is happening to almost every team.
I am all for having a contest, but telling the team without possession when the ball is being fed takes away any advantage from the team with possession.
Remember the team without possession have infringed and should get no favours. They already have the advantage of not striking for the ball, and their front-rowers each with two-legs on the ground.
Telling them exactly when to shove is crazy!
My suggestion is simple. They should go back to he good old days when the referee taps the halfback to feed the scrum. Silent but effective.
Surely the team with possession should not be so obviously disadvantaged.
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.