Super Rugby Pacific 2025

[zer0]

> the hopes and dreams of the Force and NSFW being decided at Eden Park

 

[dru]

It's not just crooked throws, there are players moving before the ball leaves the thrower's hand, multiple halfbacks and players running up the tunnel to change positions. I'm no ref, but I believe all these are against the laws of the game.

In the time it takes for the attacking team to get into the line (while the hooker waits), the defending team line is completely encroaching on the space. This has been quite obvious, I'd call it a Kiwi tactic but to be fair I don't think it stops there. The Hooker then shifts to where the gap has formed - and the side line official gets in his face. That's a pretty big distraction for the poor bastard throwing.

I'd guess it's a tactic against slow forming line-outs and conferences by the attacking line-out, but it is definitely effecting what is happening in the line out.

 

[Strewthcobber]

In the time it takes for the attacking team to get into the line (while the hooker waits), the defending team line is completely encroaching on the space. This has been quite obvious, I'd call it a Kiwi tactic but to be fair I don't think it stops there. The Hooker then shifts to where the gap has formed - and the side line official gets in his face. That's a pretty big distraction for the poor bastard throwing.

I reckon the tactic is the defending team line up on the mark. The attacking team then form up 1.5m-2m from the defensive line, and the hooker takes a step towards his team before the throw, so it looks straight, but it's closer to his team.

Ref's are on to this tactic, and are allowing the defending team to take their mark ~1m from the late arriving attacking team. Then the attackers step back to get their preferred large gap.

Some lineouts they basically chase each other down the field.

 

[dru]

I reckon the tactic is the defending team line up on the mark. The attacking team then form up 1.5m-2m from the defensive line, and the hooker takes a step towards his team before the throw, so it looks straight, but it's closer to his team.

Ref's are on to this tactic, and are allowing the defending team to take their mark ~1m from the late arriving attacking team. Then the attackers step back to get their preferred large gap.

Some lineouts they basically chase each other down the field.

Interesting. It's not what I have been seeing but I'll definitely follow it closely.