What is the point of having a scrum in Rugby league?

Question

..as you cannot push the opposition off the ball..why have a scrum..its a time waster..have a tap kick instead..would improve the game..would it not? surely would provide more 'running' rugby?

Answer 1

The powers that be decided to make the scrums non contestable because coaches complained about scrum penalties winning matches. This has taken what was an important aspect out of the game, that is competing for the ball. The scrum has been taken out, players cannot strike for the ball in the play the ball, referees reward loose carries by penalising for strips.

Because the game is non competitive (except in going up for bombs), so much pressure is now put on referees who are fast becoming scapegoats for all that is wrong in the game.

Taking tap kicks instead of scrums would just see the defences more set whereas at least with the scrum, the forwards are out of it to give a bit of space.

Answer 2

One of the reasons they have scrums in League is because to hold up the forwards. If they tapped it on the boot then the forwards would be free and the game would run like when they play the ball.  

Answer 3

The original purpose of the scrum was for the defending team to regain possession of the ball by demonstrating how dominant their forward pack was. Like you said, nowadays there's no contest when the scrum is packed and it's incredibly rare for a team to win the ball against the feed.

It is a time waster and very frustrating for the fans when scrums are reset over and over again. But it is nice to see a backline movement come together when it's purely backs on backs. Even though there's scrums in Union, I think one reason they won't scrap them is due to the scrum being such a big part of the heritage of the game.

I'm sick of all the delays with scrums as well, but i'd much rather they get them back to how they were rather than get rid of them completely.  

Answer 4

No point whatsoever, it is a joke, get rid of 'em all together

Answer 5

There is no point to a scrum in this day and age. Sadly, Super League and some rule changes, including the no proper scrum decision has forced me to switch codes. League has also become extremely predictable. Union on the other hand has gone from strength to strength and is an enjoyable game to watch live or on TV. Not to mention the skill level that our soccer players are now displaying. League needs to take a good look at itself and maybe ask the public what they think.

Answer 6

It's just to get the fowards out of the way. It allows great space for backs to attack.