World Rugby recently held its 2024 'Shape of the Game' forum in London to consider various legal reform options aimed at improving the pace of the game, in particular, and of course the scrum. is listed as one of the five initiatives. However, given that this is a big strength of the Springboks, this should attract quite a bit of attention.
According to the recommendations submitted, its objectives revolve around “reimagining the spectacle” and “increasing rugby's share of attention in the increasingly competitive global sports and entertainment market”.
Reducing the number of scrums played in matches has been proposed as a possible change, with set-pieces and multiple resets that sometimes slow down matches coming under scrutiny.
This legal change will definitely affect the Springboks
The Springboks undoubtedly lead world rugby in terms of using the scrum as a weapon, as evidenced by the damage they did in both the 2019 World Cup Championship and the 2023 World Cup semi-finals. It's a team. Ironically, in both cases it was England who effectively lost the match after South Africa gained the advantage in the scrum.
There are many other examples of the Springboks using scrums to assert their superiority, but there are many other examples of 'outsiders' suggesting that the 7-on-1 bomb squad tactic became dangerous to player safety. '' has occasionally been criticized.
In particular, the latest proposal that the repeat scrum option needs to be removed will undoubtedly reduce the Springboks' ability to tire opponents with this set-piece.
If the law changes are given the green light, referees will have to make quick decisions at scrum time, rather than considering a reset or giving the front row an opportunity to remind themselves of the importance of stability. .
While the proposed law would speed up the game, it is likely to spark opposition from those concerned about the importance of set-pieces in the modern game. That's the Springboks.
Key proposals announced at the World Rugby Forum
- speed and flow
Aspects that keep the game moving, such as speeding up 'use it' calls by referees at breakdowns, removing the option of repeated scrums, expanding the scope of the shot clock, reviewing the offside rule from kicks, and exploring the moves it provides. focus on. The scrum half has a lot of space and protection at the base of the scrum, ruck and maul.
