Oracle of Delphi3 very SCRUMptious Words...
February 15th 2007 06:41
Crouch. Hold. Engage.
....and if I was ever asked to do this...if I ever heard these words, from just above me...I swear, I would just explode.
I am talking about my dream of being a Forward, a Front Rower, a Prop....with the Referee standing above and to the side of the Forward pack and by "explode" I mean the ferocity of the springing up from the Crouch and Hold position and slamming in to Engage.
You knew that right?...I mean...you couldn't possibly have misconstrued the subtext now, could you?
....
I have gathered that the SCRUM is a point of mystery and much confusion to non-Rugby folk. It's okay.
Non rugby folk are just as mysterious and confusing to me...
I will try to keep this fairly straight and to the point but....I'm bi-textual...I could never be totally straight...
What is a Scrum?
A scrum is a way of restarting the game safely and fairly after an accidental infringement such as
1. a knock-on (where a player drops the ball forwards because he's got sweaty palms or has had contact with a French players hair)...or...
2. a forward pass (the rule being that the ball must be passed backwards whilst traveling forward. That's progress. Passing the ruck...)
It's also awarded to the passing or kicking team if the ball hits a referee.
Most times this is done on purpose because the Refs are trained at the Helen Keller School of Refereeing...
How is a Scrum formed?
A scrum is formed by the eight Forwards from each team binding together in three rows.
The front row, consisting of the two props (the handsomest, the most brilliant, the bravest men on the field...unless Larkham is there...but only because my husband no longer plays) and the hooker (the meat between the prop sandwich), 'prop' the scrum up and 'hook' the ball so it can get back to the scrum half (#9) or number 8.
The two locks in the second row provide the power to push the scrum forward and the two flankers (blindside and openside) and number 8 are loosely bound, so they can support the backs when the ball gets out as fast as possible.
In other words, the flankers have to be ready to bail out the backs when they’ve been flattened by the opposing Forwards.
Sometimes, all eight Forwards will be called upon to drive when near the goal-line.
No, this doesn't mean they all pile in to a truck and go vroom.
By drive, I mean, they push the opponent's scrum over the goal-line and score what is known as a "pushover try."
And yes, the ball does have to be involved.
What's With The 'Crouch. Hold. Engage.'?
The two packs of forwards Engage with each other so that their heads are interlocked with those of the other side's front row.
The 'ugh' of the Engage clash is the gruntiest most powerful sound known to rugbykind.
Before they Engage...they have to Crouch. And they have to Hold.
To get an idea what this feels like, please stand, squat, bend from the hips and stay. Oh and please strap about 800kgs to your back...and then resist being pushed over by a herd of elephants.
The scrum half from the team that did not infringe (aka the team that didn't get caught hurling the ball at the Ref) stands on his team's loosehead (#1) side and throws the ball into the tunnel between the two front rows.
The hookers compete for possession by 'hooking' the ball backwards with their feet, while each pack tries to push the opposing pack backwards to make gaining possession of the ball easier.
So contrary to ignorant belief...they don't have their heads up each others butt and they're not pushing nowhere fast.
The side that wins possession usually transfers the ball to the back of the scrum, where it is picked up either by the number 8, or by the scrum half (#9)....who then can pass the ball to the backs or run the ball at the opposing team. Normal play then resumes.
And Larkham weaves his magic...
Unless an idiot Back decides to kick it and the Forwards have to do it all over again.
Much to their delight.
A NewError Era...
I intend to write a post about this 'safety implementation' because I don't entirely agree with it.
Yes, this is ignorant arrogance on my part because the only time I have crouched, held and engaged is when I'm leaning down to look at a sale item on a lower rack...
For now, it's enough that you may sense the disdain scattered amongst the description.
A new rule has been introduced in 2007 regarding rugby union scrums where the referee now gives 4 commands instead of 3.
As if 3 wasn't already a cowed.
The old command of "Crouch. Hold. Engage" has been replaced by....scrum roll please.... "Crouch. Touch. Pause. Engage."
This is an Under19 (and under and over Under12...) rule that has now been implemented to make boys out of men.
This rule has always been in play with juniors because they do not have the neck, shoulder and back strength to sustain the clash of Engage.
