Alterations In Rugby Union Rules Explained

Chronicle (Levin), 27 March 1948, Page 4

Alterations In Rugby Union Rules Explained

V — » . . ■ AUCKLAXD, Warch 26. Enthusiasm for Eugby football overseas was widespread, said Mr.. F. E. Sutherland, presi.dent of thp Auckland Union, w,ho returned by air on Thursday after represeuting the New Zealand Rugby Union at recent meetings jn London of the English Rugby Epqtball Union and the Tmperial Rugby Conference. Referring ro the vvork of the Jmperial eonference," Mr. Sutherland th'epe had been general' agreement dh the need to reduce the value of the field goal from four points to three, but suggested. alterations to the scr'ummage" rules caused a long discussion. It was customary for erowds * irr Britain to tolerate a scrum being r,eformed four or flve times. Tefore tlie ball was properly heeled, and there was ndt quitA th,e. sapie^urgentTlesire.fo^.an Hm efi (fment* * df raie' * ffrTek vold; B,|hks practise as existed in Xew Zealand. "I f'eel, nevertheless, 'that the dpcision to permit the outside t'oot to follow the ball into the scrum will have q. beneffeial effeet. ' ' Mr. Sutherland said the- Sputh African delegates to the Imperia) Coaference (Afessrs. A. J. Pienadr and Paul Jloos) were most anxidus that the AIJ Black team touring South Africa next vear should have the benefit of a weJIarraugecl itinerary. Mr. SuthefJand said the South African Rugby nfen apparently recogriissed "that the 1928 Xew Zealand touring team suff.ered both from meeting teams of first-cjass too soon and from over-muclwtravelling. From the remarks by the Squlh African d.elegates it seeiued likeiv the All BJackS would .be asked fo play four fest matches. !