Scrum improving, now sort out mess of driving maul

NOW that the powers that be have clamped down on scrums – in time taken, re-sets and scrummaging just to win a penalty (crooked feeds remain a bone of contention) – it is time to bring the driving maul under the microscope.

The number of cards issued to teams defending their try line against a driving maul is growing in number as they defend what is indefensible, considering that basically every attacking player in front of the ball in a maul is offside blocking off the ball carrier.

The old rolling maul with the player at the back having to peel round to the front once the ball reached him was a very skilful forwards art. When performed well it could bring results, but still allow the opposition a chance to defend.

The current number of short-range tries after constant pounding of the line can be very boring and predictable, along with the customary penalties that are being awarded.

The issuing of cards for infringements in these situations should be weighed up very carefully; if too many defenders are sent to the bin, how long before it becomes too dangerous for the defending side to continue?

Various laws of the game are constantly ignored and too many games are decided by a particular referee’s interpretation of what laws he has chosen to enforce.

Please let us go back to the laws mostly as they were written, with the necessary adjustments being made to make it a safer game and a more even contest. (A game for people of all sizes).