Try scoring rate dwindles

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32604, 12 May 1971, Page 14

Try scoring rate dwindles

Rugby law reforms Introduced a few years ago were designed to give backs greater freedom, but it does not take teams very long to adjust their defensive patterns to meet such a challenge. This is evident in the Christchurch senior competition; the decline in the try-scoring rate has been most marked. In the 1969 season, the 14 teams had scored 134 tries after four rounds.

Last year the comparative figure had slumped to 112, and after four rounds this season only 100 tries had been scored. Conversions have dropped accordingly, from 72 in 1060, to SO in 1970, and down to 43 this year. And the dropped goal also appears to have lost Its appeal; there have been only three so far this season, compared with 10 at the same stage last year and 13 in 1969. Only the penalty goal Is holding its own—there have been 62 successful kicks this year, compared with 65 and 68 in the preceding years.

These figures give weight to the International Rugby Board's decision to increase the value of the try to four points. But It seems likely on the evidence supplied by the Christchurch competition, that defence patterns will be more sophisticated next seaesn, wliro the four-point try is given a trial in New Zealand. It is to be hoped that chibs will pick up the gauntlet and endeavour to infuse more skill and subtlety into their attacking play.

The British Lions, who start their New Zealand tour next week, could play a significant part in this respect If they live up to the promises made by their manager (Dr D. W. C. Smith), they should show New Zealand some splendid try - scoring moves, and this example might strike a responsive chord among dub sides up and own the country. What the Frenchmen did for the dropped goal in 1961, the Lions might do for the try this year. Christchurch senior teams, among others, could do with a shot in the arm.