RUGBY RULINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22127, 5 June 1935, Page 16

RUGBY RULINGS

DOMINION SUPPORTED Support for tho New Zealand Rugby Union's recommendations to tho Imperial Rugby Conference for amended rules is given by an Australian writer, who remarks: — All these changes suggested by the New Zealand Union are admirable. If accepted, they will make tho game finer than ever. Tho points allowed for tries and goals have always been considered inequitable by most Australian Rugby men of every generation. The New Zealand suggestion gives pride of place to tho try, and that is how it should be. The suggested restriction on players not in tho scrummage is following Rugby League lines, although it does not go quite so far in that direction. In Rugby League no player is allowed to advance beyond the last line of forwards in tho scrummage until the'ball is out. The seven pack recommendation, with two men in the front row, is very interesting and, one believes, full of Rugby wisdom. It may be considered a radical suggestion in the Old Country. From the point of clean scrummaging, and effective heeling and forward play generally, tho two in tho front row, with three in the second, and two behind, has much to recommend it. It is, of course, New Zealand's own special formation, that which tho 1905. and 1924 teams exploited on their British tours.

These suggestions to be placed by New Zealand before. the Imperial conference, reveal that they have gone into matters with tho characteristic thoroughness they have always ; shown in Rugby football. It is to bo hoped that strong support will be forthcoming from the other two important Rugby Dominions, South Africa and Australia. All the support possible will be needed when the conference is held in London.