Respected former referee Nigel Owens has passionately defended the scrum amid recent criticism targeting this essential aspect of the game.
Opinions among fans remain polarised following the controversial last-minute decision by Ben O’Keeffe, which ultimately saw Handre Pollard securing the winning points in their 16-15 semi-final triumph.
Owens wrote on Twitter: “The scrum has always & should be an integral part of the game.
“If you want to lose a huge amount of players who are playing because it’s the scrum that allows them to be a part of it.
“Then De-power it & lose them. Rugby Union is a game for all shapes & sizes and should remain so.”
A fan responded, saying: “The scrum has to stay but time should be off until the ball has been put into the scrum. Too much time eaten up resetting scrums for me!”
Owens replied: “Refs to FK delaying setting up of scrums and players to scrum legally and positive with refs being stronger on refereeing of the scrum and happy days.”
Nigel Owens includes England star on his list of worst players to referee
After retiring from international rugby, Owens has revealed three of the worst rugby stars he ever had to officiate during his career.
1. Austin Healey
Owens said: “Definitely Healey. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully.
“A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him.
“He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”
