"Joke!" - Everyone wants the same law enforced after World Cup quarter-finals

Rugby News
Sunday, 15 October 2023 at 10:23
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In a resounding call to action, rugby fans are no longer willing to turn a blind eye to the scrum-feeding shenanigans on the field, demanding that referees take a stricter stance henceforth.
According to the rulebook, the ball's introduction into the scrum must transpire in a straight manner, with the scrum half granted the liberty to position himself on his team's side, provided one of his shoulders aligns with the tunnel's midpoint.
However, recent scrum feeds have evolved into a spectacle of absurdity, with some veering perilously close to the back-row territory.
One fan wrote: 'They don’t even feed the ball straight anymore, might as well scrum like they do in Rugby League."
Another said: "When did the laws change to not feeding in straight down the middle of the scrum."
A third commented: "Scrum-halves don't even remotely pretend to feed the ball straight at the scrum anymore. Shocking."
"I’ll never take egg chasing serious until they can throw the ball straight from a line out and feed it in straight from a scrum. Odd." said a fourth.
Another wrote: "Can hookers not hook any more? No need to. Joke!"

“Goodbye Caterpillar ruck” – Three more rugby law changes for 2024

After engaging in thoughtful discussions with a few rugby experts, we've made a bold move to propose three potential game-changing alterations that could positively impact the sport without compromising its integrity or inviting any form of misconduct.

#1. Marking outside the 22

In the annals of the game, the fair catch rule, tracing its origins back to the very genesis of written laws in 1846, holds a storied legacy. Once a pivotal element, it has gradually receded into the shadows, its significance occasionally diminished.
In the bygone era, a mark could be asserted from any kick on the field. Gradually, restrictions crept in; certain kicks were exempt, confined only within your own 22 meters. Further modifications emerged, demanding the ball be propelled into your 22 by the opponents, untouched by your own side.
This evolution birthed the infamous box kick, a beloved tactic among scrum-halves, sometimes favoured over passing to the fly-half.
The essence of this change lies in discouraging excessive kicking, a move aimed at reshaping the very fabric of the game.
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Freddie Steward of England Rugby challenges for the high ball with with Josh Adams of Wales and Alex Cuthbert of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#2. Goodbye to the Caterpillar RUCK

The next step on our agenda is to eliminate the problematic "caterpillar ruck" entirely. It has proven to be quite cumbersome and counterproductive.
Our aim is to empower referees to penalize scrum-halves who fail to utilize the ball promptly upon hearing the "Use it" command. Additionally, we propose abolishing the rule that rewards the defense with possession if they manage to hold up a player and establish a maul during the tackle.
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#3. Penalty advantage limited

We propose implementing a defined limit for penalty advantage, perhaps ranging from three to five rucks. We strongly dislike the current scenario where the attacking team can maintain possession indefinitely within the 22-meter area under the advantage rule, which disrupts the flow of the game and diminishes its momentum.
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Referee, Sara Cox awards a penalty try during the Pre Season Match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on 1 September 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK


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