Hull KR coach Tony Smith questions the logic of RFL decision

Hull KR head coach Tony Smith has claimed he is confused over Rugby Football League decision on removing scrums, saying it "isn’t going to make one iota of difference". On Thursday, the Rugby Football League announced it had recommended a raft of rule changes for the resumption of the season, including the removal of scrums and the introduction of the ‘six again’ rule that is being used in the NRL. The changes have been offered to make the game safer amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic - with the RFL stating scrapping scrums "would considerably reduce the threat of potential exposure to and transmission of Covid-19 between players during matches" - but Smith is sceptical. Speaking to Hull Live, he said: “I’m a bit confused about it. They’re talking about quickening the game up and having less breaks and more action. At the same time we’re going to head into midweek games. I’m just not sure of the timing of it. “It’s got to be a concern for the players, and for those who are concerned about the players. It’s certainly going to be a testing time at the back end of the year anyway. “On the safety side of it, they say the changes will mean it’s less likely to have people in contact. This is where I don’t really understand linking it in with scrums etc. “At times we’re going to have four or five people in close contact in tackles, up to 100-something times in a game. It’s either safe for us to come back into contact or it’s not. “Some of these guys are going to make 40, 50 tackles. If that’s the case, him not packing his head in the scrum isn’t going to make one iota of difference." Source- HullLive

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