'Springboks feel punished by law changes'
Today at 09:02 AM
Over the last few years, there have seemed to be an almost never-ending stream of tweaks to the laws, which have certainly required the Springboks to be adaptable as they seek to remain at the summit of the game.
Certain law changes, such as no longer being able to call for a scrum from a free kick, have been viewed as a clear setback to the Springboks.
There have also been hints that there could soon be a change to the allowance around the number of substitutes, which comes at a time when a lot of fuss has been made around the Springboks’ commonplace forwards-dominated bench.
Skew throw-ins at the lineouts, which are not contested by the defending team, also no longer result in a scrum to the defending team.
As it turns out, it’s not just Springbok fans who may feel there is an agenda at play here.
"I must say, it's sometimes difficult sitting in the meetings," SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer stated. "It feels that when you become world champions, you get punished by World Rugby with certain law changes they're suggesting."
Oberholzer added there would probably be more changes after the World Cup as World Rugby wants to make the game more "attractive" to fans.
Indeed, World Rugby has recently revealed that a series of law changes have moved a step closer towards global adoption, with a key focus area seemingly revolving around a desire to “enhance the viewing and playing experience by promoting faster play, reducing stoppages, and supporting accurate and consistent match officiating”.
Earlier this year though, Rassie Erasmus subtly commented on the concept of “speeding up the game” by posting a layered message on social media that was perhaps a clever way to showcase a bit of a World Rugby misconception.
“England v France had 83 kicks in play, 15 scrums and only 36min BIP (ball in play), yet it was one of the more exciting games the 6 Nations had in a while,” he wrote on X. “I don’t think the shape of the game can be judged always on stats! If you did not watch the game most will say those numbers (stats) won't create excitement. Rugby is in a great shape at the moment in my opinion! Lekka”.
Erasmus also pointed out a clever tactic from France at the lineouts, which sought to exploit a new law that states the throw in at this set piece doesn’t have to be straight if it is uncontested.
“Know its a rule now that the ball doesn’t have to be straight if the opposition don’t contest, but almost sure your team have to jump and support for that law to apply, otherwise you can throw it straight to 9 I guess! Anyways it was very creative,” he wrote in reaction to the France hooker delivering a quick underhand throw-in.
ARE THE SPRINGBOKS BEING HARD DONE BY?
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