World Rugby implements sweeping changes to enhance the game
World Rugby has unveiled three new law changes aimed at “promoting ball in flow and diversity of attacking options, while supporting player welfare”.
The new laws bring changes to officiating around offside from kicks in open play, the options available from a free-kick and the practice of “crocodile rolling” a player away from the tackle/ruck area.
The first one — and probably the most controversial one from a South African perspective — is that teams will no longer be able to opt for a scrum when awarded a free-kick.
World Rugby said the change was implemented to make the game faster and more entertaining, but it will also have the added effect of taking away one of the Boks’ most potent weapons in certain situations around the field.
Teams most commonly opt for a scrum when awarded a free-kick near the opposition try-line, but the Boks also famously called for one after taking a mark in their own 22 during their World Cup quarter-final against France, a tactic that will no longer be allowed.
It is hoped that removing the scrum as an option will encourage more open play with free-kicks having to be either tapped or kicked.
The new rules take effect from
July 1 and will be in effect for the Boks’ upcoming two-match home Test series against Ireland.
A second rule change relates to when players are put onside during kicks in open play dictates that any off-side players must now make an attempt to retreat, creating space for the opposition to play.
Under the existing laws it is possible for a player to be put onside when an opposition player catches the ball and runs five metres or passes the ball, leading to bouts of “kick tennis”.
The third change is the banning of the “crocodile roll” — the potentially dangerous act of rolling or yanking a player who is on their feet or an upright position out of the tackle area — and the offence will now be punished by a penalty.
World Rugby has also announced the trial of a revised red card process that will be observed in competition such as WXV and the Pacific Nations Cup. It will see automatic bans applied for red cards involving foul play, while a red-carded player can be replaced by another player from the bench after 20 minutes, restoring a side to 15 players.
“I believe that the law amendments and suite of closed trials will add to the entertainment factor,” World Rugby chairperson Bill Beaumont said.
“As with all trials, we will comprehensively review their effectiveness and take feedback from across the game.” — SABC.