Shot clocks, changes to the deliberate knock down rule and set limit on scrum resets are among the areas set to be trialled as the Queensland Reds confirm squads for the Queensland Rugby Challenger Series.
The series will see the Queensland President’s XV and Queensland Reds Development squads face off in a two-game competition before the Reds head to Japan to face Panasonic Wild Knights and Kubota Spears.
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It will commence at Sunnybank Rugby Club on October 9 as part of a bumper day of Rugby with the Reds and Waratahs U15s, 16s and 19s set to face off before heading to Easts Rugby Club on October 15.
A number of law innovations have been adopted for the series, confirmed by World Rugby to speed up the game and increase ball-in-play time, including changes to how the set-piece and ruck are time-managed and officiated.
This will see a five-second shot clock put on rucks for the attacking side as well as a maximum of two scrum re-sets before a free kick is awarded to the feeding team. As well as this, only players within the lineout formation can join a maul formed at a lineout, along with an increased focus on the tackler rolling towards the sideline at the breakdown.
Deliberate knockdowns will also either be refereed as ‘deliberate attempt to catch’, or a ‘deliberate attempt to knock down’ only resulting in a penalty kick rather than a yelllow card.
Also, there will be a maximum of three phases before advantage is called over by the referee or the penalty is awarded.
President's XV head coach Simon Craig has selected a 24-man squad for the series, headlined by Wests trio Ethan Dobbins, Latu Talakai and Ben Navosailagi.
They are joined by GPS stalwart Michael Richards and former Toronto and Rebels half Tayler Adams as they look to stake their claims.
“We’re excited about the group we’ve put together," President's XV head coach Simon Craig said in a statement.
“All have earned their opportunity with their performances in club Rugby, and we’re looking forward to seeing them come together as a group.
“It’s a great initiative by the QRU to provide these players the opportunity to take the next step in the Queensland Rugby pathway.”
Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds Development Squad includes Australia A hooker Matt Faessler, Reds Rookie of the Year Lawson Creighton and Josh Flook.
Alec Evans medallist Connor Anderson joins the Reds development squad after his impressive Hospital Cup season, joined by Rebels flanker Sam Wallis.
Sunday 9 October – Sunnybank Rugby Club
11.30am – Queensland Reds U15s v New South Wales Waratahs U15s
1.00pm – Queensland Reds U16s v New South Wales Waratahs U16s
2.30pm – Queensland Reds U19s v New South Wales Waratahs U19s
4.00pm – Queensland Reds Development v Queensland President’s XV
Saturday 15 October – Easts Rugby Union Club
3.00pm – Queensland Reds Development Vs Queensland President’s XV
Queensland President’s XV
Forwards
Alex Smit (Easts), Connor Pritchard (Bond University/Gold Coast), Ethan Dobbins (Wests) Jake Upfield (Bond University/Gold Coast), Jonte Connolly (Brothers/Caboolture), JP Tominiko (Easts/Gold Coast), Latu Talakai (Wests), Levi Samuela (Bond University/Gold Coast), Maile Ngauamo (GPS), Michael Richards (GPS), Pat Morrey (University of Queensland/Far North Queensland), Rhys Sheriff (Bond University/Gold Coast), Zac Shepherd (Easts)
Backs
Ben Navosailagi (Wests), Brad Twidale (University of Queensland/Darling Downs), Dan Boardman (Bond University/Gold Coast), Eli Pilz (Easts/Sunshine Coast), Jordan Carriera (Easts), Kye Oates (University of Queensland/Darling Downs), Louis Werchon (Brothers/Sunshine Coast), Meli Dreu (Easts, Sam Hyne (Brothers), Tayler Adams (Brothers), Tom Lucas (Sunnybank), Tyler Campbell (Bond University/Gold Coast)
Queensland Reds Development
Forwards
Angus Blyth (Bond University/Gold Coast), Connor Anderson (Wests), Conor Mitchell (University of Queensland/Sunshine Coast), Dane Zander (University of Queensland), George Blake (Bond University/Gold Coast), Keynan Tauakipulu (Wests), Matt Faessler (Brothers/Darling Downs), Phransis Sula-Siaosi (Souths/Gold Coast), Sam Wallis (University of Queensland), Sef Fa’agase (University of Queensland/Beaudesert), Taine Riori (Easts), Wilson Blyth (Bond University/Gold Coast), Zane Nonggorr (Bond University/Gold Coast)
Backs
Conor Chittenden (Norths), Cooper Whiteside (Wests), Joey Fittock (Bond University/Gold Coast), Josh Flook (Brothers), Kalani Thomas (University of Queensland), Lawson Creighton (Brothers), Mac Grealy (University of Queensland/Darling Downs), Matt Smit (Easts), Paddy James (Brothers), Spencer Jeans (Bond University/Gold Coast), Tom Lynagh (University of Queensland)
Time compliance
- Five-second ruck (strict compliance from use it call)
- 30-second scrum call from when mark is set
- Penalty kicks (60-seconds)/conversions (90-seconds)
- Lineouts 30-seconds from when mark is set
- 30-seconds to restart after conversion
* Infringement against non-compliant team will result in a tap only option Eg. No scrum option
Set Piece
Scrum:
- 1st collapse – re-set if no clear sanction
- 2nd collapse - if no clear sanction, free kick to feeding team (tap only)
- Defending scrumhalf can’t go beyond midline of scrum (tap only)
Lineout:
- Only contested throws to lineout can be adjudicated as not straight
- Only players within the lineout formation can join a maul formed at a lineout (penalty kick)
Tackle area
- Focus on tackler not rolling, must make effort to roll immediately towards sideline
Other
- Deliberate knock down
- Advantage Law – three phases and then advantage over (territorial and tactical advantage consideration remains at referees’ discretion)
- To be refereed as either a ‘deliberate attempt to catch’, or a ‘deliberate attempt to knock down’ which will result in a penalty kick only
