Former referee Owen Doyle, once in charge of the IRFU, has criticized World Rugby's recent law trials, particularly in the lineout. He argues that the trial's flaws have become apparent, necessitating a reevaluation. The issue lies in the lineout's structure, where the throwing team's actions post-throw lead to more mauling instead of swift play. Doyle suggests that the trial could be halted to maintain the lineout's intended purpose as a structured contest for possession. He also addresses the shot clock, which was introduced to speed up the game but is often at the referee's discretion. Doyle believes that stricter enforcement of the shot clock is necessary to ensure the game's pace. These concerns come as the Springboks emerge as a significant threat to World Rugby, with Doyle aligning with Rassie Erasmus' views on the matter. The article invites readers to engage in the discussion, highlighting the potential for differing opinions and the importance of addressing these issues to improve the game.
