A number of laws are being trialled for the first time at all levels of the game in the northern hemisphere.
The scrum and line-out laws have been tinkered with slightly with the scrum engagement process changing to a three-stage process. The referee will call “crouch” then “touch”.
The front rows crouch and using their outside arm; each prop touches the point of the opposing prop’s outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then engage. The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.
Elswhere, scrum halves will now have to be vigilant at ruck time as when a referee deems the ball is available to be played the side has just five seconds to ‘use it.’
The IRB are looking for feedback on the trials – CLICK HERE to take part in a short survey.
