Stopping the clock at the scrum.

[Noa]

Can some-one please explain to me why they changed the rule so that the players that pack the scrum have to stay there.

Let me guess, this was a coaches initiated change.

When are the clowns who run this game going to realise that coaches only make decisions based on how it affects them.

Just like the obstruction rule, video-referrel for strips, etc this will be a dog that people will be screaming out to be flicked by round 13.

Even though it may have looked ridiculous seeing wingers and centers pack into scrums to stop the clock the intent of the rule was a positive one.

All you will see now is the team wanting to run time off the clock take as long as they can to pack the scrum while the team in a hurry has to wait for 110kg props to bust there arse to get to there.

And if a team does pack with mostly with backs I cant wait to see the attacking plays we'll see with a backline made up of props and back-rowers.

 

[bartman]

I like that rule change - what it means is that the forwards whose job it is to pack scrums have to work a bit harder on the field, make the effort to keep up with play, and make the game roll on a bit faster.

Once upon a time (when people were paid much less for playing) forwards didn't even have interchange to fall back on, and had to run all over the field, all game long!

 

[Godz Illa]

I'm happy with this rule change tbh.

The time-off rule at scrums was an artificial time saver - an NFL-style stoppage. Sure the game clock was stopped but the boring seconds & minutes ticked by as we waited for the forwards to stroll to the scrum and casually pack down. Removing that option will speed up the game in real time.

 

[Noa]

I'm happy with this rule change tbh.

The time-off rule at scrums was an artificial time saver - an NFL-style stoppage. Sure the game clock was stopped but the boring seconds & minutes ticked by as we waited for the forwards to stroll to the scrum and casually pack down. Removing that option will speed up the game in real time.

Good points but all I think you'll see is.

1. Ball go's into touch.
2. Team wanting to stop clock waits while forwards arrive, other team doesnt even look interested
3. Team forms scrum, ref blows whistle to stop clock, then both teams take there time to pack it anyway.

 

[bartman]

That's only because today's forwards are pussies. If the team wants to get the stopage of play (eg to keep enough game time on the clock to score a catch-up win), then the forwards will get their arses there.

 

[Frank_Grimes]

So in essence you're saying that nothing has changed from this amendment other than removing the farcical situation of watching a winger line up in the front row of the scrum and then walk away after the clock has stopped. That, and it's going to make the forwards hustle a little bit more - which is never a bad thing.

Pretty decent outcome if you ask me.

We're still waiting while the players stand about and have a breather anyway.

The only way you're going to eliminate the players strolling around and taking a break is if you introduce something like a quick line-out or quick tap, and that's something I wouldn't like to see.

 

[Noa]

So in essence you're saying that nothing has changed from this amendment other than removing the farcical situation of watching a winger line up in the front row of the scrum and then walk away after the clock has stopped. .

Whats changed is the the rule has gone from one that that punished the team wanting to take time off the clock down to one that disadvantages the team trying to get on with the game.

And seeing a winger pack in the scrum isnt as farcical as seeing a prop at 5/8 or center.

 

[Inferno]

Won't make a difference, how many attacking plays off scrums do you see in a season anyway?

Vast majority just have a backrower/big centre taking a regulation hitup 1 pass from the scrum.

 

[Raider_69]

i love this rule change. And have been calling for it since the scrum stoppage rule came in. Along with many others. I eagerly await the first side to forget this and pack in their backs only to be forced to stay there. Hilarity will ensue. :lol:

 

[ride the tiger]

Whats changed is the the rule has gone from one that that punished the team wanting to take time off the clock down to one that disadvantages the team trying to get on with the game.

