Enrique TOPO Rodriguez

Rugby - The Art of Scrummaging

A History, a Manual and a Law Dissertation on the Rugby Scrum

Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd.

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FIRST SECTION

Disclaimer

Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING (RTAOS) may serve as a scrummaging instructional guidelines document provided for general information. Information contained in RTAOS is provided without any warranty, and no guarantee is given in relation to the accuracy or currency of any information. Care has been taken in the formulation, preparation and presentation of this technical knowledge for the benefit of rugby followers and the general public, however, the author does not claim that RTAOS is an authority on the subject. RTAOS must not be used or relied upon as a substitute for professional supervision or professional advice, particularly in reference to sports medicine practices. Before undertaking any scrummaging training exercises or scrummaging programs, you should consider consulting a qualified fitness adviser or qualified rugby coach to ensure the activity or regime is suitable for you and is in accordance with the official guidelines of your country of residence.

In any case, it would be wise and strongly recommended to consult with your own doctor in case you have or may have developed a medical condition or are taking medication, or have any other concern that may interfere with your health.

We discourage anyone from undertaking any exercise or sporting program without appropriate professional or qualified supervision/advice. The author cannot be held responsible for any injuries, loss or damage which may occur as a result of following RTAOS or related activity.

The author is not responsible for any other published material referred to in RTAOS, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service referred to in RTAOS. Should you feel that any of the information contained in Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING is erroneous, incomplete or incorrect, we request you contact us as soon as possible to assist us in rectifying it.

Copyrights reserved

The contents of this document are protected by copyright law. Enrique Edgardo Rodriguez, (herein “the Author”) is entitled to all copyright and other intellectual property rights relating to and information from the teaching memorandum entitled Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING, Technical Manual for Scrum Coaches. It is hereby acknowledged that an Expert Collaborators’ Team has contributed to the contents of the document with the writing, editing, compiling, commenting, as well as providing opinions on the subject of the rugby union scrum. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that the “knowhow” and technical expertise conveyed in this document is of “universal property”. Nevertheless the theories, philosophies and arguments remain the property of the Author. Any reproduction whether electronic, mechanic or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, as well as any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the Author. Any queries and communication must be referred to the email address or post office box on previous page.

Acknowledgements

Crossing over to psychology in a book about scrummaging has raised a few eyebrows. However, I’ve always been a firm believer of mind over matter. Many thanks to Michael N. Fox, Steve D. Mellalieu, and Peter C. Terry for sharing your invaluable insights and helping rugby people to improve their scrummaging regardless of position or area of responsibility. The selfless contribution and artistry of my daughter, Victoria I. Rodriguez, that has made this book so much easier for everyone to read—whether neophytes, aficionados, or professionals—can never be underestimated. Thank you, Victoria.

The original version of The ART of SCRUMMAGING published in August 2012 could never have been undertaken without the professional expertise of my consultant and writer R.J.P. Marks, my editor Peter Fenton, OAM, and my coordinator R.V. Turnbull. All have a lifetime involvement in rugby and have provided their time and skills with the desire of improving the game that they value so much. The same applies to the many expert collaborators who, with their personal comments, have added invaluable insights to the final chapter.

My message to family and friends

I would like to give a special thank you to my father, Enrique Nuri Rodriguez, and my mother, Lidia Josefa Basi, not only for bringing me into this crazy world but also for never showing me the easy shortcuts of life.

Throughout the last 50 years or so I have gathered many friends, both in Argentina and Australia. I can’t begin naming you all because I may either unjustly forget some of you or even run out of space. Many have been guiding beacons to follow and others have been much cherished emotional company. Some, as mentioned throughout chapter 1 definitely have been and continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation in both good and bad times for me. Life after rugby has been a colourful rollercoaster ride at best, a bit rough, lean and disheartening at times, but definitely invigorating and worth sticking around for. Through good times and bad I’ve always received the support of sincere and generous friends. You know well who you are, and I am indebted to you forever!

I learned not so long ago that when I receive any form of help, I chain up my ego; I accept whatever help is offered; and I pay it forward and, if possible, increase it two-fold! I have learned that those three steps are a very important part of the universal circle of gratitude.

