During the November internationals, the Springboks were typically dominant at scrum time, particularly against Ireland when they repeatedly opted for scrum after scrum in a Test that was disrupted by numerous infringements at this set piece.
Reports now indicate that Six Nations unions are preparing to formally raise the contentious issue of yellow cards being awarded for repeated scrum infringements.
This move follows hot on the heels of matches in which the Springboks, in particular, have used their scrum dominance to force multiple penalties and subsequent sin-bins on their opponents.
The debate has intensified following the match in Dublin where Ireland’s loosehead props, Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy, were both sent to the sin bin after their pack buckled under immense pressure from South Africa. Critics argue that a player is essentially being punished – and their team severely disadvantaged – simply for being outmuscled by a stronger opponent.
According to The Times, a senior rugby figure is quoted as saying, “In what other sport can you be sent off basically for not being as good or as strong as your opponent?”
The sentiment is that while the dominant scrum already gains a significant advantage via the penalty, compounding this with a yellow card is disproportionate.
The core argument at scrum time as Springboks dominate
The push from the Six Nations unions is not reportedly aimed at depowering the scrum itself, but will seek to differentiate between illegal play and simply being inferior at the contest.
They propose that yellow cards should be reserved only for players who are actively breaking the rules to gain an advantage, rather than for the accumulated penalty count.
Either way, the Springboks will be watching this unfold with close interest, but the good news is that any proposal would first have to be brought forward to World Rugby’s next “Shape of the Game” conference, and any major law amendments would not be fully implemented until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, allowing time for trials.
Is a Bok weapon under review again?
This talking point is another important consideration for the sport’s lawmakers as they seek a balance between rewarding dominant set-pieces and ensuring fair play when a side is clearly under duress.
Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell, despite his side being on the receiving end of a scrum demolition by South Africa, actually supported rewarding dominance under the current laws.
“Teams rely on their strengths to win Test matches… That was exactly what South Africa did with their scrum,” he commented after the contentious clash in Dublin.
