Better Rugby Rules

Source : Sanzar in new debate on ELVs

Extract..

..”Tew admitted New Zealand were surprised that the dragging down of the maul had been approved, “because we weren’t convinced that all the safety elements of that exercise had been thought through”…

..”All of us are a little nervous. But kicking into the corner and scoring a try from a rolling maul after a lineout wasn’t doing the game much good … so maybe it’s a good thing.”..

No wonder forward play is becoming diminished, with this type of ‘must be nice for TV’ attitude. Whats wrong with the power struggle of a maul, whats wrong with drive forward after a lineout. This has gotta make you think that ‘TV Pop Corn Rugby’ is all that counts. I just wonder what skills a forward needs any more in the years to come.

I have an idea drop the rugby union side down from 15 to 13 to give more space for flashing show pony try scoring, has this been done before, its worth a try ( just joking).

Tight Forward CV Pre ELVs: Skills required are scrummaging, mauling, jumping or supporting in a lineout, tackling, rucking, running and passing required but not essential.

Tight (Loose) Forward CV Post ELVs: Skills required are scrummaging, mauling, jumping or supporting in a lineout, tackling, rucking, running and passing required but not essential.

Rugby League Forward CV : Skills required are tackling, running and passing, scrummaging required but not essential.

NOTE: ELVs after May 1st 2008 – Mauls become too risky, lineouts need not be fully contested and may only be 2 players. I concede that mauls and full lineouts may not disappear completely, but there occurrence is most likely to be reduced.