Law Changes

[Which Tyler]

When did the law change about lineout throwing come in?
I've watched all 4 televised matches, and I don't think I saw a single lineout thrown straight - or even particluarly close to straight.

I understand that Ref.s have been advised to ignore it if the lineout is uncontested; but it seems that they're ignoring it regardless this year - have I missed something? or is this going the way of scrum feeds?

[fivepointer]

There does seem to be a degree of latitude being given to hookers on the throw. To be fair, if no one is up contesting I'm not too fussed if the throw isnt dead straight but would expect stricter enforcement when there is a real challenge. See how things go over the next week or two to see if a trend developes. Thought the scrum changes worked well in the main. Generally there seemed to be a good contest with the majority of scrums staying upright.
I will raise my own pet hate of offside at breakdown almost never being penalised despite teams repeatedly encroaching beyond the back foot. Unless it happens 10 meters from a tryline, officials just ignore this game after game. Commentators keep prattling on about the speed of the defensive line, yet never mention that in many cases they have a meter or two headstart!

[Digby]

What does an uncontested lineout look like?

I've said this before, but if the defending team mark front and middle, force a long throw which isn't straight but also sees no one in the air contesting is that actually an uncontested lineout? As a defender in that situation I'd contend I have contested the lineout and forced a technical error.

[Cameo]

What does an uncontested lineout look like?

I've said this before, but if the defending team mark front and middle, force a long throw which isn't straight but also sees no one in the air contesting is that actually an uncontested lineout? As a defender in that situation I'd contend I have contested the lineout and forced a technical error.

That's a good point. We never cover the back on the basis that if the hooker can through to the back accurately then good luck.

Having said that, I dont mind them giving a little bit of leeway if no one is up in the air nearby. The ones I hate are when two people are up right next to each other but only one has a chance of winning it

[Oakboy]

I haven't seen any SH rugby recently. Did it start there?

Maybe, there will be more forward passes ignored soon.

[Digby]

What does an uncontested lineout look like?

I've said this before, but if the defending team mark front and middle, force a long throw which isn't straight but also sees no one in the air contesting is that actually an uncontested lineout? As a defender in that situation I'd contend I have contested the lineout and forced a technical error.

That's a good point. We never cover the back on the basis that if the hooker can through to the back accurately then good luck.

Having said that, I dont mind them giving a little bit of leeway if no one is up in the air nearby. The ones I hate are when two people are up right next to each other but only one has a chance of winning it

That can look worse, but might actually see less effort on the part of the defending team to contest a lineout.

[Mikey Brown]

I haven't seen any SH rugby recently. Did it start there?

Maybe, there will be more forward passes ignored soon.

I feel like that's been happening for a while. Certainly more 50/50s not getting looked at.

[Digby]

What does an uncontested lineout look like?

I've said this before, but if the defending team mark front and middle, force a long throw which isn't straight but also sees no one in the air contesting is that actually an uncontested lineout? As a defender in that situation I'd contend I have contested the lineout and forced a technical error.

That's a good point. We never cover the back on the basis that if the hooker can through to the back accurately then good luck.

Having said that, I dont mind them giving a little bit of leeway if no one is up in the air nearby. The ones I hate are when two people are up right next to each other but only one has a chance of winning it

That can look worse, but might actually see less effort on the part of the defending team to contest a lineout.

If one assumes they are only two defending pods, and further that the attacking team has 3-4 options then so far as I can tell you don't have to throw straight. And that should make it easier for any attack providing they have the intellect to call to someone who isn't marked and the throw isn't way too short/long. I can't offhand see why you'd have to throw straight now unless you only have 2 options on attack

We'll have to wait and see what the consequences of this are, but this could be a change that needs changing back if defenders move away from contesting the lineout. Part of the appeal should be it draws defenders in, or at least could. We will have to wait and see though, maybe defending teams will use much more by way of one man lifts just to expose a not straight throw, though maybe that isn't the ideal in all this either.

[kk67]

I work on the basis that as long as the ball is in the channel, it's straight. But the gap I set is on the larger end of the spectrum so if anyone questions the throw I can say, 'it's in the channel', this is also helpful on windy days when you can say: 'it started in the channel'.
And the channel needs to be maintained until the hooker actually throws. Letting them close the gap during the 'set' is a mistake.