Share

IRB to counter scrum chaos

Dublin - Rugby chiefs on Wednesday unveiled their latest bid to cope with the persistent problem of scrum collapses in major international matches by announcing the global trial of a new "crouch, bind, set" engagement sequence.

Fans at major matches have had to put up with repeated instances of reset scrums slowing down the flow of the game.

Indeed it has become something of an event in a top-class rugby union fixture for a scrum to be completed first time and without either side conceding a penalty.

Although designed as a safety measure, the likes of ex-England hooker Brian Moore believe all 'engagement sequences' have done is create a situation where either the two front rows charge at one another or, as can happen, deliberately hold back to try to win a penalty against their opponents.

In a statement, the IRB said it hoped "crouch, bind, set" would reduce impact on engagement by up to 25 percent in elite competition.

Implementation will begin at the start of the next season in both hemispheres.

In a revision of the 'crouch, touch, set' engagement sequence currently being trialled, props will be expected to bind using their outside arm after the referee has called "bind" in the sequence.

The front rows will maintain the bind until the referee calls "set". At that point, the two packs will engage.

IRB chairperson Bernard Lapasset promised referees would be stricter in enforcing existing scrum rules such as the need to put the ball in straight, with the scrum square and stationary.

"The implementation of the revised sequence alone is not about overcoming all the challenges of the elite scrum but it is a forward step," Lapasset said. "There is a collective responsibility for coaches, players and administrators to make the scrum a positive, fair and, above all, safe contest," the Frenchman added.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE