Rugby injuries
Sir,—Drastic measures are needed to minimise the number of serious spinal injuries occurring in rugby. The main cause seems to be the three-fronted scrum, which has caused problems since it was introduced to New Zealand about 1930. Let us eliminate this 'cause by reinstituting the 2-3-2 scrum used in New Zealand before 1930, and in the era of New Zealand’s greatest team, the 1924 Invincibles. We should also do away with the former wingforward and play 14 men a side, and so leave more room for manoeuvre, without the specialist spoiler. The half-back can still put the ball into the scrum. If this scrum should collapse, and this is unlikely, each player in the front row has an arm free to allow him to protect himself. Sympathy for the unfortunate victims is not enough. The legislators have to reorganise the scrum.—Yours, etc., J. McAULIFFE. April 19, 1984.
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Press, 23 April 1984, Page 14
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149Rugby injuries Press, 23 April 1984, Page 14
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