And seeing a winger pack in the scrum isnt as farcical as seeing a prop at 5/8 or center.

its amazing your the only person who ive heard of that realises this is a stupid rule change.

the only time wingers pack in scrums is when a team is behind. i assume we all agree on that. the rule was brought in to stop the team leading from wasting time.

this year the forwards will have to run to the mark, pack the scrum & STAY PACKED if they want the clock to stop & remain stopped.

this isn't going to speed up things at all in fact it could make it slower.

what do you think is better to refresh yourself after hard pyshical exercise:
a) to slowly stroll why standing upright to allow yourself to cool down & catch your breath back,
b) or to hold 5 other blokes while you bend over with your head wedge between the afore mentioned blokes butts?

if i was a forward in the team with a lead i know i'd be taking along time to get to the scrum.

whats even stupider about it all is that if you pack in the scrum you dont have to stay there (unless they have amended the original idea). all that happens if you unpack is the clock starts again.

so you'll still have wingers packing the scrum quickly but now they'll stay packed until thier forwards get there at which point they'll unpack & let the forwards take over.

just so dumb & sums up what the NRL chiefs are all about at times.

 

[Frank_Grimes]

Whats changed is the the rule has gone from one that that punished the team wanting to take time off the clock down to one that disadvantages the team trying to get on with the game.

By packing a scrum with wingers and centres. Then re-packing with the forwards once they drag their bums over to the scrum. That's farcical and a team should not be able to gain advantage from it.

And seeing a winger pack in the scrum isnt as farcical as seeing a prop at 5/8 or center.

That won't happen. Teams won't pack their scrums with whatever man is at the spot - they'll rush the forwards over, and if they don't get there in time, so be it. Have the forwards run some more laps on Monday. It will also sort out the fit packs from the fat packs.

 

[Brycey]

Good points but all I think you'll see is.

1. Ball go's into touch.
2. Team wanting to stop clock waits while forwards arrive, other team doesnt even look interested
3. Team forms scrum, ref blows whistle to stop clock, then both teams take there time to pack it anyway.

Whats your point, its a good tactic.

The best example is Eels defeating Broncos in Week1 1998 finals. Forwards want to take their time packing the scrum, let them...clock winds down, slow the game down.

 

[Parra]

Or scrums will be formed with the first players who pack in to stop the clock.

So we will see scrums with some backs in them.

Wont be the first time. This is a pointless rule change.

 

[Parra]

The only farce will be if it results in any scrum penalties. That is something the game does not need.

 

[El Diablo]

was a good rule change. could be interesting though as backs will still rush to stop the clock and the backline will consist mostly of forwards

 

[Hanscholo]

Can some-one please explain to me why they changed the rule so that the players that pack the scrum have to stay there.

Let me guess, this was a coaches initiated change.

When are the clowns who run this game going to realise that coaches only make decisions based on how it affects them.

Just like the obstruction rule, video-referrel for strips, etc this will be a dog that people will be screaming out to be flicked by round 13.

Even though it may have looked ridiculous seeing wingers and centers pack into scrums to stop the clock the intent of the rule was a positive one.

All you will see now is the team wanting to run time off the clock take as long as they can to pack the scrum while the team in a hurry has to wait for 110kg props to bust there arse to get to there.

And if a team does pack with mostly with backs I cant wait to see the attacking plays we'll see with a backline made up of props and back-rowers.

There is no rule...You wont find anything in the rule book about stopping the clock at a scrum when a side packs down. Its make it up during the week stuff from Finch and the gang.

 

[F-1-11]

If both teams pack down a scrum, the clock has to keep running.

 

[Loudstrat]

Great idea.

The way I read it, if a team rushes to pack the scrum, the clock will stop, but if they break again, time goes back on.

I doubt you'll have wingers rushing in - more likely halves and pivots - I've seen Heather pack into the front row to stop the clock.

Anyway - what is a specialist scrum position anymore? And we already have backrowers at pivot at scrums - I don't see any problem.

 

[Tommax25]

I love this rule change, it really ground my gears that anyone would rush in then rush away as soon as the clock stopped. If they want to stop the clock by packing quickly, fine go for it, but now they have to stay there which I am all for.

 

[Noa]

18-0, Noa >>>>>>>>>:BDH: