Rugby writer calls for ban on rolling maul tactic

New Zealand rugby writer Paul Lewis has proposed banning the rolling maul in rugby, arguing the tactic is ruining the sport as a spectacle. Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Lewis described the maneuver as an “affront to the principles of the game” due to its predictability and the way it allows players to block defenders.

The call for reform follows recent matches where the tactic played a significant role in scoring. During the All Blacks' 43-21 victory over Scotland, five of the ten tries resulted from rolling mauls. Similarly, the Springboks utilized the tactic for five of their nine tries in a match against Italy.

If World Rugby does not implement an outright ban, Lewis suggested several alternative regulatory changes. These include imposing a 30-second limit on mauls, restricting the number of rolling mauls allowed within an opponent's 22-meter area per match, or awarding the defending team the lineout throw following a penalty kicked into touch inside their own 22.