Rolling Interchanges

theboss80

So i was watching a programme earlier on and they were at county game in England where Devon and some other team were trialing a rolling interchange system of subs,

7 replacements on the bench but 12 substitutions could be made throughout the game, only thing was a player coming on could not immediatly take a kick at goal.

I wouldnt be a fan of this trial, this means the whole tactics of the game will be directly affected. You could have 2 25stone guys in your replacements and bring them on for an attacking scrum at the end of a game, or at any other stage. what i mean is the wouldnt necessarily need to be "match fit" as they could be hauled off or on as needed.

So the RFU have sanctioned these trials, is there any talk of this within Irish club rugby does anybody know? What do ye think of the idea?

irishbucsfan

This is being trialled here, and was used at Under-21 level this season.

It works excellently.

theboss80

Has it made an improvemnt though in your opinion? tactically or otherwise?

irishbucsfan

theboss80 wrote: »

Has it made an improvemnt though in your opinion? tactically or otherwise?

It has the potential to change things dramatically. Teams can take their strong players off at certain times and put them back on. Or if a player is getting a little "enthusiastic" you can take him off for a while.

To be honest, it's not something I'd like, or expect, to see at professional level at all, because I think it devalues personal fitness. Dean Richards would probably love it though.

hardCopy

It's also in use in the Leinster J5 League. Seems to be working well, especially as it can be difficult to round up a full squad of fit players every week at our level.

durkadurka

Leinster seem to do it with their props now...

daveharnett

durkadurka wrote: »

Leinster seem to do it with their props now...

I have seen rather a lot of subbed frontrows coming back on to replace injured subs lately.

I think rolling subs are great idea for underage and social-level rugby. Don't think it would have a positive impact at competitive levels though, I don't want to see players becoming even more specialized.

I personally think that the front rows should be allowed rolling interchanges (up to a max #, and then can only be permitted another change in the case of injury), it is the only position on the field where an inexperienced player can end up putting others in severe danger by not having the correct technique for set pieces.

I remember Wales used to play two props for 20mins, then two others for 20-60, and then they would swap back again at 60. Personally thought that this was a fantastic system.

GSOIRL

It's dreadful and should be stopped as soon as possible and never revisted.

Just typed a very long email and gotta go eat some more so I'll explain my reasons more soon.