World Rugby’s claim that law changes to further limit the number of scrums was part of a “fan-focused” attempt to make the game more entertaining have been rubbished, by actual fans.
On Thursday night, World Rugby approved a series of law amendments, effective 1 July 2024. targeting key areas such as offside from kicks, free-kick options, and player welfare concerns.
Among the new laws is that teams will no longer have the option to choose a scrum from a free-kick, emphasising the imperative of keeping the ball in motion.
The governing body said the law changes were “fan-focused”, to increase the sport’s entertainment factor and attract new audiences to grow the game.
POLL: Is it rugby without scrums?
A poll run by SARugbymag.co.za shows that most fans are, in fact, against the law change at the scrums.
At the time of writing, more than 80% of almost 2000 respondents believe the scrum needs to feature more in the current game, not less.
The change has been interpreted as an attempt to limit the influence of scrums in the international game, especially as it comes after the Springboks used the set-piece as a weapon to successfully defend their World Cup title.
Critics have also suggested that teams with a weaker pack will be encouraged to employ tactics – such as pre-engaging – to give away a free-kick that has to be tapped or kicked, rather than scrum and potentially concede a penalty.
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