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Andy Goode calls attention to annoying rugby 'bugbear'

By Josh Raisey
Andy Goode

There are certain laws in rugby, and indeed all sports, where players will continuously try to push their luck.

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Feeding at scrums was always one that enraged pundits and fans, as for years scrumhalves were able to flout the law that said the ball needed to be fed straight into the scrum.
This became so commonplace and so rarely punished that the laws were tweaked to favour the feeding side, whilst also trying to avoid scrums becoming similar to rugby league’s.

There are plenty of other gripes that many across the rugby world have, and one of them being offside at kick-offs. More and more often, the players chasing a kick-off are seen in front of the kicker, and it is no stretch to say that it is sometimes over ten players offside.

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Former England flyhalf Andy Goode raised this on Twitter recently as one of his bugbears in the game, citing Northampton Saints’ kick-off against Wasps, but it could in truth be the majority of games where this is seen.

The thing that annoys so many is that the referee is mere feet away from the kicker, which is similar to feeding at scrums. However, there is no need to change the laws in this department, it just requires sterner officiating and could be remedied instantly.

Players do this to limit the amount of time the receiver has after catching the ball, or even to allow a greater contest for the ball, but it is also an easy one for players to change. They simply need to ensure they time their run better. The Wallabies have adopted a tactic in the past of all players starting ten metres behind the kicker to build speed, although this did sometimes result in players being offside still.

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Goode’s comments did ignite a discussion on Twitter regarding the other complaints within the modern game, such as stealing a few feet when kicking for goal, as well as offsides at box-kicks and behind the scrum.

While there are those that feel a few feet is fairly inconsequential, they are the laws nevertheless, and it is understandable why there are demands for stricter officiating in some departments.

WATCH: One of Welsh Rugby’s biggest characters on and off the pitch, RugbyPass travelled to Brecon to see how life after rugby is treating Andy Powell.

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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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