How to stop the caterpillar rucks
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Topic: How to stop the caterpillar rucks
Posted By: workerbee
Subject: How to stop the caterpillar rucks
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2020 at 10:14
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The Caterpillar rucks are allowing the game to turn into a kicking duel. So how could we change the rules to reduce it? There are a number of options that could speed up the game. 1. A Player at the back of a ruck must be bound on two two or more players 2. The Ball must be in front of two feet to be in a maul. If you think if the single foot is used then a ball must be out . 3. the ball is available to the opposition when the scrum half puts his hands on the ball not when he picks it up. I am not sure if these would work but it is an area where the game is becoming boring and it gives the scrum half too much of an arm chair ride.
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Replies:
Posted By: yorky10000
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2020 at 12:36
| It would be even better if the ball was available when the scrum half touched the ball with boot or whatever. As an incidental when did it become legal for the scrum half to faff about with it or is it just another referees interpretation not backed by the laws - like feeding or offside. The latter was not operated at all in yesterday's Leinster game. |
Posted By: B Cap
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2020 at 10:44
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To continue the theme, our rugby union format is facing big problems I reckon. For example: Scrum 1. Ongoing issue of player welfare in training and matches, and impending legal ramifications 2. Shambolic resetting of scrums, especially when engineered by the side trying to stifle the game in the last few minutes. 3. Despite 2), referees are encouraged to speed up scrums by allowing farcical feeding, thus denying the true contest and essence of scrummaging Ruck 1. Same issue with player welfare - reckless clearing out of prone players 2. The caterpillar effect, a risible configuration leading the kick fests already mentioned 3. Consisted infringements ignored by the referee eg allowing players off their feet manipulating the ball - well intentioned in some ways, to speed up the game but then see 2) above Maul 1. Has become almost impossible to defend from short range without conceding multiple penalties or increasingly, penalty tries. 2. Is also exhibiting the caterpillar effect with ball at the back with a player scarcely bound on - slows the game down Lineout 1. Not too much to report here but has become a means of restarting the game only from close range, with defending side electing not to compete, then usually conceding a penalty or try from the subsequent maul. Have we gone past the point where tweaking the laws can bring back the essence of rugby union or am I living in the past? |
Posted By: Monkey Boy
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2021 at 15:13
| Pretty simple really......the moment the scrum half touches it it’s out. |
Posted By: Dad
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2021 at 21:10
I would rather as soon as a ruck becomes static the ref says use it and there is a strict 3 (or 5) seconds from then or scrum defending ball. Leaves less time for faricle caterpillars and needs less tweaking of laws as already covered it is just an interpretation
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Monkey Boy wrote:Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2021 at 17:59
| Watching a number of games over the weekend the last man in the caterpillar was only bound on by holding onto the shirt of the player in front. To be bound on he needs to have his arms around the player in front and his shoulder touching. If this scenario is correct the ref should call "ball out". and it would shorten the time for the scrum half to play the ball and as soon as his hands touch the ball again it should be called out not when he picks it up. |
Posted By: Flish
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2021 at 20:59
| Some refs, I think it was Ian Tempest, this weekend are calling ‘full bind’ so something they are aware of, also heard a TMO call in that a 9 has scooped the ball back with his hand, and all of them care calling use it quickly so I’m confident this is all being addressed. |
Posted By: yorky10000
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2021 at 14:54
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What about declaring that all the players who are waved in by the scrum half to join the ruck in front of the ball are offside - which they are. Yet another law the refs dont or wont operate. |
Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2021 at 15:38
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The number of players who dive into a ruck and go off their feet is not picked up on a regular basis if it I have seen games where players were flying in and going over and past the ruck and off their feet without any sanction. The issue of the rush defence needs to be managed, yes it is picked up on occasions but there is always players in front of the back foot. Perhaps to highlight this TV could show a line for the defence and not the advantage line this would highlight it.
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Posted By: Raider999
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2021 at 22:41
Unfortunately, not for the 3 people who matter. ------------- RAID ON |
Posted By: No 7
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2021 at 23:56
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Protein != strength = power. The go to for Rugby players.
LIDL .....12 Free range eggs £1.59 The price of eggs ! ------------- Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. |
Posted By: No 7
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2021 at 21:54
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It is common practice to concede at the point of contact and a static platform is created. This in turn leads to the caterpillar ruck and the repetitive box kick. However by competing at the contact it can and often leads to infringements and the most common are coming from the side and coming off your feet . The key is very aggressive rucking and powering through the point of contact to regain and win the ball. Without this the current game can be become tedious with relentless box kicking waiting for the ball to be spilled / knocked forward. ------------- Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. |