...and I'm done and that's a SCRUM.
Some information here has been taken from Wikipedia because;
a) I am pressed for time
b) I'm kinda lazy
c) that what our pal Wiki is for.
....and if I was ever asked to do this...if I ever heard these words, from just above me...I swear, I would just explode.
I am talking about my dream of being a Forward, a Front Rower, a Prop....with the Referee standing above and to the side of the Forward pack and by "explode" I mean the ferocity of the springing up from the Crouch and Hold position and slamming in to Engage.
You knew that right?...I mean...you couldn't possibly have misconstrued the subtext now, could you?
....
I have gathered that the SCRUM is a point of mystery and much confusion to non-Rugby folk. It's okay.
I will try to keep this fairly straight and to the point but....I'm bi-textual...I could never be totally straight...
What is a Scrum?
This is a Scrum
where's that pesky prolate spheroid? The All Blacks v England...a Helen Keller pupil eyeballs the action... (image courtesy of Wikipedia)
A scrum is a way of restarting the game safely and fairly after an accidental infringement such as
1. a knock-on (where a player drops the ball forwards because he's got sweaty palms or has had contact with a French players hair)...or...
It's also awarded to the passing or kicking team if the ball hits a referee.
Most times this is done on purpose because the Refs are trained at the Helen Keller School of Refereeing...
How is a Scrum formed?
A scrum is formed by the eight Forwards from each team binding together in three rows.
The front row, consisting of the two props (the handsomest, the most brilliant, the bravest men on the field...unless Larkham is there...but only because my husband no longer plays) and the hooker (the meat between the prop sandwich), 'prop' the scrum up and 'hook' the ball so it can get back to the scrum half (#9) or number 8.
The two locks in the second row provide the power to push the scrum forward and the two flankers (blindside and openside) and number 8 are loosely bound, so they can support the backs when the ball gets out as fast as possible.
In other words, the flankers have to be ready to bail out the backs when they’ve been flattened by the opposing Forwards.
Sometimes, all eight Forwards will be called upon to drive when near the goal-line.
No, this doesn't mean they all pile in to a truck and go vroom.
By drive, I mean, they push the opponent's scrum over the goal-line and score what is known as a "pushover try."
And yes, the ball does have to be involved.
What's With The 'Crouch. Hold. Engage.'?
The two packs of forwards Engage with each other so that their heads are interlocked with those of the other side's front row.
The 'ugh' of the Engage clash is the gruntiest most powerful sound known to rugbykind.
Before they Engage...they have to Crouch. And they have to Hold.
To get an idea what this feels like, please stand, squat, bend from the hips and stay. Oh and please strap about 800kgs to your back...and then resist being pushed over by a herd of elephants.
The scrum half from the team that did not infringe (aka the team that didn't get caught hurling the ball at the Ref) stands on his team's loosehead (#1) side and throws the ball into the tunnel between the two front rows.
The hookers compete for possession by 'hooking' the ball backwards with their feet, while each pack tries to push the opposing pack backwards to make gaining possession of the ball easier.
So contrary to ignorant belief...they don't have their heads up each others butt and they're not pushing nowhere fast.
The side that wins possession usually transfers the ball to the back of the scrum, where it is picked up either by the number 8, or by the scrum half (#9)....who then can pass the ball to the backs or run the ball at the opposing team. Normal play then resumes.
And Larkham weaves his magic...
Unless an idiot Back decides to kick it and the Forwards have to do it all over again.
Much to their delight.
A New
I intend to write a post about this 'safety implementation' because I don't entirely agree with it.
Yes, this is ignorant arrogance on my part because the only time I have crouched, held and engaged is when I'm leaning down to look at a sale item on a lower rack...
For now, it's enough that you may sense the disdain scattered amongst the description.
A new rule has been introduced in 2007 regarding rugby union scrums where the referee now gives 4 commands instead of 3.
As if 3 wasn't already a cowed.
The old command of "Crouch. Hold. Engage" has been replaced by....scrum roll please.... "Crouch. Touch. Pause. Engage."
This is an Under19 (and under and over Under12...) rule that has now been implemented to make boys out of men.
This rule has always been in play with juniors because they do not have the neck, shoulder and back strength to sustain the clash of Engage.
Front rows now cannot engage with their head and shoulders lower than their hips in a bid to stop collapsed scrums.
Another key difference to the current sequence is that the two props have to touch their opposition number's shoulder.
The new rule was brought in because of the injuries which the props faced to their necks and spinal when they engaged in a scrum.
Another key difference to the current sequence is that the two props have to touch their opposition number's shoulder.
The new rule was brought in because of the injuries which the props faced to their necks and spinal when they engaged in a scrum.
...and I'm done and that's a SCRUM.
Some information here has been taken from Wikipedia because;
a) I am pressed for time
b) I'm kinda lazy
c) that what our pal Wiki is for.
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Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
what, no mention of the cauliflower ears?
When they do that in broken play is that called a maul or a roll? or something else.
How's the scrum in league? Gentlemen, please. It's extraordinary that they even bother with it.
Run and pass behind.
Norm.
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
*lol* informative as ever
Comment by Nina
Nina
Comment by David
Seriously ... ? ...
Lines like this?:
or has had contact with a French players hair.
And this?:
Most times this is done on purpose because the Refs are trained at the Helen Keller School of Refereeing...
Can I get back to you when I finish wetting myself laughing enough to finish reading the Post? ...
Because even as a non-Rugby person ... there are certain aspects of all codes that share a commonality .. from the supporters' / spectators' point of view, or perspective ... And, refs/umpires? ... They certainly fit into that category ... In Aussie Rules? We call umpires rabbits ... They used to be white rabbits until the AFL (sorry to mention that term *) ... brought in the fluorescent multi-coloured uniforms ...Batik Rabbits? ... *
But I do have to write this much before I go ... I honestly enjoy the instructional and educational value of your Rugby Posts ... And am honestly looking forward to the World Cup this year ...
I'll big note myself in front of my Aussie Rules mates ... I'll say things like ... "Mate, let me just educate you on the rules of this game okay?" ... And guess what will happen? They'll tell me to piss off or shut up ... * Or pour a beer down the front of my pants ... more than likely ...
David ...
Oh, and the subtext stuff? ... I've got no idea what that's about ...
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
A scrum is to league what a straight line is to a circle...all for nought.
Have you noticed that the 'forwards' from the league of ordinary fragilemen never 'crossover'?
A league forward is on the same level as an U19 3nd grade reserve fullback...will only ever see a scrum from afar.
Eek...I forgot about the Rolling Maul.
Sigh...I still have many posts to go...but just quickly..
A Maul forms when a player carrying the ball is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier's teammates 'bind' on the ball carrier....not to protect the player mind you..to protect the ball.
Once the Maul has formed, other players may join in but they cannot be 'offside' as in they have to be behind the ball.
A Rolling Maul happens when once the Maul is formed, the ball gets passed backwards through the players hands (who are driving forward....because Rugby is about the Forward motion) until it eventually reaches the one at the back.
A Rolling Maul is really a Moving Scrum.
Hate to admit this but the cough cough...choke... English...gasp...are masters at this tactic.
Hope you are well ParaNORMal.
Dusk
Nope.
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Good to see you and glad to hear it's clearing up now.
It's very hard to hold up a scrum in the mud...
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
That is a huge compliment.
Thank you.
...and I am completely
shockedthrilled that my slightly left off centre somewhere to the right explanations actually make sense!!Hope you are well Ninabelle.
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
So...you wouldn't describe my brand of humour as 'dry'?
I thought I had made it quite clear my attitude re AFL.
Well...okay...forget about everything else I have said ("GayFL", "aerial ping pong", etc).
This year...I...deep breath...will...oh God...try to watch... I'm choking... an AFL game or two... aaarrrggghhh...
Figure if you like it, there's got to be some merit to it...
AFluoro Rabbits?
And...I remember reading...a while ago...a series of posts on life in a sporting town...okay it wasn't Rugby but as you say, there are certain aspects of all codes that are similar...hmm...where did I read this...these excerpts from a book...an incredible book... beyond the boundaries of brilliance...twas a Joy...an odyssey of words...
Your mates?...they'll be buying you drinks...
