URC head of match officials Tappe Henning has questioned World Rugby’s decision to remove the scrum option from a free kick.
The 2024 law change means a team awarded a free kick can no longer opt for a scrum, prompting concerns that a side under pressure at the set-piece could deliberately concede a free kick – like through an early engagement – without risking another scrum and a potential penalty.
“Some teams aren’t comfortable with the changes; it is unfortunate that a strong scrummaging team can be almost nullified if a team is awarded a free kick and a scrum can’t be chosen,” Henning said.
“When it happens in a particular part of the pitch, it is quite disappointing for teams that do have strong scrums.”
ALSO: Tappe issues tackle warning to URC
While Henning has not seen evidence of teams regularly exploiting the law, he says the URC is keeping a close eye on the issue and could take its findings to World Rugby.
“It is being monitored constantly, and we get feedback from coaches and players. As it stands, there are individual opinions about it, but it’s not being looked at to change it back.
“If we have, over a period of time, gathered data about how often it happens and what the next step should be, we can probably, as a competition, go back to World Rugby and put our data and things in front of them to review, but it’s not something that is a big concern at this stage.”
PLUS: URC coaches urged to talk to refs
Henning also confirmed that the URC will continue using its TMO as the foul play review officer in 2026-27, rather than having a separate ‘bunker’ official decide whether yellow cards should be upgraded to 20-minute red cards.
The URC upgraded its facilities with Hawk-Eye and Mobi technology ahead of the 2025-26 season, giving TMOs access to the necessary footage rather than relying solely on host broadcasters.
“We have seen some positive outcomes: an increase in accuracy and less time it takes to review,” Henning said.
STATE OF THE URC: Vengeful Stormers, Lions restart
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Tappe: Strong scrum can be nullified appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
URC head of match officials Tappe Henning has questioned World Rugby’s decision to remove the scrum option from a free kick.
The post Tappe: Strong scrum can be nullified appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
