New rules, will they work??
A recent article on sarugby.com highlighted some proposed rule changes which are being implemented in the Australian Club leagues to improve the game. Here are the changes listed below, and my views on them.
1. Downgrading most penalty offences to free-kicks
2. Backs must be 5m behind rear foot at scrum
3. Ball cannot be passed back into 22 and kicked out on the full
1. I don’t think this will work. You will end up with more deliberate infringements and this will slow down the game. All of a sudden players will not be giving away a guaranteed 3 points by infringing. I know I would deliberately commit an offence if it meant that the game would come to a stop, my teams defensive lines could be re-arranged, and I would not end up giving away 3 points (from a penalty). I think this will end up with the game having more of a stop start feel, much like rugby league, which I think should be avoided.
2. This may very well work, it will give the backs an extra second to get over the gain line, and create space. A full second at the highest level is an eternity, and will hopefully lead to more creative play.
3. I think this may lead to players passing the ball back into the 22m, forming a ruck and then simply booting it out. The result? An initial loss of ground (very negative) which then leads to a lineout. We may find that this also leads to more aimless kicking, with a reliance on a kicker with a booming boot and accuracy. The intention would be to kick the ball as far down field and into the corners as possible. There is no way the defending team will then run it back when the rest of the side is still upfield. The ball will be kicked out, net result, another lineout.
I know I have only pointed out the possibilities of what may transpire should these rules come into play, and have not offered any solutions. Anyone out there have any other ideas to improve the game? Let us know.
Tukkers out.
1. This rule is exactly what the damn ozzies want to get rid of line-outs. More free kick = less lineouts for opposition. They are muck at line-outs and want to jippo it.
2. Will this rule only be for defensive backs on both backlines?? In both cases it will be a nightmare for the touch judges and referee to control this. There will be alot of 50/50 calls by the refs. At least now they can judge the offsides with the ruck. No person can judge 5m by sight alone. Again, stupid fucking aussies.
3.I have nothing to add 2 ur comments tukkers
One rule i think they should change is the competing at breakdown. They should let the tackler be able to play the ball without giving the tackled player a chance to place it. The current rule is driving me crazy because every referee blows it different. If the tackled player doesnt have support then to bad. They can also bring in a 2 second count. If the tackled player is still holding after this time, then blow him for holding.
These aussies will try anything. Next thing they will try and call themselves a country. Blah!!!