ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Friday Jun 12, 2020

Super Rugby Aotearoa breakdown laws explained by ex-International referee

The Super Rugby Aotearoa season is almost upon us, with the new competition providing the first live action since March following the COVID-19 induced lockdown.

ADVERTISEMENT

As part of the new competition, there has been some talk of “new breakdown laws” being implemented ahead of the opening weekend. Many of these may not necessarily be brand new, but the way they are policed is set to become stricter.

New Zealand Rugby Referee Manager Bryce Lawrence – a former referee himself – and current referee Paul Williams explained the intricacies of the new law variations ahead of the 10-week campaign.

One of the main changes to the breakdown focuses on the ball carrier, especially those players who creep forward to gain extra yards once tackled. The laws state that just ‘one dynamic move on the ground before they place/pass’ the ball will be permitted, eliminating the opportunity to gain an unfair advantage in the tackle area.

Tacklers on the defending side must also do their part to allow attackers to clean out the ruck. The law states that the “jackler” can only be rewarded if the clean out is not impeded.

On the subject of the jacklers, the player “must arrive first, in a position where they are supporting their own weight and show a clear lift of the ball with both hands” in order to be rewarded. In the event of not being on their feet at the breakdown, they must roll away from the tackle area.

Finally, arriving attackers must come through the gate and stay on their feet – as stated in the current laws. They cannot tackle the jackler’s legs however, as this is deemed dangerous play. Tackling the body is advised in this case.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the emphasis may be on the “new laws”, many of the rulings at the breakdown appear to be ‘reinforcements’ of current laws. The hope is that with greater focus on the breakdown – as well as the offside laws also discussed in this video – more discipline around this area can be implemented as a result.

Comments




Related Articles

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Jeff Wilson Blast Scott Robertson

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    Steve Hansen defends Ian Foster

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks make coaching changes



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

View All