The NRL seem inclined to change the game’s rules on a yearly basis. Some say change is important for the game to evolve, while others argue the game is perfect the way it is.
A number of changes were announced in December for the upcoming 2020 season. One of the new rules is related to scrums and where on the field they will take place. Under the new rule the team feeding the ball will have the option of setting the scrum at three different locations on the field. The first is ten metres in from the sideline, which is the typical position players and fans are used to. The second option is 20 metres in from the sideline. Finally, teams can also choose to set the scrum in the centre of the field, in line with the black dot on the crossbar.
At first glance it is difficult to see what problem the NRL is trying to solve. The NRL have stated they have taken on board the feedback from fans when making rule changes, but it is hard to imagine many fans suggested numerous scrum location options in the end-of-season survey.
Looking closer at the new rule, there is potential it will have a fairly significant impact on the game, especially when you consider there may be ten to 15 scrums in a game, sometimes more in a high-error match.
(Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
Strategies will no doubt have to adapt. Teams will have greater difficulty pinning down the opposition in the corner of the field to have them work the ball out from their own line by kicking the ball into touch.
In that scenario the team working the ball out from their own line are usually jammed in close to the sideline and are forced to make one-out or dummy-half runs to try to make some metres while working towards the centre of the field. With the rule change teams can now elect to feed the scrum from the centre of the field, which would be the logical choice in this scenario.
It will be a much easier set working from the middle of the field and a greater opportunity to end up in a position to put in an attacking kick at the end of it. It even opens up the possibility of playing more attacking football from your own end of the field.
Rather than kick the ball into touch when deep in opposition territory, playmakers will prefer to keep the ball in play or attempt to force a repeat set by kicking into the in-goal. This should lead to fewer scrums, and subsequently the ball will be in play for longer periods.
The other scenario is when teams receive a scrum feed in the attacking zone. This is where things get interesting. The option again may be to feed the scrum from the centre of the field and have attacking players on either side. The defence will be under greater pressure, and we may have seen the last of the trend of having forwards defending out of the scrum.
There will be more space for the creative players to attack, and forwards would be best left in the scrum rather than having to defend a player with quick footwork one on one. Teams may also choose the 20-metre-in option, which allows for a big backline spread while still having a bit of space to surprise and attack the short side.
Breaking from the scrum becomes a crucial skill for defending teams, particularly with scrums in the centre of the field. Defenders need to communicate and ensure that each player is aware of the space they need to fill as soon as the scrum breaks. Referees will be under even more pressure to police the scrums effectively as back-rowers in particular will be tempted to break from the scrum early to get into a defensive position.
Teams will be given five seconds to inform the referee of their choice of scrum position. It is unclear how this time limit will be enforced. Five seconds is not a lot of time and there will probably be a lot of confusion in the opening rounds. We will probably see the big forwards amble their way down to the usual scrum position they have become accustomed to for their entire career only to be summoned to the centre of the field. Let’s hope this doesn’t result in scrums taking even longer than usual.
Many people question whether scrums have any place in the modern game, and those arguments will remain. The rule change may appear innocuous, but it has the potential to change tactics and how the game is played. How much of an impact it will make remains to be seen.
Teams should be using the preseason to work on these strategies in both attack and defence. The ones that don’t may be in for an unpleasant surprise when the 2020 NRL season kicks off.
Kevin Noone
Guest
I was one that suggested a change in the scrum. I suggested it be set about a metre in from the touch line therefore creating the whole field for you backline, thus creating different combinations/positions for your backline. Think if perhaps your teams two centres side by side or even your teams wingers, the possibilities and combinations would be endless creating a certainty of the unknown which is exciting and engaging. Also with this I also suggested that the team feeding the ball in the scrum shall be awarded an eight point try if the team can score on the first play, only from using their hands and not from a kick. This will also encourage the use of set plays which look really good and exciting if a team can pull it off and the possibility of more long range tries especially from in your own half. It can also discourage the team in the lead to stop kicking the ball into touch and winding down the clock as that can be a real excitement killer for the viewer.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Unless they go back to a competitive scrum or insist that players 8-13 pack in they might as well dump scrums, have a tap and drop to 11 players on the field.
Vahe Ohannessian
Roar Rookie
It's a great idea. Let's see if any teams are willing to try it!
Nat
Roar Guru
I hadn't really considered this scenario but I don't mind the idea. A scrum on the 20m line and in the middle and a kicker either side (which is generally your 6 & 7 anyway) to take advantage of this 20/40. Wingers will have to drop back, thus creating more space. It's a fair bit harder for the forwards to break and cover both sides to that extent. If they do spread too quick, throw the ball back inside from the 1st receiver.
brookvalesouth
Roar Rookie
I can see the new scrum and the 20/40 rule working together. Watch for team's long-kickers to pack at lock or set up behind the lock when a scrum is taken in the middle of the field...
Vahe Ohannessian
Roar Rookie
I'm surprised they didn't trial it first in the lower grades before making the change. Actually, no, I'm not surprised...
Dutski
Roar Guru
I live in hope but we're kidding ourselves if anyone thinks this will do anything apart from determine where they run the big guy at the little guy. I look forward to the prop that is supposed to hit it up off the scrum play (while the winger packs in the front row or whatever) doing that in a whole new part of the ground. Exciting times.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
Will be good to see set plays off a scrum again hopefully, I remember freddy using his brilliant left foot step to slice through tired defence late in games off a scrum.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
A challenge for the NRL - publicly provide the evidence for fans calling for this particular rule change.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Hopefully the change does lead to heaps of tries from scrums but I have doubts about that. The trouble with attacking from scrums is that you have zero momentum despite the additional space but it will be interesting to see how it pans out. What about the Captains challenge and the Matrix thing they were looking at? Not hearing much from head office on anything at the moment.
Simon G
Guest
I agree that it will be interesting to see the different tactics that teams will adopt. I think you might even see teams coming out of their own end take a scrum from the middle of the field and then take advantage of the new 20/40 rule to automatically go on the attack. You also mentioned in your article that the scrum 10 metres in from the sideline is the typical position for a scrum, but current scrums are set from a minimum 20 metres from the sideline.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Good read Vahe. Fair dinkum, the NRL has engaged Pinocchio Productions to give them a hand again if they have stated that this caper is the result of fan feedback. Geez they're such a mob of bent scoundrels. Really they should just say that they asked the Roosters what they'd like to see. That aside, these sort of changes (which I think is significant), should be made on two years notice. Clubs make expensive investments into players to suit a style of game. And really it does highlight that the scrum is now completely redundant. Just take the tap,
Insider
Roar Rookie
Mmm the refs struggle as it is, let’s chuck a spanner
Mercy
Guest
There has been little comment about the new concussion protocol yet this would change the game more profoundly
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Nice article. Will be interesting to see how teams adapt. Much like the stripping rule some of the smarter players will already be plotting to take advantage of it.