Ben Ryan: Retallick case is why ruck laws must change

Sevens supremo Ben Ryan says the shoulder injury to All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick is a good test case for why rugby union’s ruck laws need changing.

New Zealand remain hopeful that Retallick will be available for Rugby World Cup selection after the lock dislocated his shoulder during the Rugby Championship clash against South Africa on Saturday.

Retallick left the field in agony after a clearout at a ruck in the 61st minute of the 16-16 draw at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The 28-year-old was taken to hospital, with the injury initially casting doubt on Retallick’s hopes to play in Japan.

On Sunday, the All Blacks tweeted to say there was still a possibility the forward would be fit for the tournament starting in September.

“Head Coach Steve Hansen said Brodie Retallick suffered a dislocated shoulder in last night’s Test draw against South Africa,” the team tweeted.

“He says while no timeline is being given on his return to play, the selectors were hopeful that he would be available for RWC selection.”

The incident has been griss to the mill for those wanting a change to the ruck laws, Ben Ryan being chief among them.

Nasty looking injury for Brodie Retallick in the All Blacks v SA test. The ruck he got injured in had 7 players in. 6, arguably 7 were on the floor before reticl was taken out from the side. ???? pic.twitter.com/n0pxRj006N

— Ben Ryan (@benjaminryan) July 27, 2019

“So many of the rucks tonight in #NZvRSA looked like this – bodies littered on the floor, side entries, just a mass of a mess. Officials haven’t got a hope of picking the bones out of this – infringements everywhere,” Ryan wrote. “Direction must come from on high ASAP.”

So many of the rucks tonight in #NZvRSA looked like this – bodies littered on the floor, side entries, just a mass of a mess. Officials haven’t got a hope of picking the bones out of this – infringements everywhere. Direction must come from on high ASAP. pic.twitter.com/U1I4AsTqQA

— Ben Ryan (@benjaminryan) July 27, 2019

He is not alone.

A growing concensus among many pundits is that the ruck area has become too lawless and that it’s an area of the game where risk of injury has become too high.

https://twitter.com/dannycare/status/1155240851712483330?s=19
https://twitter.com/AlanDymock/status/1155041809594232832?s=19

I’m not alone and other coaches like Wayne Smith have gone on record too. If I see it, I’ll say it.

— Ben Ryan (@benjaminryan) July 27, 2019

Ryan spoke on BT Sport on the topic too.

Writing on his own website – benryan.co.uk – Ryan states: “Decisions and action must be taken now by World Rugby before serious injuries become the talking point. High profile coaches and players please speak out.”

– additional reporting PA