New scrum replacement rules
The IRB has changed the rules regarding uncontested scrums, a move sure to be popular with clubs all over the world.
The IRB has changed the rules regarding uncontested scrums, a move sure to be popular with clubs all over the world.
The move starts a bid to end farcical situations such as that witnessed in the recent British and Irish Lions series, where replaced prop John Smit was seen vigorously warming up a couple of moments before Deon Carstens got 'injured' as the South African scrum was being pressured.
There have also been many instances down the years – Australia once famously did it at Twickenham – where teams under pressure up front have suddenly been plagued by injury misfortune until the onset of the first uncontested scrum.
The new law states that once all front row replacements have been utilised, and there is a further front row injury, and no fit front row player is available from the original starting team or replacement bench, the injured player will leave the field but may not be replaced. This is a change to the existing Laws and ensures that a team going to uncontested scrums does not gain an advantage.
Furthermore, teams are now permitted to have eight substitutes, but at least two must be a prop and one a hooker.
The move was initiated by the IRB council following requests by several Member Unions to address the issue as there has been an increase in uncontested scrums within some high profile domestic and cross-border competitions in recent years.
At this stage the amendments are for domestic implementation only by respective Unions, but the IRB will monitor the implementation of the amended Law within competitions. The implementation will not apply to international matches.
“The IRB's Member Unions requested that Council investigate suitable measures to address the issue of uncontested scrums within their own domestic competitions. Establishing a protocol that maximises the opportunity for matches to finish with meaningful scrums, while maintaining the highest regard for player welfare and safety, was a critical factor,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
“The solution needed to tackle the circumstances that lead to uncontested scrums, while ensuring that the unique shape and character of the scrum is retained. A process of thorough consultation and evaluation was undertaken, while a practical assessment in France demonstrated the merits of the alterations.”
The model proved extremely successful in the French trials. An IRB sanctioned trial in 2007/08 saw the number of uncontested scrums dramatically reduced to just two in 994 matches in the top three divisions in 2007/08, compared to 145 matches finishing with uncontested scrums during the 2006/07 season.