EXPERIMENT IN NEW HOOKING RULES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29515, 17 May 1961, Page 22

EXPERIMENT IN NEW HOOKING RULES

The Canterbury Rugby Union has been asked by the New Zealand union to experiment with proposed alterations to the hooking laws. Canterbury will play at least two matches Under the new laws which will be controlled by “big five” referees The games will be at least of senior grade status, but prefererably of representative status. The front rows will be briefed and will have practice under the amendments before each match. The intentions of the proposed amendments are to make sure that there is no advancing of feet until the ball is fairly in the scrum; that there is provision for first and fourth foot heeling; and that provision for “further third foot” heeling is deleted. Canterbury has also been invited to keep statistical schedules on the number of times the ball is put into the scrum before (a) play proceeded or (b) a penalty was awarded; on how many times the ball is not hooked because (a) it came out the

side put in, (b) came out on the opposite side, (c) came out the wrong channel: on how’ many times penalties were awarded because of infringements by the hooker, prop, and half-back. Other unions asked to conduct experimental games are Wellington, Otago. Southland, Waikata, Taranaki. Manawatu, and Auckland. The president (Mr H. C. Blazey) told the management committee of the Canterbury union last evening that the executive would have to think about the games to be played under the new rules and to advise the teams accordingly.