Looks like the IRB have realised that scrums have become too messy and take too long in the game now.
http://www.sareferees.co.za/news/ref_news/2666061.htm
Re: Scrumming mess.
Has the notion of eliminating the 'hit' part of the scrum engagement been dismissed? It seems to me that slightly wrong angles or sightly mistimed engagement has massive effect when there are such incredible forces as there are at the impact of current scrum engagements.
What is the problem with a 'tug-of-war' style start to the scrum? The scrums come together without a 'hit', get their binding and footing right without having to cope with tons of force at the same time, then have a full on pushing contest as the ball is introduced?
André Watson: Hi David,
The scrum is constantly under review and very difficult to get right all the time, every time. The ‘fold-in’ scrum as you describe will be trialled after next year's World Cup.
Kind regards,
André Watson
http://www.sareferees.co.za/news/ref_news/2666061.htm
Re: Scrumming mess.
Has the notion of eliminating the 'hit' part of the scrum engagement been dismissed? It seems to me that slightly wrong angles or sightly mistimed engagement has massive effect when there are such incredible forces as there are at the impact of current scrum engagements.
What is the problem with a 'tug-of-war' style start to the scrum? The scrums come together without a 'hit', get their binding and footing right without having to cope with tons of force at the same time, then have a full on pushing contest as the ball is introduced?
André Watson: Hi David,
The scrum is constantly under review and very difficult to get right all the time, every time. The ‘fold-in’ scrum as you describe will be trialled after next year's World Cup.
Kind regards,
André Watson