- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Opinion
It is hard to work out who is right and who is wrong in the Bernard Foley-Mathieu Reynaul debate. You can make a case for both sides, as the coaches did after the game. What it does highlight, however, is arguably the most significant problem facing rugby union today: time and action.
Recently, NRL boss Peter V’Landys made the comment, when comparing the entertainment value of league and union, that there was no comparison.
He reckoned that league was faster and more continuous than union, and that the ball was only in play in union for a total of 33 minutes. Although I like both codes, and probably prefer watching union, V’Landys makes a reasonable point.
Union is stop-start, and a huge amount of time is wasted when the ball is out of play. The fatigue factor has become a major hurdle that league players and coaches have to deal with, and it could save union from its downward slide if some common sense was applied.
Why should the clock keep running when scrums are endlessly reset? Why does the clock keep running down after a try has been awarded, or why does it keep ticking away after the ball has gone into touch?
Time wasting by players is an issue, but the referee can exercise discretion by calling time off. Currently the time wasted while the ball is out of play is so ridiculous as to be acutely embarrassing when trying to argue the respective virtues of each code.
Rugby union requires less anachronisms and an entrepreneurial bomb placed under World Rugby to move it on. Otherwise relative oblivion beckons.
A sensible look at this issue has the capacity to significantly increase the entertainment value for union fans by giving them more time to enjoy and be absorbed by on-field action.
For players, the fatigue factor will play a stronger hand, which will assist in breaking down defensive lines that have become so stifling to creativity. The players might not like this, but the fans will be forever grateful.
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.