Like all rugby tragics we are experts on the game that we played to a moderate level and now follow avidly as spectators at grounds or in front of our televisions. Obviously we have strong opinions on what is right and what is wrong with rugby.
We appreciate that there are experts, like us, all over the world with opinions and some are in a position to see their suggestions adopted, fortunately or unfortunately, thereby influencing our enjoyment of the game in our role as discerning spectators. We suspect and think you’ll agree that they should be taking advice from people like us who actually pay to watch games.
At the risk of being labelled “grumpy old rugby men” (“people” actually, as there are a couple of women in G.O. rugby office equally as tragic as the men) we would like to suggest, to anyone who will listen, the following improvements to our game.
Stop the clock for scrums and lineouts from the time the referee calls for a scrum or from the time the ball crosses the sideline. Then only restart it when the scrum or lineout has been completed and the ball is back in play. How many times have we seen the last few minutes in a game used up trying to set a scrum?
If the opposing back-lines are required to be behind the last foot in a ruck or maul wouldn’t it be great if the referees actually enforced it and ensured there is a decent gap between the back-lines. Maybe the rule should be at least a metre back from the last foot and referees and assistant referees should be encouraged to enforce the rule. A couple of penalties will see teams taking notice. Space between the back lines will increase everyone’s enjoyment of the game.
Referees should stop telling players if they are infringing and just penalise them – they will soon stop infringing and then referees won’t have to be involved with telling players where they can or can’t stand or whether they can take part in a ruck or maul or not.
Plenty more chat to come but the overall feeling seems to be that it is essential to have the ball in play more and not have precious playing time consumed by drawn out scrummages and pedantic lineouts.
Peter writes for GrownUps, courtesy of Golden Oldies & Vintage Sports Tours.
Read more from and about Peter here.
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