In a step to answer and calm the increasingly vocal critics of the scrum the IRB have taken a major step to change the set-piece.

The Scrum Steering Group, headed by former international flanker John Jeffrey and aided by the likes of former prop David Barnes, All Blacks forwards coach Mike Cron and referee chief Joel Jutge amongst others, set forth a plan to trial a new engagement protocol for next season in both the northern and southern hemisphere.

The trial means that there will be a change of commands, with the referee calling ‘crouch, bind, set’.

Props must not grip the opponent’s chest, arm, sleeve or collar, but with the ‘bind’ call use their outside arm to pre-grip their opposite number from a pre-ordained distance. There will be a pause, the referee will then call ‘set’ when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then engage.

With this directive the sanction for any infringement during these calls will be a free kick. The sanction for “charging” from a greater distance will be a penalty. It has also been reiterated by the IRB that these changes will be coupled with stricter policing by officials of the put-in at scrum time, and the timing of the push.

For a video sequence and more understanding visit: http://www.irblaws.com/index.php?domain=16&language=EN