: Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:13 pm
Supposing six players run to form the scrum, but then two forwards are ready to join the scrum BEFORE the other team are ready? Does the referee have to STOP the clock because the six have formed the scrum, RESTART it because two break free to be replaced by the forwards who have just arrived and then STOP it again when the new six have re-formed the scrum? What happens then if a third forward then arrives before the opposing team is ready? Does the referee need to RE-START and STOP the clock again????
It's a pointless rule and does not benefit the game in any way, shape or form. It's a rule for rules sake and will only lead to un-necessary controversy when the officials, who are under enough pressure as it is, make a mistake and it results in a "contentious" score.