Why do in rugby union scrums the scrum half put the ball in seperate sides?

Question

Why do in rugby union scrums the scrum half put the ball in seperate sides?

Answer 1

You know,  I played prop for 20 years and I often wondered that as well.

Answer 2

The hooker is usually right footed, and so the quickest hook will have the ball coming in from the left of the hooker on the same side as the scrum half.  

For the opposition hooker to hook that ball (against the head) he would have to use both feet or have a very dexterous left foot.  

It would be normal for the opposition to try to push the ball putting in side backwards in order to win a scrum against the head.  Too many penalties are given away by trying to hook against the head.

Answer 3

The ball is put into the scrum from the referee's side

Answer 4

to make it easier if both of the hookers are right footed. It would mean that the opposition would need to use the outside of their foot or the weaker foot if they are to get the ball

Answer 5

Because they put it in where they are nearest to their own hooker, on their loose head prop side, which obviously gives them an advantage:

******TH   H   LH

****LH    H   TH

In this case the SC would put the ball in from the left hand side.

(I've had to use *s to get the spacing)

Answer 6

In a scrum, each front row player puts his head to the left of his opposite number, thus the left side prop is the loose head and the right is the tight head (head inside the scrum). The scrumhalf puts the ball in from left to right to give his hooker the advantage in gaining possesion. Once the scrum is engaged, the hooker tries to position himself with his right shoulder under the other hooker and his right leg across his body to strike the ball with the bottom of his right foot.

Answer 7

Probably the same side from the teams perspective.  Always with your team to the right?  Just guessing.

Answer 8

Because it takes leather balls to play rugby

Answer 9

The idea is that each team is figthing for the possession of the ball, both push to get the ball, which kick back for the eight to his middle scrum.............

Answer 10

well obviously hes going to give the ball to his own team! duh

Answer 11

In a scrum, each front row player puts his head to the left of his opposite number, thus the left side prop is the loose head and the right is the tight head (head inside the scrum).  The scrumhalf puts the ball in from left to right to give his hooker the advantage in gaining possesion.  Once the scrum is engaged, the hooker tries to position himself with his right shoulder under the other hooker and his right leg across his body to strike the ball with the bottom of his right foot.

Answer 12

Although the scrumhalf generally does the throw in on the loose head side, this is not a requirement.  It is acceptable to throw it in from the tight side also.  And the referee usually stands on the side of the throw in but again, not always.  Sometimes I go to the other side to check the binds and to keep em all honest.