IRB moves on uncontested scrums
The International Rugby Board has taken a leaf out of the French book in an effort to counter the problem of uncontested scrums, which are sometimes used as a tactic by teams whose scrum, is in trouble.
After a season of many uncontested scrums, the French introduced an extra player to the bench on condition that he was a prop, thus giving the team a full front row of replacements. This worked in France last season. Last season just two out of 994 matches in the top three divisions had uncontested scrums, as against 146 matches the season before.
The IRB has now offered national rugby bodies the option of introducing the eighth replacement.
Law 3.4 PLAYERS NOMINATED AS SUBSTITUTES
For international matches a Union may nominate up to seven replacements/substitutes. For other matches, the Union with jurisdiction over the match decides how many replacements/substitutes may be nominated to a maximum of seven.
A team can substitute up to two front row players and up to five other players. Substitutions may only be made when the ball is dead and with the permission of the referee.
On 28 July 2009 the IRB altered the law to allow any national union to allow up to eight replacements for any matches within their union. For cross-border matches, both unions would have to agree.
If a Union allows the naming of 23 players in a match day squad for any domestic competition, there must be a minimum of three specialist front row players within the named eight replacements comprising two props and a hooker.
It is still possible that injuries may still strike a team so that they cannot replace an injured front-row player. They have had four props injured and neither of the replacement hookers can play prop.
In such a case the scrums will become uncontested but the team which deficient will play on with 14 men. They will not be allowed to send on a replacement for the injured player. This means that the team will not benefit from causing scrums to be uncontested. This is a change to the laws as they exist.
The change to eight replacements does not yet apply to international matches but the IRB intends to monitor its effectiveness in competitions in which it is applied.
The IRB's chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The IRB’s Member Unions requested that Council investigate suitable measures to address the issue of uncontested scrums within their own domestic competitions. Establishing a protocol that maximises the opportunity for matches to finish with meaningful scrums, while maintaining the highest regard for player welfare and safety, was a critical factor.
“The solution needed to tackle the circumstances that lead to uncontested scrums, while ensuring that the unique shape and character of the scrum is retained. A process of thorough consultation and evaluation was undertaken, while a practical assessment in France demonstrated the merits of the alterations."