In a household of five siblings we were quite often told: “It has to be done” and “It is up to you.” We had to find our own way. A sense of responsibility was ever present in the air and any sense of indulgence or complacency seemed to have been stamped out (perhaps at birth). Although during our infancy and adolescence we rarely went without a meal or clothes, everything was measured and we had to endure several tough financial times.

Our family started in Concordia, Entre Rios (Argentina) with Liliana Maria, Enrique Edgardo, Silvina Iris, and Eugenio Daniel. Around 1960, we moved to Cordoba in Cordoba Province where Melisa Nuria was born completing the Rodriguez quintet.

A big thank you goes to all of you because each one contributed in different measures and areas in my formative years and to the development of this rare clan sense. We all had to pull together in order to get through, and so we did.

To my family and friends, and so to all of you, I extend my eternal gratitude from the bottom of my heart and I ask providence for the health to continue producing whatever I can produce; a good dose of perseverance to continue assisting people in whichever way possible.

Thank You!

Enrique TOPO Rodriguez

New life in Sydney

After arriving in Sydney in 1984 with my ex-wife Ines and children Victoria and Ignacio, the four of us practiced teamwork, helping each other at all times, and we made things work.

As immigrants, we had to make tremendous efforts to adjust to a new country with many new things and to demonstrate that we are worthy candidates for anything. And so we did! Victoria and Ignacio are two wonderful professionals, gainfully employed and contributing to this wonderful country. This was our number one reason for coming to Australia back in 1984!

And another new story begins

In 1982 in Cordoba I started to wonder about the pros and cons of playing a season or two in France. However, the conditions weren’t right for the four of us so we decided to wait until a better opportunity came. A year after, during the Argentine Pumas’ tour of Australia in the winter of 1983, I came to appreciate this country , its people, and its climate and saw the enormous potential for a growing family We soon decided it was a good time to move to Sydney just for a season or two as we never contemplated full migration. Thanks to Warringah RC I had the opportunity to play for them for seven years and our family lived happily in Newport, Mona Vale and Cromer. Contrary to popular belief, I came to Australia without a job, without a contract and without any money being paid to me to play! Those were very different times compared with today’s rugby.

We were very happy with our permanent resident visa status and the one-way ticket to Sydney both of which were organized by the club. Mind you it took us four full days to travel: Buenos Aires – Iguazu Falls – Rio de Janeiro – Miami – Los Angeles – Tokyo – Sydney. By the end of 1984 and having played eight tests with the Wallabies, my fate was more or less sealed with the Ockers.

My original reason for writing this book was always to share experiences and knowledge acquired as a player and coach and through time spent studying the scrummaging subject. This process has invariably involved the contribution of many teammates and coaches through the years. We must remember that scrummaging involves teamwork at its best, something which I am immensely grateful for and very proud of too.

Sharing the contents of Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING with other players, coaches and aficionados will also help me avoid taking these secrets to my grave. I sincerely hope that the collection of opinions expressed by this book will receive the full attention of the rugby world, and that they are accepted as a small contribution toward the big discussion currently taking place which aims to solve the global conundrum the scrum has faced for the past eight years. It is also my desire to become involved in an active semi-retirement capacity spreading the gospel where needed.

To my own family, even though circumstances changed through life, since our arrival to Australia, it is very important for me to acknowledge the part you all have played in my life and the realization of Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING, 17 years in the making.

The good oil by Peter Fenton OAM—INTRODUCTION by TOPO

Blokes’ bloke, rugby man extraordinaire, scrum and sports poet, editor, and collaborator, Peter ‘Fab’ Fenton has coached Parramatta R.C. (Sydney) to a First Grade premiership victory, as well as the Sydney representative team to wins over several international sides. In my 30 years in Australia I’ve been blessed with his friendship and companionship whether as a coach or even a luncheon companion and have shared many belly laughs over his jokes and anecdotes. Having him as an editor and advisor to Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING was a great asset and wonderful experience. His comments, opinions and insights have invariably thrown the proverbial light into quite a few tricky situations. Fab, my full gratitude to you.

