Scrum is useless, Do you agree?

Question

I don't see any need for scrums in Rugby union. It is dangerous and delays play unnecessarily. Can it be replaced with a much safer and entertaining set-play?

Answer 1

Yes.I agree. The league scrum style would be better.The old style is dangerous.

Answer 2

I could tell you the safety laws regarding to the scrum, but it wouldn't convince you.

But I will tell you this: Winning the "Battle of Forwards" gives you a morale boost proportional to the morale the opposing team loses.

Answer 3

Isn't this why rugby fans taunt 'sissy' rugby (American Football) fans?  The fear of getting hurt?  Is that why you want to get rid of it?  It is tradition, sure it is dangerous, but that is part of rugby's draw.

Answer 4

Scrum is tiring, dangerous and "yes" useless. Its like watching a  group of bulls fighting for a cow but only this time we see humans going head to head for an inflated oval canvas.

But........its what mankind once say to be a past time hobby which now has become an industry that can make someone a millionaire overnight.

Answer 5

Scrums in Rugby Union is not just a way of getting play started after a break down in play, but it is a vital part of the game. It is an intimidation factor, because a strong scrum can overpower the opposition. It is a variety in player factor, because you have to use players that can stand up to the pressures unlike Rugby League players that just have to run around. It is a play action factor, because you have different ways of using the ball after getting it from a scrum.

It comes down to an important part of the game. A part that makes it different from its cousin sports like League, American Football and Aussie rules. Dangerous? Only if you don't know what you are doing. Delays play? All sports have delays in play that seems silly to outsiders. Replaced? Okay, make a practical suggestion.

So, like it or leave it.

Answer 6

The scrum situation is only delaying play now that the new rules are in effect and the referees are policing it more when they seem to know nothing about scrummaging.  It is frustrating because most referees used to be backs when they played so no nothing about scrums and mauls and rucks which is about 80% of what a referee rules on.  It would be much better if the referee just let things run their course in the scrums and they got rid of the new "crouch, touch, pause, what are you doing later on, can I buy you a drink, what's your favourite colour, ENGAGE" too many unnecessary calls.  As for being dangerous, Rugby is a contact sport and very few people actually get injured in scrums.  if you watch an international game most of the injuries com from a tackle situation where people fall incorrectly or hit with the wrong part of their body, I haven't seen many injuries from scrums.  If you want to get rid of the danger play touch rugby.

Answer 7

No i do not agree...scrum is a part of what makes Rugby great...if you do not like the scrum go watch soccer...League Rugby is a bastardized, week version of Rugby...period

Answer 8

Scrums are the basis for structuring an attacking play within the opposition half.  Its a test of skill and strength.  From which they can plan an attack, freeing the ball for the outside backs to make a quick attack.  It is part of rugby union.  

Rugby league a break away faction that was developed because people couldn't get time off work and weren't paid so they turned professional.  they use to have scrums until they got rid of certain things like a full contact scrum and line outs.  They developed there own identity.

Scrums are dangerous, yes.  The pressure exerted is very high and yes things can go wrong.  Unfortunately with training, correct scrummaging, referees and on field cameras reduces the problem.  

The International Rugby Board is always looking at ways to reduce injuries on the field and make it more attractive to play and watch.  Reduce delays.

Is rugby dangerous, yes but that goes without saying for any high contact physical sports, rugby league, American Football.  The demands placed on the athlete are great.

Answer 9

The scrum is entirely necessary. It brings all the forwards together to free space up for the backs to move. Also it sends a message to the other team. Our provincial team just kicked the snot out of the american pack that out weighed us by 300-400 pounds.

Answer 10

I like the scrum. It shows the dominatn foward pack in a side. It can be seen partiucularily with the NZ team this year that a strong scrum can really unsettle the opposition.

Answer 11

Having just set-play would take away what makes rugby special.  Do you prefer American football ?  I think it's much less interesting.  I like the improvisation that rugby demands.  I'm talking as a player - scrum half in college - more than as a spectator.  I've never been much into just watching sports.