Scrum changes at Kingston Park
By Monkey1
June 14 2013
The IRB have imposed a global trial of new scrum laws to begin from the start of next season, put simply this means they have changed the scrum laws again. This will affect every rugby union club in the world, but what concerns us of course is how this will affect Newcastle Falcons. Any change to the rules of the game will favour the teams that adapt to the changes most effectively. If we do this well it will see us return to the Premiership with a valuable advantage, or if we don’t it could be a tough season ahead.
The new laws affect how the scrum is set up, but in theory will change the entire dynamics of the scrum, so it means significant changes to the game as a whole. To summarise, the referee will now set the scrum by calling “crouch” “touch” “set”, the props will bind using their outside arm when the referee calls “touch” and they maintain the bind. This is intended to improve player safety, the hit being reduced in force by about 25%, reduce collapsed scrums, and also establishes a more stable platform for the scrum. The improved stability is the aspect that brings about big changes, as the IRB also wishes to see this result in the opposing packs competing for the ball.
The scrum as we know it dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Until 1905 it was a pretty informal affair, the relevant law simply stating:
A Scrummage, which can only take place in the field of play, is formed by one or more players from each side closing round the ball when it is on the ground, or by their closing up in readiness to allow the ball to be put on the ground between them.
The first forwards to arrive at the scene were the first to pack down, in no particular order. The New Zealand team that toured that year, the tour during which they were named the All Blacks, brought new discipline to the scrum with devastating effect. For the first time, the same people would take up the same positions in the scrum each time. At that time the British teams favoured a formation that we would recognise today, three at the front (all hookers) two behind to lock them together, then three at the back, but any player could find himself in any position depending on who was first to arrive and set the scrum. The New Zealand team selected players to take up the same position each time, chosen to suit their build and skills to best effect. They set up a seven man scrum with two hookers at the front, and this drove into just one side of the opposing eight man scrum, effectively turning it into a contest of seven v six. This was banned in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the scrum we know today was formalised, with eight men on each side, players remaining bound, and the offside line moved to the hindmost foot of the scrum.
Since then the scrum has remained largely unchanged, but the increased professionalism of the game has produced forwards of much more specialised skill, and more power. Various law changes have been tinkered about with to try to control the scrum as the power has been ramped up year on year, and to attempt to limit the resulting risk of serious injuries.
The present scrum is a mess at the higher levels of the game. Everything has been developed around the hit, therefore we have a front row of three props with a powerhouse behind, the ball is almost irrelevant. On command the two packs engage hard, then the scrum half waves the ball at the referee and appeals for a penalty with big puppy dog eyes. Sometimes the scrum half realises that this isn’t going to work so he feeds it straight to his own second row, which by this time is all over the place. Rarely does the ball emerge before the referee blows for a penalty for any one of over forty possible infringements. It is a pretty random process, entirely dependent on how little the referee understands the scrum, and a long way from the original ethos of competing for the ball.
It appears that the intention of these new law changes is to bring about an end to this farce. Not only have the rules of engagement (pun intended) been changed, but there are new instructions as to how the scrum will be refereed too. The emphasis is on a stable scrum with the ball fed in straight between the front rows, which will be fantastic progress to bring us back to where we were so many years ago. If this works it will mean big changes to the roles of hookers and scrum halves, and to a lesser extent props too.
Having the ball fed into the centre of the scrum will bring back the lost art of hooking. I doubt that any of our hookers has actually had to hook the ball since the days of Ross Nesdale. Since then the requirement to hook the ball out of the tunnel to your second row has been all but lost as everything centred on the big push. Props no longer prop up the hooker either, all three front rowers simply push forward as a unit (or up, down, sideways or even pull if they think they can get away with it).
Of our four hookers, Matt Thompson has really made his mark over the last season, and seems to have found his feet under the Dean Richards regime at Kingston Park. He is a big ol’unit as they say, typical of his type these days, and we have Scott Lawson joining us from London Irish who is of the same construction. Next season however could maybe see favour fall towards Rob Vickers, who also did a fine job in the 2 shirt last season but who is possibly more suited to old fashioned scrimmaging than Thompson, or even George McGuigan, the 20 year old from Yorkshire. This sort of change can really open up the fight for the shirt, and I am sure all four will be on the case to make the most of the new edicts.
Props will have to get used to some changes too. The emphasis is very much on making the scrum a stable platform so that there can be genuine contest to win the ball. That is going to put bigger demands on the props to stay bound, stationary until the ball goes in, and at the same time support the hooker. It may not sound like much of a change from what props should do anyway, but it will require whole new techniques, and those who fail to adapt will find themselves on the floor and on the wrong side of the referees whistle.
999
If all does go to plan, then referees will be looking to see the ball put in quickly, and then logic suggests that it has to come back out again. Until now, scrum halves have only ever put the ball in as a last resort. I have been to the bar, bought several pints and read a newspaper at Kingston Park before coming back out to find the scrummie still waving the ball about at the side of the scrum. The theory is that your wily front five will win you a penalty with their dark arts without any need for the ball, and it works. In future there will be no latitude for such a carry on, or at least that seems to be the intention, although the cynic in me thinks that both front rows will still try to destabilise the opposition to win penalties without bothering with the ball. Only time will tell.
