Rassie
Trevor Allan (34)
But in the laws early engagement have always been a free kick!Yes we understand that Rassie, but I'm afraid if you hadn't noticed that referees in Super XV have moved from FK to PK for simple early engages after the first one then you haven't been paying attention. It has been a talking point all year.
I can't find anything official on it, but here is one of the SA Referees video clips which explains it:
http://www.sareferees.com/laws/view/2830050/
It has nothing to do with a charge and everything to do with a policy decision.
(g)The referee will call “crouch” then “bind”. The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop must bind. A loose head prop must bind on the opposing tight head prop by placing the left arm inside the right arm of the tight head and gripping the tight head prop’s jersey on the back or side. A tight head prop must bind on the opposing loose head prop by placing the right arm outside the left upper arm of the opposing loose head prop and gripping the loose head prop’s jersey with the right hand only on the back or side. The props must not grip the opponent’s chest, arm, sleeve, or collar. Following a pause the referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready. The front rows may
then engage. The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.
Sanction: Free Kick
And Charging have always been a penalty
(i) Charging. A front row must not form at a distance from its opponents and rush against them or pull them.
Sanction: Penalty kick
But its not a order or rule change. They just applied law 10.3 with repeated infringements which is a penalty kick.