One thing that is extremely clear to me is that a very large number of people have become progressively disenchanted with the modern scrum despite how much time is taken trying to perfect it. I am sure we all know avid supporters who feel this way along with those who no longer attend top level games as they once did. To deny this is folly. Yes, it is convenient to watch on a big flat screen with a bottle of red, but large TVs are not new, nor is red wine. The magic of being at the game, feeling the excitement created by a boisterous crowd, and being part of the ambience of a thrilling sporting contest is not as appealing as it was.

There are too many stoppages, too many occasions where the ball is not cleared and result in melee behind where it was set. There are too many collapsed scrums, too many penalties. Worst of all, however, there are too many penalties for reasons neither seen nor understood by the spectators. If you go to a motion picture and don’t understand the plot, an all-star cast will not save the film. This is what we have at scrum time in rugby matches continually around the world.

Positive, not negative, play should always be rewarded. The laws should encourage this. Remember a few seasons back when half backs constantly baulked to pass from the base of the scrum or ruck in order to get an offside penalty? How much better off did we become immediately when we decided to penalise the baulker? Now nobody baulks and the game goes on. I also believe the leniency given defending half backs while harassing the opposite number has increased alarmingly. Defending half backs are literally climbing into the opposing pack.

TOPO’s insistence that a positive attitude from players themselves is essential and must be encouraged by coaches is spot on. Of course this positive play should be legal. Allowing crooked feeds because they allow the game to flow is a cop-out that leads to more problems as so many point out. One thing often mentioned is that the art of hooking has been lost. How could you disagree with that?

If the ball was thrown along the middle line and the defending team had a chance of snaring the occasional tight head, it would soon reappear and a natural depowering of the scrum would come with it. One astute contributor suggests the hooker should now be termed the thrower as he does actually throw in and no longer hooks. Promises made that referees would clamp down on crooked scrum feeds during the recent World Cup did not eventuate.

The fact that collaborators share differing views adds considerably to this book’s merit. There are many possibilities in tactics and techniques that are dependent on the level of competition, together with the physical makeup and capabilities of the players and adventurous coaches.

Where do we go from here? Hopefully neither lawmakers nor referees will misunderstand the purpose of this book. Mind you, since referees have had so much input into the scrum there have never been so many problems. England and British and Irish Lions captain Martin Johnson’s comment after a recent Six Nations game cannot be ignored: “What we had at Murrayfield was a game of rugby trying to break out between scrums.” If this quote had come from David Campese we might have understood his frustration, but not from Johnson.

Both the writers and collaborators agree the players must be given, and must take, more responsibility for the safe setting of the scrum. Yes, safety is paramount, a fact realised and fully appreciated by the writers. Yet the groundswell of opinion doubting the safety of crouch-touch-pause-engage is so strong that it surely cannot be dismissed out of hand. If this much maligned engagement sequence is not making things safer, it is impossible to understand why it has any value at all.

The scrum is recognised by many as the single most important part of the game. It sets the scene for so much that follows. Without it there is no rugby as we know it, and there is a real fear that some are in favour of its elimination. We must treasure it, respect it, practise it and fix it. I was asked to write some simple verse to open this book and another one at the end. In this book version you have both together. Enjoy it!

FOREWORD

By Phil Keith-Roach

Congratulations TOPO, another masterpiece to follow your original version of The Art of Scrummaging (published 2012).

Whether for players, coaches, referees, spectators, or law makers, your work gives a special insight into the world of the scrummager.

TOPO was an outstanding Argentine/Australian loose head prop who has also played the other two positions in the front row. In this book he not only covers techniques, scrummaging styles, and preparation but he also gives some significant suggestions and recommendations as to where the law makers could go next, should the ongoing dissatisfaction with the elite scrum continue through the Rugby World Cup 2015. In his 40-year career as prop, coach, and now author TOPO has never lost his focus on: i) organized and disciplined scrummaging; and ii) professional preparation, which is so vital these days.

