Concern over 'tweaked' scrum laws
'I don't think it's going to improve the scrum at all'
The SANZAR nations (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) had a trial run with the new scrum laws in Sydney this week and the initial reactions were not nearly as positive as the International Rugby Board (IRB) brainstrust would have hoped.
The new scrum laws will come into effect in the new year, with the Super 14 and Six Nations tournaments – which get underway in the first week of February – the first international events that will showcase them.
And after the Super 14 coaches and leading referees from the three SANZAR nations had put the new laws to the test at the practical session in Sydney this week the general concern was that they will disadvantage powerful scrummaging teams.
The IRB changes is meant to ensure there is less impact when the front rows engage at scrum time, with the props required to reach out and touch their opposite's shoulder before the referee calls them together.
It is primarily a safety issue, designed to lessen spinal injuries.
Reds and former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones admitted scrum dominance may be negated initially as forward packs adjust to the changes.
"I don't think it's going to improve the scrum at all but it'll make it safer," Jones told NZPA.
"It regulates the distance and in some ways regulates the timing of the engagement, but sides are going to find ways around it.
"This law's been around before and sides have found ways around it.
"Initially we might see an evening out of the scrums but the natural progression is that teams and good players and coaches will work out ways to use it to their advantage."
Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie, a former Wallabies prop, appeared lukewarm on the changes too but agreed the safety issue was paramount.
"It's not like we're going down some radical path but the players and referees haven't had to work in that environment so we have to re-educate some areas," he said.
"It's added a little bit more complexity but we'll get through it.
"Obviously the further you get apart you can generate more momentum but that goes well 99.9 percent of the time."
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans admitted the scrum safety issue wasn't such a big one at the top level where serious injuries were less common, but it was important an example was set for the amateur game.
He felt the team with the dominant scrum would still gain an advantage.
"The scrum still comes down to the unit and the techniques within that. It's not going to deny any access to the contest and hopefully will deny instability," Deans said.
"From a safety perspective I'm for it, absolutely."
Changes to the complicated tackled ball laws are being trialled in South Africa, centering on making the contest more of a free-for-all with less rules.
They will be likely introduced after next year's World Cup, something Deans will welcome.
"Less complicated for the viewing public. It's got to be good for everyone, referees, coaches players and the viewers," Deans said.
