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'I don't understand it': Dave Rennie frustrated with Northern Hemisphere powers
By AAP
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has raised an eyebrow at Northern Hemisphere rugby nations for thwarting attempts to introduce a 20-minute red card replacement rule in tests later this year.
World Rugby is set to trial both the 50-22 and goal-line drop-out rules that were Rugby Australia initiatives for the Super Rugby AU and Trans-Tasman seasons.
The August 1 introduction of the laws will see the Wallabies play under a different set of laws against France in July than they will against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina in The Rugby Championship.
A team will earn the lineout throw if they kick from inside their own half and find touch inside their opponent's 22 - or from inside their 22 into the opponent's half.
The other change will see the defending team take a goal-line drop-out rather than defend a close-range scrum - if the attacker is held up over the line.
Rennie is a fan of both rule changes, with the 50-22 variation potentially opening up the field for more expansive attack and the drop-out speeding up play and avoiding a "bit of volleyball" by handing possession back to a team in threatening field position.
But he is adamant the ability to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes - the other Rugby Australia initiative trialled in Super Rugby AU - should also be in play.
"It had enormous support in the Southern Hemisphere, but not the Northern (France and England) and I'm not sure (why), I don't understand it," he said.
"Some decisions are made that have a massive impact on a game and maybe post-game are viewed as not as serious.
"At least at 20 minutes you can even the numbers up again."
Last November, Australia beat New Zealand in a test that ended 14-a-side when Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Lachie Swinton were both red-carded for dangerous tackles.
"As we know there's a lot of emphasis around head contact, there's going to be a lot of cards," Rennie said.
"Individuals who get it wrong are going to be punished. They will spend a long time on the sidelines but if we can get back to 15 on 15 that's what we want."
- Murray Wenzel
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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