If by some miracle the theory does work, then those who wear the number nine shirt will have to learn a whole new set of skills, working with the front five on timing & techniques to have a good chance of winning the ball while appearing to be feeding in fairly. Deano may have been a bit clever in signing Mike Blair in this respect. The Edinburgh born scrum half not only has a wealth of experience with 85 caps to his name, he is also in the habit of feeding into the scrum without messing about, then getting in position ready for the exit at the back. It is the way he has always played, and could give him quite an advantage compared to those who are more used to waving the ball under the referee’s nose at scrum time.
It is certainly going to give us something different to watch next season. All premiership clubs have to adapt to the new changes, and who comes out on top at scrum time will be down to how well the coaching teams prepare their players for the season ahead. With ex- international forwards John Wells & Dean Richards in charge of proceedings, as well as highly experienced Kiwi Peter Russell, we are looking pretty good on the preparation front. There will be winners and losers at the scrum next season, we can have a little faith that with our coaching team we stand a good chance of being on top.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
I’ve just looked at the RFU website to find information about the law change and what plans there may be to support clubs and referees in adapting to it. It looks like player welfare is driving the proposed change but I agree with Monkey that it should lead to a better spectacle for fans too. There isn’t much information available at the moment but apparently there will be a lot of information and support available from the beginning of July. Club training sessions and friendly games played during the forthcoming close season are expected to adopt the proposed law change. I’m looking forward to our friendlies to get a feel for whether the changes will work as it's hoped. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing if referees will actually penalise teams that don’t put the ball in straight.
For anyone interested the link below will take them to the relevant parts of the RFU website:
Why the law change is being proposed:
[www.rfu.com]
Support for clubs and referees (so maybe of interest to we fans):
[www.rfu.com]#
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:14:17:19:06 by JohnSt.
Wow proper scrums again - Brian Moore must be apoplectic with happiness!
Cheers for the good news Monkey.
[www.rfu.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:07:17:13:00:32 by JohnSt.
Any chance of some technical info from the lads about implications arising from the change at some point?
Any chance of some technical info from the lads about implications arising from the change at some point?"
I did ask, but verdict seems to be that we won't know until it has been tried in live match scenarios with various referees and all the inherent inconsistencies.
From a strict technical viewpoint in terms of the preparation they are doing at the moment, there doesn't seem a major change.
In fairness I've not sat down with Wardy as yet to properly get into the specifics, but I guess the first month or two will tell us more.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:07:17:13:58:01 by markismith50.
How difficult would it be to get the Premiership Pool of referees together, look at the new laws, agree how they are interpreted and how they will be implemented.Then attend Premiership Club Training sessions and make sure ALL are fully aware of the changes.How simple is that?
'I guess the first month or two will tell us more' is a crazy situation.We have serious investment by Club Owners.We have players livelihoods at stake....not getting it right til November can find some clubs staring relegation in the face over a technicality.Crazy
In fairness, they DO do everything you say. But in a match scenario with so many variables, total consistency of interpretation is naturally not going to be 100% across the board.
As regards actually having to hook, well that is all down to the feed; I will bare my backside in Fenwicks window if we see consistancy at all levels regarding crooked feeding in the scrum! We can but hope though.
I might add, there's nothing wrong with putting a bit of "off spin" on the ball on the put-in, as long as it goes into the scrum straight.
I can only see it as an improvement all round. We'll see.
.....but what do I know? I'm not an Australian TMO.
Quote:Referees have been managing the scrum quite forcefully in practise sessions and we've told clubs that the days of putting the ball into the second row are well and truly over. We'll be policing the scrum-feed carefully.
ESPN.co.uk
Although it’s early days I’m really optimistic the changes will prove a great success. I wondered what other people might have thought.
You have got a whole generation of hookers who have never had to do that," said Cockerill to the Daily Telegraph.
"The guys these days are much, much heavier. With one foot up in the air, are you telling me that's safe? None of us have been consulted.
"The teams engage and have to hold off pushing until the ref tells the scrum-half it's OK to put the ball in, and to put it in straight.
"After 15 years of ignoring it, that's ridiculous. You're exchanging one mess for another mess."
[www.planetrugby.co.uk]
Had a good chat with wardy for next week, and he is very much in favour
How many props would we need on the bench if we had blood replacements on before the kick off?
.....but what do I know? I'm not an Australian TMO.
Surely the big hit was detrimental, as it meant (generally) the larger heavier guys would win the hit.
Now we have the front row actually having to wrestle and use technique to get on top of each other. Its a proper scrum competition from the old years again...and means you dont have to be a gorrilla to play there anymore. Smaller props can still compete if their technique is strong.
Seems to me the people complaining are the ones worried about their technique and actual scrumaging ability.
Quote:GeordieFalcon
...and means you dont have to be a gorrilla to play there anymore.....
The gorillas will be the ones doing the complaining. This spells the end for massive props who can do nothing except shove, more skilful front rowers who are capable of both shoving & competing for the ball will take the place of the gorillas.
All this talk of scrums going the way of league is scaremongering cobblers from those who are afraid that the change will threaten their position on the perch. In reality it is the very welcome of true scrummaging, two packs competing for the ball in a genuine contest of grunt & skill. Hookers will hook, props will prop the hookers, it takes guile & power in a majestic battle to win the ball, and the five at the back of the scrum to collect it & get it out. That is a massive improvement on the farce that has become of the scrum, big lumps smashing into each other with the ball almost irrelevant.
Bring it on.
Took a bit more time to set up and to get to the crouch stage but I guess this will improve as the players get used to the new format.