The rolling maul is in the firing line. If they target the kick-chase next, we’re done for.
The latest dictats handed down by World Rugby [formerly the IRB] show three areas leading officials want sorted before the World Cup.
In a release, sent out this morning, the World Rugby Laws Representation Group has confirmed it wants referees to crack down on foul play, antics that give teams unfair rolling maul advantages and crooked scrum feeds.
LRG chairman John Jeffrey said, ‘The eyes of the rugby-loving world will be on the World Cup later this year and, as always, there will be plenty of attention paid to the decisions of the match officials. The LRG has sought to clarify to players, coaches, media and spectators exactly what they can expect from referees in these key areas during the tournament.
‘It was felt that law changes were not necessary in these areas but that referees needed to apply the current law more effectively in some cases.’
You can check out videos of the infringements here. We bet Joe Schmidt will have already watched the clips and adjusted ant RWC plans he may already have.
HIGH TACKLES & NECK CONTACT
AERIAL CHALLENGES
SCRUM
ROLLING MAUL
