My thoughts on the rolling mall in Rugby Union. Most teams use it these days and it is almost impossible to stop. If the team using the maul does not score from it, almost certainly someone from the opposing team will either get off side, or collapse the maul leading, to a penalty.
For me, I hate it, but I am sure some of the fatties love it.
There normally is a penalty and from that penalty the attacking team kicks for touch. From the lineout, the attackers take the ball in and surround the ball carrier and roll forward.
Often there are all the forwards are involved and at times some backs may join in. Theoretically you could have all 15 players in the maul. Like I said it is almost impossible to stop and can travel 20-25 metres at times.
In any other situation if you were in front of the ball carrier you would be off side, giving away a penalty. Imagine if the number 12 was passed the ball and numbers 9,10,11,14,15, all surrounded this player and rolled up the paddock.
Obviously a penalty would occur, but from a lineout the forwards can do this. I hate it and it spoils the game even more.
Most spectators want to see the ball passed and players, whether forwards or backs, use their speed, footwork, agility, and skill to beat another player. Try explaining to a non union follower what happens in a rolling maul.
Often the ball is obscured as the forwards rumble forward. When I was coaching I always encouraged minimal kicking of the ball, as few set pieces as possible ,and pass and play with speed. The players loved it and our spectators would always comment on how good it was to watch. We gambled sometimes and lost a few games, but we had fun, and to me that is what sport is all about. Having Fun.
I add, I recently watched the Women’s World Cup held in New Zealand and the Kiwi team, coached by Wayne Smith, played this quick catch and pass style game, while the English team took to rolling mauls, and set pieces. Very slow and boring to watch. Good on you Black Ferns and congratulations. I hope more teams follow you and this type of game.
Tomorrow I will give you my predictions for round one,2023 Super Rugby. Stay tuned and enjoy your footie.
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