Six Nations 2021

[two sheds]

Interesting. Certainly looks like limiting number of tactical substitutes is a good idea, I'd not thought of that. Difficult if someone's getting cramp though because they're exhausted - might get people feigning injury.

 

[bendeus]

Interesting. Certainly looks like limiting number of tactical substitutes is a good idea, I'd not thought of that. Difficult if someone's getting cramp though because they're exhausted - might get people feigning injury.

It would change the shape of the game quite literally. Bulk over guile and mobility would be a thing of the past as players wouldn't be able to last the 80 mins carrying the extra weight. This would compel teams to condition players for longevity, leading to a net reduction in size and therefore potentially far less damage being done in collisions.

 

[bendeus]

And yeah, there'll be teams getting cute by feigning injury, but it couldn't be done wholesale and, if you use the precedent of Dean Ryan at Harlequins during the blood gate scandal, lead to very serious sanction for those found to be doing it.

 

[two sheds]

It would change the shape of the game quite literally. Bulk over guile and mobility would be a thing of the past as players wouldn't be able to last the 80 mins carrying the extra weight. This would compel teams to condition players for longevity, leading to a net reduction in size and therefore potentially far less damage being done in collisions.

As someone (it may even have been you ) corrected me when I once said that I thought scrums take too long and slow the game down "yes but we wouldn't want to lose the little fat blokes from the game"

 

[bendeus]

(and it would open up the game - tired defences after 60 mins with no option of fresh legs will open up, and at this point your slick runners and ballplayers will, if they still have gas in the tank, make hay)

 

[two sheds]

and move the game further away from the ludicrous American Football situation where they seem to substitute half the team every five minutes

 

[bendeus]

As someone (it may even have been you ) corrected me when I once said that I thought scrums take too long and slow the game down "yes but we wouldn't want to lose the little fat blokes from the game"

Yeah, it's the various shapes and sizes (and remarkable skill sets specific to each position) that make the game so great, imo.

 

[two sheds]

I do still find it a strange sight when you get the human pyramids at the lineout though, seems somewhat contrived.

 

[bendeus]

I do still find it a strange sight when you get the human pyramids at the lineout though, seems somewhat contrived.

Yes, and a relatively recent 'innovation'. I quite liked the flap it randomly in the general direction of your scrum half method of yore.

 

[Elpenor]

I’d like to see subs down to 5 if possible, but needing a spare front row for safety reasons, that’s presumably a back row player and an outside back as the other two subs?

 

[bendeus]

I’d like to see subs down to 5 if possible, but needing a spare front row for safety reasons, that’s presumably a back row player and an outside back as the other two subs?

Would that be five subs with injury replacement only or tactical?

 

[bendeus]

There'd be no reason not to have an eight man bench still but no means of bringing them on save for injuries

 

[bendeus]

I'm also interested to know to what end they're proposing a review of ball release out of the tackle. Presumably it's to make the jackal unnecessary and therefore do away with dangerous clear outs.

Hypothetically if players aren't holding on (which under current interpretations they're allowed to do) there's no need for the jackal (there's already unenforced provision in the laws for this). If you're obliged to place and release the ball as soon as you hit the floor it allows fair competition through proper rucking and therefore less danger of players putting themselves into risky positions trying to separate the ball from the tackled player.

Anyone got any more insight into this?

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Maybe stop play after each tackle? Player then recycles the ball to another player. Place a limit - let's say six gos - before the ball gets turned over for the other side to see what they can do?

 

[Elpenor]

Would that be five subs with injury replacement only or tactical?

Injuries ideally, I realise it won't happen. Bench of 8 but only for injuries sounds ok. Maybe permit 2 tactical subs, one forwards, one backs? Just throwing ideas out here!

 

[bendeus]

Maybe stop play after each tackle? Player then recycles the ball to another player. Place a limit - let's say six gos - before the ball gets turned over for the other side to see what they can do?

Brilliant idea. This would make flankers superfluous so we could also reduce player numbers down to XIII

 

[Elpenor]

Maybe stop play after each tackle? Player then recycles the ball to another player. Place a limit - let's say six gos - before the ball gets turned over for the other side to see what they can do?

Would I be permitted to watch this sport whilst wearing red trousers, signet ring and barbour jacket?

 

[bendeus]

It would be most unbecoming to be seen getting one's hamper out of the back of one's Range Rover wearing anything else!

 

[1927]

Apols for long C&P (and indeed for sticking it in the 6N thread) but this is pretty interesting. Current and ex players beginning to exert pressure on world rugby to protect long-term health and the future of the game. Proposals include a review of double tackles, tackle height upper limit and quick ball release after the tackle is made, as well as limiting substitutions to injury only, having a minimum number of days off for players between seasons and limiting full contact training. Also requesting a concussion fund being set up by WR to support ex players with long term health effects. All sounds very sensible to me. Player welfare is being thrown under the bus by club and country alike and it needs to stop now - people's lives are being absolutely blighted by the long term impacts of playing - they're literally being crippled for our entertainment and something has to give.

have you seen the proposals/laws for Total Rugby, a new 12 as side game being marketed by Moffat in NZ?

 

[mx wcfc]

I do still find it a strange sight when you get the human pyramids at the lineout though, seems somewhat contrived.

It was a South African thing wasn't it? SA had their own rules whilst they were under the boycott. Then, when they came back, someone thought,, "ooh that looks fun let's all do that".

The entire line out rules are a mystery to me. It wasn't like that in my day. And don't get me started on scrum halves feeding the ball in to the second row.

 

[bendeus]

have you seen the proposals/laws for Total Rugby, a new 12 as side game being marketed by Moffat in NZ?

Hahaha. No. The minute I read 'Moffatt' I glaze over

 

[flypanam]

Covid is ripping through the French team both coaches and players including Dupont have tested positive. I wonder if the comp will continue?

 

[Elpenor]

The BBC article has been written by a moron - DuPont is described as a Lyon back row forward who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

 

[Elpenor]

Flurry of reds in the premiership this weekend, I can’t help but think it’s a reaction to the ones in the 6 Nations.

 

[gawkrodger]

Should have been 6 reds as well.

 

[sleaterkinney]

It's catch 22, if less people are involved in the breakdown and the ball is recycled quickly that means there's less space on the pitch and less running rugby.

 

[bendeus]

Valid point. There are times when I feel that the sport is going to crash under the weight of its contradictions. So much seems to be intractable.

 

[flypanam]

Looks like France have suspended training. Looking likely that the game will be called off.

eta not 6N news but Joey Carbery is on the bench for Munster tomorrow night against Cardiff.

 

[bendeus]

Rumours doing the rounds that Galthie broke the team bubble with a number of unauthorised outside visits on the sly and infected his team as a result. He's fucked if true.

Fabien Galthie rejects 'unwarranted accusation' he breached bubble before Covid outbreak

'All my actions comply with the health protocol,' Galthie told L'Equipe

www.irishexaminer.com

 

[gawkrodger]

He better not have, I've got 20 quid on them winning the 2023 RWC