World Rugby’s latest law changes signal the governing body’s intent to weaken the scrums’ influence on the game.
On Thursday night, World Rugby approved a series of law amendments, effective 1 July 2024. targeting key areas such as offside from kicks, free-kick options, and player welfare concerns.
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Under Law 20.3, teams will no longer have the option to choose a scrum from a free-kick, emphasising the imperative of keeping the ball in motion.
This comes months after the Springboks used the scrum as a devastating weapon to retain their status as world champions during the 2023 World Cup in France.
One of the famous moments during the tournament saw Bok fullback Damian Willemse opt for a scrum after calling a mark inside his own 22 when South Africa were behind against England in the semi-finals.
The Springboks would win successive scrum penalties late in the second half, with Handre Pollard slotting the winning points from a scrum penalty won on the halfway line.
Under the new law, teams with a weaker pack will be encouraged to employ tactics – such as pre-engaging – to give away a free-kick that has to be tapped or kicked, rather than scrum and potentially concede a penalty.
This means that there will be fewer scrums in the game, effectively depowering one of the Springboks’ strongest weapons, and reducing the value of the short and stout players in a game that prides itself on being for all shapes and sizes.
Photo: Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The post Poll: Is it rugby without the scrums? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
