Yes, they have finally got rid of scrums and rolling mauls...
....unfortunately not!
World Rugby has introduced a number of law changes to the northern hemisphere game in an effort to stop simulation. Any player who dives or feigns injury in an effort to influence match officials will be liable for sanction.
Players who need to be substituted because of an injury following foul play will no longer count as one of their team's six allotted replacements.
And a change has also been made in the application of a maul law, punishable by a penalty. It means a player in possession cannot slip to the back of a maul, with the ball having to be moved backwards hand to hand instead.
The changes have been in effect in the southern hemisphere since January.
Thursday 2 June 2016
HOME NATIONS HEAD SOUTH FOR SUMMER TOURS
It is strange that a country not even involved in touring the Southern Hemisphere will have a considerable impact on the Home Nations summer tours. As the French season goes onto August (or close to it), so that the French Government (through companies) and/or millionaires who own the clubs can use rugby to show off their wealth or egos, this serves to deprive every other nation (bar NZ and England) of players in June and July.
England head to Australia for three tests, and despite having only won three tests in Oz before (total) must fancy their chances. They have enormous strength of depth (shown by their comfortable win over Wales without Sarries and Exeter players), whereas Michael Cheika, the Australian coach is rebuilding, and will not be able to rely on the (expanding) Aussie contingent en France. Like most nations, he will be using the series to blood some younger players, especially those playing in Super 18 form teams such as the Brumbies and Waratahs, although it must be concerning that Rebels, Reds and Force are again propping up the table (although they have only played NZ teams to date). If England win the 1st test in Brisbane then the 2nd test will be titanic...
South Africa, with half their RWC 2015 squad playing for Montpelier, are also re-building, and have the added challenge of needing to field a higher percentage of black players. With many black players featuring for the Lions and Stormers, two sides in rich form in Super 18 (albeit not against NZ teams), I think they will still be more than a match for Ireland. I fear for Ireland, as without Sexton I think they will struggle to control test matches. I also cannot understand why they have not selected Gareth Steenson (Northern Irish) of Exeter at fly half as the English Premiership is of a higher standard than most of the Irish players are exposed to. The Irish selectors also seem to have been watching another league this season, as there are very few from the standout Connacht team, which has dominated the Pro 12. I predict an easy series win for SA.
Lastly, Wales take on New Zealand, who despite being in re-building mode, and losing almost as many players to the French bistro's as SA, still look capable of fielding an incredibly strong side, consisting of a dreaded mix of RWC winning experience and youth. The Crusaders, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders all look impressive this season in Super 18, and the Blues are much better than their "season horriblus" last year. I fear for Wales, especially if they play defensively (and tactically) as badly as they did against England last weekend. They are also unsure when French based players such as Jonathan Davies and Luke Charteris will join the squad. Again, I predict an inevitable series whitewash for the Southern Hemisphere team.
Before I finish this post, can I express my dismay at the selfish "me, me, me" attitude of the owners of clubs like Toulon, who only care about winning themselves, deliberately attempt to intimidate players into not playing for their country (by threatening them with sanctions), and treat everyone else in the game with disdain (from journalists to other clubs to World Rugby). Guys leave our game alone, and go buy another Sunseeker or Tesla. It is time for the governing body to man up, leave its Howth seafood restaurant and show such gentlemen who is boss. It is our game, not theirs. The next generation need to be inspired by watching their national side competing at the highest level against other nations in a national stadium. The rugby equivalent of USA Utd v Abu Dhabi City is not the answer. Just look at the French national side.
England head to Australia for three tests, and despite having only won three tests in Oz before (total) must fancy their chances. They have enormous strength of depth (shown by their comfortable win over Wales without Sarries and Exeter players), whereas Michael Cheika, the Australian coach is rebuilding, and will not be able to rely on the (expanding) Aussie contingent en France. Like most nations, he will be using the series to blood some younger players, especially those playing in Super 18 form teams such as the Brumbies and Waratahs, although it must be concerning that Rebels, Reds and Force are again propping up the table (although they have only played NZ teams to date). If England win the 1st test in Brisbane then the 2nd test will be titanic...
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| Eddie arrives in his home country to find a rubber glove awaits |
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| I would like to say "Here's Jonny" but he won't be.... |
Before I finish this post, can I express my dismay at the selfish "me, me, me" attitude of the owners of clubs like Toulon, who only care about winning themselves, deliberately attempt to intimidate players into not playing for their country (by threatening them with sanctions), and treat everyone else in the game with disdain (from journalists to other clubs to World Rugby). Guys leave our game alone, and go buy another Sunseeker or Tesla. It is time for the governing body to man up, leave its Howth seafood restaurant and show such gentlemen who is boss. It is our game, not theirs. The next generation need to be inspired by watching their national side competing at the highest level against other nations in a national stadium. The rugby equivalent of USA Utd v Abu Dhabi City is not the answer. Just look at the French national side.
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