Nigel Owens, Bernard Jackman Reject Calls to Depower Rugby Scrums After Boks–Ireland Clash
Opponents say diluting the set-piece would erode a core contest, undermining roles that sustain the community game.
Overview
- South Africa beat Ireland 24-13 in Dublin, with overwhelming scrum pressure yielding a penalty try, multiple penalties and two yellow cards for Irish props.
- Pundit Matt Williams urged World Rugby to reduce the scrum’s influence, arguing it should function primarily as a restart rather than a source of penalties.
- Former referee Nigel Owens warned that further weakening the scrum would harm grassroots rugby, saying it would leave traditional props without a place in the sport.
- Ex-Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman opposed depowering proposals, writing that teams should improve their technique and praising South Africa’s tactical use of front-row changes.
- World Rugby has already removed the scrum option from free kicks and set time limits, as commentators float alternative tweaks such as stricter feeding, converting most scrum offences to free kicks and using overhead cameras to aid officiating.