Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:08 pm  

OK, so let's hope that we can finally get back to some normality in the Spring which will allow us to attend matches.

Whats people's thoughts on scrums once the all clear has been given? Have we missed them? I've just seen a post the the GF the ball was in play for 62 minutes up 3-4 minutes on the last two years.

Has the lack of scrums made for a better spectacle by making the game faster/quicker turnaround? I know there's an argument that we might be peeing on tradition so there's that to consider.

Keep or get rid?

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:36 pm  

MattyB wrote:

OK, so let's hope that we can finally get back to some normality in the Spring which will allow us to attend matches.

Whats people's thoughts on scrums once the all clear has been given? Have we missed them? I've just seen a post the the GF the ball was in play for 62 minutes up 3-4 minutes on the last two years.

Has the lack of scrums made for a better spectacle by making the game faster/quicker turnaround? I know there's an argument that we might be peeing on tradition so there's that to consider.

Keep or get rid?

Bring back scrums for me once it's deemed to be an acceptable risk in terms of COVID. By introducing '6 again', continuing to reduce the number of interchanges and removing scrums, I think there is a real danger that we create too high a focus on stamina. Already we have backs taking on work that used to be done by props, and more teams grubbering into touch at the end of sets for a short breather. Teams are scared of the extra fatigue caused by losing the ball so they play more conservatively now than ever before.

I want there still to be a place for big guys and expansive rugby, if we keep removing these rests we are going to see less and less of that IMO, which is less entertaining and shuts the door on many players we would enjoy watching.

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:40 pm  

I liked the new rules (6 again and no scrums) sped the game up massively. Compare 2020 Grand final to the 2018 final. 2018 felt like it went on for 3 hours.

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:51 pm  

I don’t know how much impact the new rules had on that Grand Final on Friday or the recent Wigan vs Saints game but if they had an effect which lead to a positive impact, then why would we change them back? They were two incredible games.

One issue with the rules (as ever) is if they will be standard across the world game? No point keeping them here, if they’re dumped in the NRL and then the International rules will disadvantage teams one way or the other.

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:52 pm  

Im a big fan of the 6 again rule and scrums have been pointless in RL for as long as I can remember

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 5:21 pm  

I’m happy to consign scrums to the past. They don’t add anything to the modern game IMO.

Like the 6 again rule too though I don’t think it should apply when coming out of your own 25.

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 6:12 pm  

Keep scrums and the 6 again, but apply the rules as in the NRL, so scrums can be placed in the middle of the field. This opens up attacking options, as we have seen, and has rescued a moribund concept from the scrap-bin in my opinion.

Either way, a difference in rules between comps is so Mickey Mouse.

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 6:16 pm  

It partly depends what you see the point in scrums is. If it's about a 7 on 7 play then I agree it's relatively rare you see a team try any thing from it (e.g Saints scored a try from a nifty scrum move in the Grand Final last year). For me it's more to do with giving both packs a brief rest.

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 6:20 pm  

Scrums for knock ons, 6 again for ruck infringements and penalties for offsides, high shots and fowl play.

Re: Scrums - Post Covid : Thu Dec 03, 2020 6:22 pm  

It's been less rare in the NRL with the latest rules tweaks. But actually I'm not opposed to the 'giving the players a rest' argument, and I think a dead-set insistence on speeding the game up in every way possible does not lead to the best contests. The game is already quick in that respect compared to RU and its endless stoppages.