RUGBY TACTICS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 120, 17 November 1932, Page 20

RUGBY TACTICS

SPECIALISATION DEFENDED

PROVED BY EXPERIENCE

A strong defence of the practice of forwards specialising in different positions in the scrummage which has been followed in Rugby football in New Zealand for maiiy years, was made by Mr. S. S. Dean, chairman of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union, nt a meeting of the committee last night, when the circular to.players and referees • from the International Rugby Board was before the' meeting. Reference to the circular has already been made in ''The Post," and it was received at last night's meeting without comment, except in regard to its criticism of specialisation iv "the scrummage.

_ In advocating that the practice of limiting a player's activities to one particular position should be discontinued as far as possible, particularly among schoolboys, and the old principle of "first up, first down," revived, the circular made the following comment:—"The board is convinced that the practice of over-specialisation has led to a serious deterioration in forward play. The modern misconception of the law has been to limit and reduce the scope and possibilities of forward play. Owing to this practice there is very little appreciation by a forward accustomed to play in one position of the duties of those playing in other positions, and such appreciation is essential to the efficient working of the scrummage." • • NO DETRIMENTAL EFFECT. Sir. Dean said that specialisation had been the practice in the game in New Zealand as long as he could remember, and he did not think it had ever had a detrimental' effect. Mr. W. J. -Wallace said that a scrum was formed just as quickly when the players had their particular positions. Mr. A. C. Kitto: It is very hard to follow their attitude. Mr. Dean said that if the aim was to improve back play and to restrict wingforwards, he thought, after mature consideration, the best plan would be to do as had been done in Auckland and have lan imaginary line at the back of the j scrummage. He thought that idea could well be considered for universal practice.. ■