What we need is Entertaining Rugby

[GIGS20]

I think the quality of refs can make the biggest impact.

You could see the rebels scrum last week breathe a sigh of relief and then play Murphy like a cheap fiddle once they got his mind made up.

He's overly technical and pedantic whilst being simultaneously horribly erratic and inaccurate. It's actually quite a spectacle to watch if you're not invested in the team playing.

The others aren't a whole lot better, neither over the Dutch, yes they're more consistent, but they tend to consistently pay fuck all attention to protocols.

If the refs were better we'd se fewer teams booting the ball downfield hoping for a mistake from the receiver or the ref and teams would likely start trying to break defense's down.

Unless they're the Brumbies, then they'd start at maul and move away from it only when the score is suitably comfortable

[jargan83]

Harlequins vs Montpellier is more proof you don't need gimmicky rules in Rugby

[chibi]

I must admit, I'm a fan of anything that can draw in defenders and create more flowing three-quarter movements in the game and less one-out repetitive hit-ups. Whether it's rule tweaks, refereeing directives, better coaching and positioning, more traditional forward play or whatever; I'm open to trying anything that will help us see a bit more flow and backlines having space to create, manipulate and finish...if that's actually possible with the fitness and explosive power of defending players in the modern professional game.

[shasta]

I must admit, I'm a fan of anything that can draw in defenders and create more flowing three-quarter movements in the game and less one-out repetitive hit-ups. Whether it's rule tweaks, refereeing directives, better coaching and positioning, more traditional forward play or whatever; I'm open to trying anything that will help us see a bit more flow and backlines having space to create, manipulate and finish...if that's actually possible with the fitness and explosive power of defending players in the modern professional game.

Good point Chibi. The 50-22 and vice versa, among others, are intended to do exactly that. As someone who is into both codes, it's frustrating to watch the likes of Nathan Cleary, Adam Reynolds, Munster, Townsend etc exploit those expertly on a weekly basis. Sam Walker is brilliant at executing and he's a 19yo rookie in his second season FFS. The Kiwis ditto. No good making changes if game plans are so dumb nobody uses them.

[DazloT]

The Sevens World Series have put a lot of focus on making the sport move quickly and be entertaining, especially around time management and TMO involvement. Lots of differences between the two versions but still things can be shared.

1. I particularly like the 30 sec shot clock that is displayed at the ground and very few reasons why the clock is stopped and it includes kick off and conversions. 60 secs would be a good start for 15's.
2. When the TMO is called upon they review and provide an answer to the ref instead of endless replays or waiting for the TV director to get the video on the big screen and then find footage for every angle. NRL bunker style would be a good start.
3. Only a significant injury causes a stoppage in play. I saw teams last weekend play one man day as a trainer treated cramp etc on the field.

[shasta]

When the TMO is called upon they review and provide an answer to the ref instead of endless replays or waiting for the TV director to get the video on the big screen and then find footage for every angle. NRL bunker style would be a good start.

Can't remember which match but last week, to limit the TMO’s input, Ben O'Keefe told him "Put the replay on the screen & I'll give you my decision". Bit more of that wouldn't be a bad idea.

[.X.]

OK = Its not Rugby but..............