sRugby fans are calling on World Rugby to ban the controversial caterpillar ruck following a bizarre incident during Scotland's clash with Australia.
The tactic sparked frustration during Sunday's Nations Championship encounter, with supporters questioning why teams can spend so long preparing box kicks.
Scotland's dramatic 15-12 victory over Australia featured a lengthy ruck formation, with several players protecting their scrum-half from defenders.
And fans were far from impressed.
Fans have had enough
The Rugby Issue shared footage on X, questioning whether the ball should already have been considered out.
One supporter fumed: "World rugby really need to ban this caterpillar sh***!"
They compared Scotland's formation to a queue outside the toilets at Wetherspoons.
Another fan complained about South Africa using similar tactics, declaring: "The caterpillar is a blight on the game."
Fans propose simple law change
Others suggested a straightforward solution.
"Make it easy, as soon as the scrum half starts moving the ball, it is out," one supporter wrote.
"Speed up the ruck, also will render the caterpillar useless and makes refereeing easier."
Under World Rugby's Law 15, the ruck ends when the ball leaves it or is lifted from the ground to be played away.
Simply touching or moving the ball does not necessarily end the ruck.
Teams can therefore extend their formation to protect the scrum-half while preparing a kick.
Should World Rugby intervene?
World Rugby already requires teams to use the ball within five seconds of the referee's instruction.
However, critics believe the caterpillar still slows the game unnecessarily.
Others argue it remains a legitimate tactical option.
For now, the tactic is legal. But supporters clearly want change.
Should World Rugby ban the caterpillar ruck?
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