I think the view is that the number of quick lineouts will increase dramatically due to being able to pass the ball back into the field as long as it goes backwards. As you know, there aren't many quick throws as it is rarely on, but if you can throw the ball backward it gives a hell of a lot more scope.AndyHill wrote:I dont understand the reasoning behind how lineout specialist will disappear. Its not like they are saying you cant compete or anything!!! Madness.
My main concern with the 5m rule is that it is very difficult to referree without the "assistant refs" in place. How will a ref at our level be able to watch this as well as checking binding and all the other shit he has to deal with.
Rucking with your hands is a pretty major change and will have unseen ramifications. yeh, you can wipe someone out but if they manage to stay there you'll have a major slowing up of the ball as both teams wrestle for it with their hands. there's nothing wrong with the breakdown just now, it just needs refereed properly! If you're on the deck you're out the game.
Shaun Edwards' article in the Guardian is very insightful
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/ ... o_lea.html