THE maul is an almighty mess, and the “changes” introduced by World Rugby make it worse. The new reality is the five-metre lineout drive is becoming almost uncontestable. It is encouraging teams to endlessly kick for the corner from penalties because an attacking maul is now protected by referees as if it is an endangered species.
It is a blot on the game because it is a virtual guarantee of a try due to the legalised obstruction of a wedge of players in front of the carrier. You cannot tackle them or pull them over, and if you push against them, they shift and go round ...