On Thursday, World Rugby confirmed a number of law changes had been approved, and which will implemented from July. From a Springbok perspective, one has particularly angered fans as teams will no longer be able to opt for a scrum when awarded a free kick.
World Rugby has framed the changes as “fan-focused law changes” aimed at improving “rugby’s entertainment value”, but many South Africans have viewed it differently.
The scrum has traditionally – and increasingly – been one of the Springboks’ most lethal weapons, particularly as a result of deploying a 7-1 forwards-to-backs split on the bench at times over the last year.
However, there will now be less scrums in a game, and Springbok fans are understandably unhappy with World Rugby.
You can see some of the reaction below as World Rugby’s law change was seen as a threat to the Springboks
What are the law changes from 1 July, 2024?
With a focus on both spectacle and safety and all geared towards the promotion of quick attacking ball, three law amendments will be operational across the game for competitions beginning after 1 July, 2024:
- Onside from kicks in open play: In a rewrite of Law 10.7 relating to players being put onside from kicks in open play, it will no longer be possible for a player to be put onside when an opposition player catches the ball and runs five metres, or passes the ball. Laws 10.1 and 10.4 will make clear that offside players must make an attempt to retreat, creating space for the opposition team to play. This should reduce the amount of kick tennis in the game.
- Free-kicks: Under Law 20.3, it will no longer be possible to choose a scrum from a free-kick. Free-kicks must either be tapped or kicked to encourage more ball in flow.
- Banning the ‘crocodile roll’: The action of rolling/twisting/pulling of a player on their feet in the tackle area (the ‘crocodile roll’) will be outlawed, sanctioned by a penalty.
World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont said: “I would like to thank my colleagues from across the game for embracing the spirit of this comprehensive review of rugby’s entertainment factor. With calendar certainty, including new competitions and all men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups set through to 2033, our major events are defined, our content set.
“There is unprecedented long-term certainty, and this work is vital to ensuring that the on-field product is befitting of the opportunities that we have in front of us, a superb sport that is enjoyable to play and watch and helps attract a new generation to get into rugby.
“Personally, I believe that the law amendments and suite of closed trials will add to the entertainment factor. As with all trials, we will comprehensively review their effectiveness and take feedback from across the game. The revised red card sanction process is such an example, and it is important that we trial, assess and make definitive decisions based on data and feedback.”