Advantage
I believe Rugby needs a reboot with the definitions of Advantage from Penalties particularly, but also knock on/forward pass infringements.
For one, I believe that the range of offences that qualify for a Penalty and the resultant advantage or points depending on field position is too wide and "minor Penalties" have far too great an impact on the match.
A Penalty deep in attack results in the defending team generally regaining possession from a lineout around the 35-40m and life goes on.
A Penalty anywhere in the defending 40 leads to multiple phases until either the attacking team scores or there is a stoppage, then if a stoppage, going back to either a shot on goal or a kick to the corner for a rolling maul try. There is a very good reason that Hookers are suddenly featuring in the leading try scorers for teams each season.
To me, this isn't equitable for what can often be similar infringements.
I have no problem with cynical play being punished, this isn't about deliberate acts to stop scoring and are borderline Yellow's.
I am talking about the 50/50 contested balls that often have commentary scratching their heads.
To me, I believe the following should be the loose parameters:
Stoppage Advantage-
Advantage from knock on or forward passes is to take the place of a set piece restart, with advantage having been realised one completed phase (ie first ruck or maul clean ball) or 5m in attack after the incident.
Free Kick Advantage-
Far more misdemeanors to become Free Kicks, rather than "Full Arms". Contested Mauls and Rucks and Scrum failures outside the defending 22 seeing advantage accrued four phases or 10m in attack after the incident.
Penalty Advantage-
Any cynical play including throwing the ball away.
Any potentially dangerous play (High tackles etc), given to the TMO for a 1 minute review while the kick for touch or goal occurs. An unsuccessful "quick tap" returned to mark if TMO finds dangerous play.
Contested Mauls and Rucks and Scrum failures inside the defending 22 and quick taps not found to be "Dangerous Play Penalties" seeing advantage accrued six phases or 22m in attack after the incident.
No doubt plenty of holes and "what abouts" in the above, however, it should be enough to illustrate the intent.
Advantage should be about "did the team get an advantage", not "did the team get an advantage and then stuff up or not score".
If you choose to go quick or play on then some of the onus should be on the attacking team. They took the gamble.
I believe this would see far more running Rugby over the changes that have been implemented to date in the pursuit of that outcome.
For one, I believe that the range of offences that qualify for a Penalty and the resultant advantage or points depending on field position is too wide and "minor Penalties" have far too great an impact on the match.
A Penalty deep in attack results in the defending team generally regaining possession from a lineout around the 35-40m and life goes on.
A Penalty anywhere in the defending 40 leads to multiple phases until either the attacking team scores or there is a stoppage, then if a stoppage, going back to either a shot on goal or a kick to the corner for a rolling maul try. There is a very good reason that Hookers are suddenly featuring in the leading try scorers for teams each season.
To me, this isn't equitable for what can often be similar infringements.
I have no problem with cynical play being punished, this isn't about deliberate acts to stop scoring and are borderline Yellow's.
I am talking about the 50/50 contested balls that often have commentary scratching their heads.
To me, I believe the following should be the loose parameters:
Stoppage Advantage-
Advantage from knock on or forward passes is to take the place of a set piece restart, with advantage having been realised one completed phase (ie first ruck or maul clean ball) or 5m in attack after the incident.
Free Kick Advantage-
Far more misdemeanors to become Free Kicks, rather than "Full Arms". Contested Mauls and Rucks and Scrum failures outside the defending 22 seeing advantage accrued four phases or 10m in attack after the incident.
Penalty Advantage-
Any cynical play including throwing the ball away.
Any potentially dangerous play (High tackles etc), given to the TMO for a 1 minute review while the kick for touch or goal occurs. An unsuccessful "quick tap" returned to mark if TMO finds dangerous play.
Contested Mauls and Rucks and Scrum failures inside the defending 22 and quick taps not found to be "Dangerous Play Penalties" seeing advantage accrued six phases or 22m in attack after the incident.
No doubt plenty of holes and "what abouts" in the above, however, it should be enough to illustrate the intent.
Advantage should be about "did the team get an advantage", not "did the team get an advantage and then stuff up or not score".
If you choose to go quick or play on then some of the onus should be on the attacking team. They took the gamble.
I believe this would see far more running Rugby over the changes that have been implemented to date in the pursuit of that outcome.