Rugby injuries
Sir,—lt was a sad day for rugby when the scrum formation was changed from 2-3-2 to 3-2-3. With the former, the ball was put in and there was an even chance as to which hooker got the ball. Now the side putting the ball in knows that in almost every case it will receive the ball. Consequently the opposing forwards break up and charge into their opposing back-line, creating a melee and spoiling promising back movements. In my day, scrums were often still down and pushing while a back-line was half-way up the field. Collapsing the scrum was not practised and seldom occurred. “Mauling” and “raking” .were unheard of. These tactics often lead to fighting and loss of tempers, with consequent injuries. I remember the old story about the Irishman (pardon) who saw two men having a scrap and inquired: “Is this a private fight, or can anyone join in?”—Yours, etc., MAURICE SIMES. May 1, 1984.
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Press, 2 May 1984, Page 14
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158Rugby injuries Press, 2 May 1984, Page 14
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