Scrummage Laws

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23315, 26 July 1950, Page 10

Scrummage Laws

THE P.B. Rugby Union's suggested change in the scrummage laws is similar to a clause in a remit drafted by the Marlborough Union recently. The unions suggest that the scrum remain intact until the ball has been hooked clear of the scrum, thus placing a veto on the flankers and back-row forwards.

The proposals arc in response to the New Zealand union’s circularised invitation for amendments to laws, which if thought worthy of consideration, would be submitted to the next conference of the International Rugby Board in England. It appears that Marlborough and P.B. are the first unions in the field with suggested amendments The Marlborough proposals are: 1. That it be permissable to replace an injured player during a game, provided that the referee is satisfied that (he player is not fit to continue: 2. That teams shall consist of 14 players each, with a reversion to the 2-3-2 scrum formation and the provision that no forward shall break off from the scrummage until (he ball is clear of the scrum: 3. That where a player accidontall.v knocks the ball on and then regains possession before it touches (he ground, p'a.v shall be allowed to continue: 4. That after a try is scored the scoring team’s kicker be allowed to place the ball on the ground for the kick at goal, the defending players being allowed to charge only when the kicker has commenced the run-up to the ball. Some members of the P.B. Rugby Union management committee at Monday's meeting held (hat most needed of all was an amendment to the scrummage laws. All other matters were trivial compared with the scrummage problem, it was said. If efforts were not made to brighten up the game, it was thought that Rugb'- might lose its popularity or. worse still, fade out altogether. Present trends in (he scum 'ormations were deplored. Mr. F. Felton evet“sugges(inv that a reversion be made to the old 2-3-2 set-up. Difficulties were also Increasing for'the referee with the implementation by most teams of the South African serum methods. The referee had had a hard enough job formerly, hut with the African packing he had to he particularly vigilant

The Marlborough suggestion Ufat, in the case of a player who accidentally knocks_ the ball on and then regain's possession before it touches the ground, plav should be allowed to continue would lead to all sorts of difficulties said the chairman. Mr. M. H. Beuth.