On the Rugby Unity podcast, alongside former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and ex-Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, Kitshoff shared insights from ongoing discussions with players and referees which convinced him of the need for a rule change. Recalling conversations with fellow Springboks, he pointed out the awkwardness the law introduces.
"Speaking often to Malcolm [Marx] and the hookers at the Springboks, they’re putting themselves in such an uncomfortable position by keeping the brake foot forward. They just can’t get into that snap, they can’t get into a good scrummaging position."
Kitshoff added that while the brake foot regulation was initially meant to safeguard players by controlling scrum distance and reducing excessive forward lean, it might be overstepping in terms of practical application during intense match moments.
Steve Hansen echoed Kitshoff’s concerns, highlighting the physical toll on players forced to adhere to this regulation. He emphasized the risk of injury due to unnatural scrummaging positions enforced by the law.
"With keeping your heel on the ground, you’ve got to come up and over yourself and people just can’t do it," Hansen noted. "Marx has got a sore neck. I know Codie Taylor’s got a sore neck. They’re two of the best hookers in the world and we’re risking them getting injured."
Ewen McKenzie criticized the law for contradicting the fundamental body mechanics of scrummaging, arguing for a return to more natural stances that enhance player performance and safety.
"When you’re scrummaging, it’s unnatural to have your foot flat. You’re going to be on your toes," McKenzie argued. "They need to go back [to how it was] and stop focusing on things that are not physically possible."
In conversations with rugby's governing body, prominent figures from southern and northern hemisphere teams have advocated for amendments to this law, underlining its impracticality and safety concerns. This collective feedback highlights a critical consensus that could prompt a reevaluation of scrum regulations to prevent serious injuries and maintain the integrity of the game.
The persistent dialogue among some of rugby's most knowledgeable figures underscores a vital aspect of sports regulation: the necessity for laws that not only aim to protect players but also respect the natural dynamics of the sport. As this debate continues, the global rugby community watches on, anticipating necessary adjustments that balance safety with the sport’s traditional rugged essence.
