Ulster v Saints Fri Dec 17th 8pm KO BT Sport 2

[BR]

Why would it reduce it to a procession?

[StandUp]

Also I don’t think clearing out a ruck is illegal if the cleaner is pre-bound to the ruck. I might be wrong (there’s always a first for everything)

[StandUp]

Challenging a ruck (and slowing offensive teams ball) is one of the vital facets of defence. If defences cannot challenge at a ruck, then it’ll be like American football where the team in possession slowly makes their way down the pitch.

[BR]

I'm all for challenging rucks (as you say, I love to see a good counter-ruck), but clearing out is not rucking. It is removing opposition players from the ruck. And defences will be able to challenge rucks better, if the attacking team is stopped from clearing them out.

[StandUp]

I'm all for challenging rucks (as you say, I love to see a good counter-ruck), but clearing out is not rucking. It is removing opposition players from the ruck. And defences will be able to challenge rucks better, if the attacking team is stopped from clearing them out.

So only defending teams can challenge?
Apologies, I have had a little of the Christmas spirit, and I’m a little non compos, but both teams can ruck or clear out.
https://www.laws.worldrugby.org/?law=15&language=EN
Law 15.10
I don’t see what is illegal

[BR]

Both teams challenge. It's a ruck, so that is almost in the definition. In fact, in terms of the ruck itself, there is no attacking or defending team.

But challenging means rucking (i.e. competing for the ball); not removing opposition players from the contest.

I would say that many of what we call clear-outs would fall foul of either:
15.12 Players must endeavour to remain on their feet throughout the ruck.

and/or

15.16.b [Players must not] Intentionally collapse a ruck or jump on top of it.

were those laws to be applied.

[StandUp]

But if a ruck is formed, you cannot challenge unless you clear out

[jean valjean]

Both teams challenge. It's a ruck, so that is almost in the definition. In fact, in terms of the ruck itself, there is no attacking or defending team.

But challenging means rucking (i.e. competing for the ball); not removing opposition players from the contest.

I would say that many of what we call clear-outs would fall foul of either:
15.12 Players must endeavour to remain on their feet throughout the ruck.

and/or

15.16.b [Players must not] Intentionally collapse a ruck or jump on top of it.

were those laws to be applied.

15.16 was just used in the munster game, kleyn came through a ruck and pulled a player to ground. Outcome penalty kick.

[BR]

But if a ruck is formed, you cannot challenge unless you clear out

I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing when we say 'clear-out'

[StandUp]

At this point after a match, no one (other than rumn) has mentioned the referee.
He might not have massive experience in European games, but I thought he was fairly good.
Maybe we only sleg the refs when we lose

[UlsterNo9]

At this point after a match, no one (other than rumn) has mentioned the referee.
He might not have massive experience in European games, but I thought he was fairly good.
Maybe we only sleg the refs when we lose

Billy Burns has not been mentioned either, that must make him Man, Person, Star of the match in my book.

His deft hands for Herrings opener were beautiful.

[justinr73]

I thought his arm only pointed one way as they tended to get the pens in the first half and vice versa.

Sometimes tricky to see what’s going on from the far corner of the East Terrace.

[StandUp]

According to O’Driscoll, he is just a link man between Cooney, who runs the show, and the very talented centres.
Maybe he is just using his anti Ulster bias to undermine our half backs

[damianmcr]

According to O’Driscoll, he is just a link man between Cooney, who runs the show, and the very talented centres.
Maybe he is just using his anti Ulster bias to undermine our half backs

Enjoyed Dan slapping BOD down about the penalty try.

[Neill_M]

BOD will always have a thing re Ulster #bitter.