Our paths crossed a few times in our rugby careers; in 1978 he was part of the Argentine Pumas team that played London Division at Twickenham. Then, after immigrating to Australia with his family in 1984, TOPO was selected for the 8th Wallabies who toured the UK and Ireland. It was then that Coach Alan Jones opted to trial our Rhino Powerhouse scrum machine for the duration of the tour. We followed their 18 match Grand Slam tour to every training venue with the giant roller machine. And the Australian success at scrum time proved to be the bedrock of their unparalleled playing achievement.

TOPO was already a renowned international scrummager prior to his arrival in Australia with unique inside knowledge of the famous Argentine coordinated shove system tradition, equivalent to the 8 men shove also known as ‘la bajadita’ (Spanish for lowering the scrum). With his experience, age, and wisdom he quickly became the natural leader of an otherwise youthful Wallaby scrum which developed into perhaps the most efficient and powerful unit the Australians have ever fielded. Moreover, this forward domination greatly helped their very talented backline which enjoyed front-foot-possession most of the time, thus allowing them to display their brilliance as we got to see then.

TOPO brought timing and discipline to this particular band of men particularly in the scrum. His efforts paid off and how fortunate we are he’s still here today dispensing his invaluable words of wisdom in his latest publication. Maybe this time World Rugby and the ARU will take note.

PROLOGUE by Ray Williams, OBE

The famous front row for Pontypool and Wales in the 1970s (left to right) Graham Price, Bobby Windsor, Charly Faulkner and Ray Williams providing key instructions, 1976.

It was Dick Marks, the former and first director of coaching of the Australian Rugby Union and a long-time friend of mine who told me that a paper was being prepared in Australia on scrummaging subsequently to be delivered to World Rugby for scrutiny and possible law changes. He asked whether I would be interested in making a contribution or at least casting an eye over the paper and offering some observations. Initially I was somewhat sceptical because over the past decade the Wallabies, despite their success, have not been renowned for their scrummaging, and in view of this I wondered how much credibility such a paper would have.

Then I became aware of some of the people involved in this exercise: Enrique TOPO Rodriguez (a prop for Argentina and Australia), Dick Marks (Australian centre and serious student of the game), Ross Turnbull (former International Rugby Football Board member and Wallaby prop). My scepticism disappeared! I well remember the 1984 Wallaby XV, of which TOPO was a much-valued member, scoring a push-over try against Wales—something that had never been done before, at least not in my memory! Eventually I received a copy of TOPO’s monumental piece. Let me state that this is the most in-depth study of the scrum that I have ever read and I congratulate those responsible for its production. It will provide an authoritative discussion paper when the laws are reviewed after the 2011 Rugby World Cup. I wondered how best I could make a contribution to the Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING and then I realised that the words philosophy and attitude figure strongly in the text. I felt, therefore, that it might be more productive if I set out some general principles rather than being specific by discussing mechanics or foot positioning, as there are others who have operated at the coal-face and are far better qualified than I to comment in this regard.

Rugby consists of a series of contests of which the scrum is one. What is my scrum philosophy? I am going to quote from my book Skillful Rugby (1976): “The scrum is the most important single platform in the game. It makes such physical demands that it affects one’s ability in the lines-out, in the rucks and mauls, in supporting attacks and in covering in defence. In other words it affects a team’s overall performance.” I now use another quote from the same source: “Attitude as in all facets of the game looms large! Players must believe that good scrummaging is important. They must be prepared to scrummage for the whole game. Many packs begin a game with a rush of enthusiasm and scrummage well for the first 20 minutes, then they lose their concentration and the will to dominate. This is precisely where the side with the right attitude developed through concentrated practice can reap the benefit.”

I still believe that what I wrote all those years ago is pertinent today which, in a sense, brings me to the current situation. The perception of most followers of the game is that the modern scrum is a shambles, a view that is strengthened by the number of times the scrum has to be reset. Furthermore, when the ball is put in, it is rarely straight and, even worse, referees allow it. My opinion is that the scrum has become over-regulated and consequently over-refereed. There is an urgent need to get back to a situation where players themselves take a more active part in self-regulating the formation and take control of the scrum. At the moment the referee often insists on players adopting positions which are uncomfortable and sometimes downright dangerous; so many of them try to manage situations that they do not understand. Much more attention must be paid in referees’ courses to understanding the mechanics of the scrum and not merely learning the laws that govern it.

