Rugby-Scrum uncertainty is ruining the game, says Henry

By Paul Virgo

MILAN, Nov 14 (Reuters) - New Zealand coach Graham Henry said something must be done about the uncertainty over scrum rules after his forwards had a tough time in Saturday's 20-6 win over Italy.

"I think there needs to be total clarity over what is required in the scrum. There's a grey area," Henry told a news conference. "It's getting worse rather than better. It is spoiling the game as a spectacle."

The All Blacks were heavily penalised for scrum offences and they were lucky not to concede a penalty try in the closing stages when they collapsed and turned a long series of scrums in front of their line.

"The last five minutes were a farce. For the good of the game we need clarity. At the moment I don't think there is. It's causing frustration for the guys who play the game and the people watching."

However, Italy coach Nick Mallett disagreed.

"Maybe the southern hemisphere countries have to look at the scrum," he said. "In the northern hemisphere there is more respect and attention for the set scrum."