Dusk
Oh...and the subtext stuff...of course you would have no idea...knowledge maybe...
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I was trying to work out what the 3 Scrumptious Words were.....as Stephen Larkham is obviously only two words!
hehehe, that's just funny...
Excellent post. I think that's possibly the best explaination of why there is a scrum and how it's done that I've heard. You'll make rugby genius' of us in no time!
Kylie
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Well...Stephen sigh Larkham....that's 3 words...but I'm pulling back on the mentions.
The whole 'God-that-man-is-beautiful-gr rr' thing is reaching its abuse-by date.... then again...
And wow...Kylie...thank you.
But...you already belong to WoMensa...
Hope you're well KW
Dusk
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
A completely Scrum-diddly-icious, most engaging, post, which held my attention, and even made me laugh... (not that you don't much of the time, because truly your wit is unparalelled), it's just that this is not a subject I have fully understood. However, like Nina, and others, I think that that is changing and I may actually be developing an appreciation of these et-tu brut(ays), as they run around during the World Cup. I might even watch a SCRUM, now that I understand 'what' they are crouching for... *lol*
Most times this is done on purpose because the Refs are trained at the Helen Keller School of Refereeing...
*giggling* I understand that and think there should be more of it! *rofl*
I would still love to know who actually thought up the whole idea of a scrum (in a linear historical-kind-of way?). It is such an interesting concept and must imitate an aspect of life ... I will do some some historical digging and see what I can find?
Thanks again for an 'engaging' read, my Border-COM-padre.
Lilla ...
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Scrum comes from....
I will need to write about the History of Rugby because the game has been around since the dawn of...um... sport.
Sort of.
Okay not really.
But it is old.
I do know that the rules of the scrum have changed a lot and continue to change.
I'm quite blown away by this LL...
I too need to do some research and you've given me something to ponder.
From my viewpoint the point of the scrum is to protect the ball and win possesion of it by pushing the opposition players away from it.
The whole point of the game is to score and in order to score, you need that damn pesky prolate spheroid ball...and the team with the ball...the team that can keep the ball...the team with most possesion usually scores the most.
The life imitating aspect...well...it's the hunter instinct...the warrior path.
Protect that which is the point.
Or something like that.
Thanks Lilla....I'm happy you enjoyed it and I'm over the moon (lunar-tic!) that I may be sharing my enthusiasm enough to make you interested in watching the Game.
Understanding leads to awareness resulting in enjoyment.
Or something like that.
Lovely to see you Lovely Lilla...we'll do the Chai and cross the Borders one day...
Dusk
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
thanks for this article. All of it.
I played as a winger (I could run, dodge and catch and I'm not big and meaty enough for the forwards) and so my use in these actions was SEVERELY limited.
I can remember watching the guys go down for this and thinking "bloody hell that looks like fun."
JZ
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Where have you been my friend?
Flying like the wind down the line...a winger huh?
Damn JZ...you are so private!
It is only recently you have let on that you have played Rugby and we've been Orble buddies for a while.
Be well JZ...
Dusk
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
I'd thought I'd mentioned it before.....
Whoops.
I also played league but I have to be honest, union is the better game.
Been really well Dusk, but I have far too much that I have put on my plate and I lack the option to get rid of any of it.
Glad to see that you are still you only more so. In a good way.
JZ
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
giggle
Nah....they discuss recipes and how the family is, etc...
!!
Seriously....they don't say very nice things to each other, just to psyche themselves up for the Engage...800kgs against 800kgs...well it takes a different mindset altogether to be able to slam and push and ignore the pain.
Yeah, I speak from experience.
!....oh hi Elvis...that's a nice pig you're flying on today...
My husband (he played prop #1) used to play regularly against this guy (who played #3 prop) for years and the things they said to each other...how they are close friends to this day is beyond me...I alternate between gasps of horror and hysterical laughter when they tell me what they used to say to each other!
Hope you're having a lovely weekend T.
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Nope. Nary a mention.
Josh, there are many many reasons why I think you are fabulous...am now adding this to the list!!
Thinking of you buddy, I hope you manage to clear your plate...one tomato at a time...and I hope that ultimately, everything is for the best...for you...
Dusk.
always me.