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'You can't really rush a scrum': Why Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa believes scrum clocks are a bad idea

(Photo by Rohan Thomson/Getty Images)

Brumbies captain and Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa doesn’t support a scrum clock innovation, but likes the idea of a sent off player being replaced after 20 minutes.

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Both measures are among those being considered for the Super Rugby AU tournament set to start on July 3.

A scrum clock has been mooted as a way of speeding the game up with administrators looking to keep the ball in play more and avoid numerous time draining and audience infuriating scrum resets.

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In conversation with Bryan Habana

The powers that be face some ‘very tough decisions’ about the direction the game is going in

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In conversation with Bryan Habana

The powers that be face some ‘very tough decisions’ about the direction the game is going in

However, 37 Test forward Alaalatoa has concerns about player safety being compromised.

“For me as a front-rower you can’t really rush a scrum, because there’s obviously a lot of safety issues there,” Alaalatoa said.

“I’m more for the scrum reset so if the scrum collapses you just award the attacking side (a penalty).

“We can’t have three or four collapsed scrums.

“In terms of racing to a scrum and trying to set it early, I’m probably against that.

“I definitely feel once a scrum has been called by the ref I think the boys have got to get on their bike to get there.

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“But in terms of setting up the scrum between the two sides I think that has to take time because obviously there’s a lot of safety techniques that we have been learning throughout our careers so we don’t end up with serious injuries, and a scrum is a place where you can end up with a serious injury.”

Alaalatoa was more enthusiastic about the possibility of replacing a dismissed player after a 20-minute period, an innovation which will be used in New Zealand’s domestic Super Rugby tournament.

“I think it’s great, any changes that’s going to bring more viewers to the game is definitely something worth looking at,” Alaalatoa said.

“Once you get a red card you kind of already have that mentality of ‘have we lost the game’?

“If you lose someone really early 20 minutes it’s a good time for the other team to take advantage of that.”

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The enforced break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the suspension of the full Super Rugby tournament, has helped Alaalatoa, who broke an arm in the Brumbies’ last game.

“There’s a silver lining, in that I’m probably the only person who’s broken their arm and not missed a game,” he said.

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R
RedWarrior 45 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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