As to the crooked feed, I find it difficult to appreciate how World Rugby can issue an edict that says referees must insist the ball be put in straight and penalize the player responsible if it is not, when it is so plainly ignored. If the ball were put in straight it would restore the partnership between the scrum-half and the hooker, a relationship that I regard as just as important as that between the thrower in at the lineout and the jumper. I realise that I have not really said anything new in my comments, but this is because Rugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGING is so comprehensive that it is difficult to think of an area that has not been covered in some detail.

However, maybe my thoughts will strengthen those that TOPO and his colleagues have so expertly expressed. The scrum is a unique feature of rugby and if the treatise contributes to this continued position it will have served its purpose well.

Career CV

TOPO’s Tribute to Ray Williams, OBE

Since 1976 I have heard many stories about your deeds and achievements with the Welsh Scrum and your connection with Carlos “Veco” Villegas. You both spoke similar language when it came to scrums and rugby. In 2011 I got to know first-hand that you were a very special rugby man. Unfortunately during 2014 your health started to decline and around December we lost you. I’m forever indebted to you for your support and encouragement to continue writingRugby—The ART of SCRUMMAGINGno matter what. Your contribution to rugby, sense of justice and contagious joie de vivre are worth remembering and imitating. VALE Boyo Ray!

THE ASSIGNMENT

The object of this exercise is simply to make the scrum a safer part of the rugby game. It will be argued that the current approach has already made an improvement in this area, but it can be made even safer with a number of highly significant collateral benefits.

In recent Super 15 games we have seen scrums collapse with multiple resets following. In the major Australian local derby between New South Wales and Queensland we had five resets for one scrum, and in another game involving Waikato one scrum took seven minutes before it was resolved with a penalty try. With so many collapses this cannot be safe and if it continues, there will be a very serious injury at the highest level.

This book is dedicated to finding a solution to the problem. The basis of the safety factor lies in the theme of togetherness and tightness.

In the scrum the safety of the individual is in the collective eight providing that protection. If they are tight and pushing in the right direction, no one player is left exposed and vulnerable to potentially damaging forces. The ancillary benefits are in the production of a spectacle free of such annoying stoppages. The celebrated Lions and Rugby World Cup winning captain, Martin Johnson said some time ago: “What we had at Murrayfield was a game of rugby trying to break out in between scrums.” “The game was brought to a standstill and decided by the scrum and its interpretations.”

This situation can do only harm to the game and our efforts are directed at rectifying this as well. After looking at the YouTube video ‘Modern Rugby Scrum’ taken from a 2011 Super 15 match, most rugby enthusiasts would regard this sequence as an all too familiar sight and one that is blight on the game.

For the last four years we have witnessed these complications with the poor execution and at times incomplete scrums. And they have been too many and too often. It is generally agreed that SAFETY is a priority No 1 for all involved. Furthermore, the reduction of wasted TIME should be priority No 2. Because any long winded engagement sequence increases player fatigue and loss of concentration. This invariably generates additional risks and spectator dissatisfaction. Thus, let's aim for more CONTINUITY of proceedings (as opposed to a plodding stop-start).

The former Argentinean and Australian great front rower, Enrique TOPO Rodríguez delves into the problem and lays down his ideas in this book. By no means does he claim to provide any definitive solutions, intending rather to start a discussion with his peers and other informed experts on the scrum. The most important part of the assignment is for them to build on TOPO’s work for the purpose of producing a collective view on ways to improve the rugby scrum. (Peter 'Fab' Fenton)

To preserve its identity the scrum needs to be retained in the form of a robust contest. There are so many infringements proscribed in the scrum law that compliance is very difficult and penalties can be applied at will. It is the belief of the author that many problems in this area can be overcome with the application of a proactivity which allows a scrum to be executed successfully through legal means.

He promotes the idea that you can be successful in scrummaging by entering the contests with a positive attitude. A negative attitude is going in to cheat. A positive attitude is to go in so the opposition can’t cheat. Part of the assignment is to promote the latter.

