Panic at the Breakdown

Having returned from the UK (luckily) before the Wallabies self-imploded against the Scots, I'll take stock of some of the thoughts I gathered in conversations with numerous rugby fans on the trip.

The grand conclusion by all is that rugby has become a boring, kicking-oriented, game. Well, to some extent kicking has always been a part of the game. Territory has always been the main strategy of game planners. But the problem now is that the new ruck breakdown laws have changed the game dramatically.

The laws now favour the defensive team. If a fullback or winger tries to run-return a kicked ball from within his own half, he runs the great risk of being tackled and for there to be more defensive bodies at him before his team-mates can get back in time to clean out. This means even if a player was to run-return his only 'safe'option is to kick it back so as not to be caught and lose possession or give up a full penalty.  The kick option has become the only way to play the game under the current laws. Fans scream "run it" but to do so often ends in disaster..

This law change did not contemplate the improvements in defence of the modern rugby teams. If defence was weaker then the law would not have such a detrimental impact. But defence won't get weaker, only stronger. The law must change.

I think two things should happen:

1. Return to short arm penalties for breakdown infringements;
2. Allow the tackled player to hold onto the ball longer...perhaps up to several seconds until his teammates arrive. If the opposition is good enough to get the ball off him, then that's good for them, but fans would rather see attacking teams keep more possession, run the ball and string running phases together.