RECENT CHANGES IN RUGBY LAWS

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 133, 13 August 1954, Page 3

RECENT CHANGES IN RUGBY LAWS

FURTHER NOTES ON THE SCRUMMAGE

(By

J. W.

Woodward)

In continuing these notes I assume that those interested will have read and perhaps studied the clauses of the scrummage law quoted last week. Obviously a number of different interpretations could be applied to some parts of the law, and it must be remembered that in the end these points are invariably referred to the N.Z. Rugby Union for clarification. It is the rulings supplied by this body that govern the law and we are naturally bound by their decisions. Many of the interpretations explained in these notes are of such a nature. The interpretation of the words "the ball shall be put in without delay as soon as the two front rows have closed together" is that the "front row" means the "regular front row" and not the first three players up to the scrum. A team will not be penalised for wilful delay until the forwards have had reasonable time to get the scrum down. The actions of the half-back (or players putting in he ball) are now specified in a rather precise manner. He has one spot only at which he is allowed to stand, one method only of throwing in the ball and one spot on which to pitch it. A lot of latitude allowed him under the old rule has gone, baulking is definitely out, and we should see the end of the half-back v. hooker battle which was fairly common— the half-back in a constant quest for penalties against the opposing hooker for lifting. When mention is made of the "feet" in the front row it must be clearly understood that law recognises six only— not the twelve belonging to the players of each front row. They are counted from the side of the scrum from which the ball is being put in and generally speaking * will belong to a team holding a "loose head."

It could and, does happen that a "front-row" packs in such a manner that the first and second feet of their side are ahead of the first foot of the opposing front-row. The N.Z.R.U. has given a ruling that the action of the prop forward in placing his feet out to the side to bring this about, does not con/stitute twisting the body under 1 Clause 12 (d) of the rules. Thus, provided the rules as to putting in he ball are complied with in other respects, the ball is deemed to be "in the scrummage" when it has landed immediately past the second foot mentioned irrespective of the fact that it has still not reached the first foot of the opposing prop. It will readily be seen that there is quite a difference as compared with the old rule, which stipulated "beyond the first foot of a player on each side." To understandl what happens, or what should happen when the ball is put into the scrum, and before it is hooked, you should read again Clause 11. Then consider the position of the feet thus. When the front-row goes down the feet are in the order 1-2-3-4, considering the first four feet only. As the ball leaves the hands of the half-back the fourth may be raised and advanced towards the ball. As the ball passes the first foot that foot may be raised in order to follow the ball. As soon as the ball has touched the ground the fourth foot may play it. Thus when the ball is actually being hooked the feet of the front-row, instead of being in

their order of 1-2-3-4 are now placed 2-1-4-3, with one and four doing the hooking. The old rule provided that when a scrum was called between the twenty-five yard lines and closer than ten yards from the touch line the scrum was formed ten yards from the touch. This rule is now done away with and all scrums are now formed where called, if practicable. There are some far-reaching changes in the off-side rule as it applies to the scrummage, and I will deal with these when explaining the complete law dealing with off-side play. In the meantime it will be seen that there are enough opportunities for infringement without considering the off-side player, and it is worth repeating that many matches have. been won and lost through scrum inf'ringements. This of course will continue, but can be avoided to a large extent by the players who know their rules.