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Seven months after the Springboks were awarded a scrum from a point inside the 22-metre line during their fourth Webb Ellis Cup appearance, World Rugby has changed the law to ensure it never happens again.
Springboks fullback Damian Willems was called for a scrum in the first half of last year’s World Cup quarter-final against France.
The move was orchestrated by Springboks’ returning manager Rassie Erasmus. Rassie Erasmus believed France could benefit because they did not want to play rugby inside their own half and did not have to move around their forwards with scrumming being South Africa’s strength.
However, for neutral supporters, the action of the game was slow, with ball in play rarely exceeding 40 minutes.
World Rugby therefore made it illegal to call for a scrum from a free kick.
The law now states: “You can no longer pick a scrum from a free kick. Free kicks must be tapped or kicked to encourage more ball flow.”
The changes were part of three permanent law changes confirmed by World Rugby on Thursday to make matches easier to watch, which will come into effect from July 1 ahead of the mid-term Tests.
The other change concerns open play, with the so-called ‘Dupont Law’ becoming illegal. This will make it no longer possible for a player to be onside when an opponent catches the ball and runs 5 meters or passes the ball.
The third change prohibits ‘crocodile rolls’ involving defensive players in the tackle area of a ruck.
World Rugby has made it illegal for a team to call for a scrum from a free kick. (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images)
In making the changes, World Rugby said it “sought to make rugby more accessible and relevant among a broader, younger fan base by embracing on-field innovation and reimagining the sport through compelling storytelling.”
Some of the changes from the six “closed legal trials” will also be tested during under-time, including 20-minute red cards, shot clocks for scrums and line-outs and a shortened transition from 90 to 60 seconds. World Championships for those in their 20s.
Interestingly, non-straight throws are only monitored if the lineout is challenged in the air. This move is designed to suck the oxygen out of the game by limiting successive interruptions.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “I would like to thank our colleagues across the game for embracing the spirit of a comprehensive review of the entertainment elements of rugby.”
“Our key events and content set have been defined with new competitions scheduled until 2033 and the certainty of a calendar, including all men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups.
“There is unprecedented long-term certainty, and this work is essential to ensure the on-field product is fit for the opportunity before us, making it a premier sport that is fun to play and watch and helps attract new customers. The generation entering rugby.
“Personally, I believe that law changes and closed trials will add to the fun. As with all tests, we will comprehensively review their effectiveness and receive feedback throughout the game. The revised red card sanctions process is one such example, and it is important to test, evaluate and make final decisions based on data and feedback.”