INTRODUCTION

Problem solving has always been an important factor in good scrummaging. How do you deal with an effective opposition tactic? I always enjoyed helping to devise successful counters in an individual scrum, but I now face the much bigger problem of solving the challenge we face today. We now have difficulty, not with an opposition scrum tactic, but with the scrum itself and its once revered place in the game.

Some might suggest that the scrum has an ailment, but the illness is of a more serious nature, and I think malady is a more accurate description. It is collapsing in more than one sense. I never tried to effect individual scrum cures on my own, and in tackling this issue I shall be co-opting expertise from others who share my concern. I do not mind taking the lead, however, and my process involves setting out the factors and the mechanics of a safe, effective scrum, and then opening a strong discussion on what might be the cause of the illness. After that my peers will become involved, but at the end of it all I am sure coaches will have a better idea of sound scrummaging technique and that the cause of the collapsing will be found. This should then lead to a self-evident cure.

My first writings weren’t put down with this in mind but the scrummaging events of recent years have expanded my focus and determination. I started writing in 1997 and over the last 18 years I’ve updated my work several times in the hope of attracting the attention of a sponsor, or someone who would be interested in disseminating material that would assist coaches, players, referees and other interested people in further educating themselves on scrummaging. I am still very keen to publish it to all the rugby playing nations. This time, however, I’m doing some things differently!

I’d love to combine my knowledge and experience with that of other ex-international front-rowers and coaches to make it more relevant, topical and wide ranging. I achieved success my way but others accomplished their goals with different techniques and approaches. The fact is that the scrum is a human machine that can be tuned in a number of ways, just like a car engine. The mechanical principles are the same, but the assembly of the parts has its own nuances, and I want this work to include them all.

I want this to be a scrum manual for all, for those at the highest level, for those at the base of the pyramid and for all those frustrated supporters of the game who for too long have had to put up with the painful and boring sight of collapsed and reset scrums. I also want it to help referees who have been put in the invidious position of having to manage and to adjudicate on something they don’t know much about. After they read this they may help me in my campaign to bring about change to their situation. This rather ambitious scrum manual contains personal insights, philosophical views and specific technical information collected through many years of playing and coaching experience, but it is also greatly enhanced by the contributions of experts who have done it all before. In a nutshell it contains a complete overview of all the fundamental aspects of the rugby union scrum.

It is ambitious in the sense that it is meant to provide not only an instructional reference, but also to become an instrument for further progress. You can’t have a good scrum under the current laws and the way that they are applied. It is my intention, therefore, that this paper will play its part in a changing of the scrum law that makes compliance possible, that removes any incentive to collapse, that recognizes the competitiveness of the contest and that partially reduces the involvement of the referee.

With that in mind this treatise will deal with the history of the scrum, the technical aspects of it and the surrounding issues, and conclude with a philosophical approach to the laws and some ideas on how they might be improved.

This last section contains some strong comments from me concerning necessary changes, but there are equally robust recommendations from my scrummaging colleagues. Whatever form the post-2011 Rugby World Cup scrum review takes, I would hope its scope is wide enough to consider all the ideas in this book. I venture to say that there aren’t many proposals that haven’t been canvassed in later chapters.

I hope this information helps to achieve one more thing, and that is to restore the integrity of the scrum. It is plainly wrong that it has been allowed to fall into its current state of disrepute. The importance of the scrum is encapsulated under the following headings:

UNIQUE. No other sport contains this sort of contest.

DIVERSITY OF SKILLS AND PHYSIQUES. The front-rowers, hookers, second-rowers, number eights, blindside flankers and open side flankers have special physical and mental attributes and tend to be shaped differently. Reduce the influence of scrummaging in the game and many of those players would suffer selection consequences. In junior and schools rugby we already see coaches picking flankers instead of props to achieve more speed to the breakdown.

ATTACKING PLATFORM. This is the one occasion where all forwards are forced to assemble and to leave the backs in a one-on-one situation which is conducive to open, innovative and clever combinational work. Furthermore, the method of delivery from the scrum itself can enhance the options of the backlines.