The Layman’s Guide to the Laws of the Game
The
scrum is intended to be a quick , fair and safe means of restarting the game
after a minor infringement or stoppage .It
is an intense physical confrontation in which players safety is paramount. 8
from each side are required to form a scrum and must all stay full arm bound
while it takes place. The front rows must always have 3 each. There are now
specific binding requirements for both props.
If
for any reason the numbers in a
team become less than 15 it is now recommended for safety (but is not mandatory)
that both sides reduce scrum numbers similarly, but with a minimum 5 each.
A
scrum cannot be within 5 metres of touch or goal lines. When a scrum remains
stationary and the ball does not quickly emerge, or a scrum wheels beyond 90°,
a new scrum is set with the side not in possession getting the put-in (“use or
lose”).
The
good old days of front row black arts are, in theory, gone. The Laws require
pussy cats for props who now have every restriction imaginable placed on them.
They mustn’t charge on engagement, must keep straight backs, no dropping,
lifting or standing up, mustn’t bore inwards, and must bind on top without
bent elbow or white knuckles. ( bad breath will be next to be outlawed ! ).
Locks and Back Rows must stay down until the ball is away. Scrum halves must
throw the ball in straight and from a metre away from the mark, along the
ground. And everyone else must stay on side behind the back foot on his side.
