I'm actually thinking that all of these proposed changes are good ideas - for much the same reasons as outlined by bobsmyuncle

I don't think its fair that someone can deliberately smash the ball dead in goal from inside their own half, and have the advantage of being able to form the defensive line only 30 metres from the opposition line. All that does is reward a team with a big hoofer in their ranks - there's no skill involved at all.

And it does seem unfair that a genuine charge down - which actually is good play by the defence - results is a very clear advantage to the attacking team.

The one that I'm most leery about is the attacking team only having to pack 5 in the scrum. I [ihope[/i that it will result in some exciting attacking set plays directly from the scrum, something that seems to have largely faded from the game. I assume that's the point of the change - not just so that the extra man can trundle forward five yards and die in the tackle.

But I think so long as it does result in exciting attacking set plays then it will be interesting. But as bobsmyuncle says, does it mean that the six man defensive scrum can now shove the other team and gain a scrum agains the head? Expect to see Stevo going into raptures if that starts happening!

It seems to be a crusade against kickers to be honest.

The op actually said that [ikicking into touch[/i (not dead, though I do wonder if he is correct?) from your own half resulted in a 40m tap which just penalises a brilliant piece of play by a kicker. Incidentally, does that mean the 40/20 is now dead? I thought that was one of the better rule changes over the last few years. I wouldn't necessarily disagree if it [iwere[/i just for kicking dead from your own half, though even then, if it's a genuine attempt to find the in-goal area which is just a tiny bit too long it seems a bit harsh, imo.

The charge down rule is another one going against the kicker and it is quite inconsistent as it would be the only occasion where deliberately playing at the ball and failing to bring it in didn't end in giving up a further six if it was re-taken by the opposition. Seems a strange one in fact, as it goes against the attacking side, when the other change, allowing the no.13 to be loose for the attacking team suggests they are trying to give the attacking team a bit more advantage.

Afaik know yes hence the attacking team has the choice, to be fair most loose forwards just get set to pick up and go at all scrums anyway and don't really add weight , many a time I've ordered a rescrum and warned the loose for not binding properly and just getting ready to scoop the ball up and run, it will benefit those with heavy props like Crabtree and fielden who can plant there feet and push back, but not the lighter fitter packs like ours.

He's not correct - its about when they kick the ball dead, not in touch

I just read what was reported I take no responsibility if it is correct lol