Scrum changes will take time says Smith
NICKY Smith admits it will take time for him and the Wales pack to adapt to the new scrum laws which have been implemented just before the World Cup.
But the promising loosehead prop insists Warren Gatland’s side will be ready to rock at the set-piece by the time rugby’s global showpiece tournament begins next month.
In July World Rugby announced details of a minor amendment to the scrum law, reducing the ‘axial’ or rotational load on front row players on engagement.
The amendment to Law 19.10b outlaws the practice of front rows placing their heads onto opposition players’ shoulders between the call of ‘bind’ and ‘set’ on engagement.
“It’s always difficult to change so close to a World Cup,” said Smith, below.
“There are new rules about the scrummaging. It’s new to all of us, but it’s not so much about getting it right now, it’s about making sure we’re improving so we’re ready for the World Cup.
“What we want is a strong platform. We want to be dominant in set-pieces and around the park, but we haven’t become a bad pack overnight.”
Wales’ scrum struggled as they were beaten 33-19 by England at Twickenham in their first World Cup warm-up clash. It was much improved as Gatland’s men turned the tables on the Red Rose with a 13-6 rematch win, but replacement props Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis were second best when they replaced Smith and Tomas Francis who began the match at Principality Stadium.
“As a pack we need to front up and make sure we’re ready and know what’s coming,” said Smith ahead of Saturday’s third warm-up clash with Ireland in Cardiff.
“I think if more teams adapt to wanting a strong platform it’ll be a better watch for the fans.”