FOR two weeks in a row, the outcome of a Six Nations match has been decided by a red card. I was present as a spectator at all four matches of the 1984 and 1990 Grand Slams, and they had Jim Telfer’s fast rucking game written all over them. Euan Kennedy’s try against England that year also came off quickly won ruck ball in which almost all the Scottish pack drove over the ball, and Peter Dods’ clinching penalty was conceded by England in face of a dark blue ruck. The 1990 Grand Slam team contained tremendously committed individuals and I think all of them were drilled to perfection in the rucking game. The problem with the rucking game nowadays is that just about everybody that gets involved in rucks is just so big, so muscular, that sheer bulk often dictates who wins rucks and for that matter mauls, scrums and lineouts as well.

Source: The Herald February 17, 2021 04:52 UTC