What I don't understand #2

[eagle66]

So coaches have altered their thinking over the last 20 years as to who packs in the scrums. Usually the big guys are at first receiver and a big guy defending him. Wingers and fullbacks in the scrums.
So, why do we have our linchpin of attack, DCE, feeding the scrum and in effect, taking himself out of the first play from scrum? He doesn't come around and pick up the ball from the "scrum win" and play what's in front of him. Wouldn't our best option be to have DCE at first or second receiver from the scrum? Wouldn't this put some doubt in the opposition's minds? Or is the better move of having a lumbering forward take it up on first and give time for the defensive side take position after the scrum?

 

[maxta]

Because there is no scrum today...
The bigger first reciever is to actually create momentum off the scrum.
It was originally designed more for teams deep in their own territory, for a forward to take that carry instead of a smaller back who may get bustled backwards....even lose possession.
The real reason it came about, is in the modern game the defending team only half pack a scrum & break by the ball is out- the players are already in the face of the first reciever.
Totally agree with you though...all these structures today get predictable & a scrum is a great chance to attack & find your 1 on 1 opportunities- barely see this today?

 

[weev]

Scrums are dumb. Confusing for a new viewer as they seem/are lame.

 

[MadMarcus]

So coaches have altered their thinking over the last 20 years as to who packs in the scrums. Usually the big guys are at first receiver and a big guy defending him. Wingers and fullbacks in the scrums.
So, why do we have our linchpin of attack, DCE, feeding the scrum and in effect, taking himself out of the first play from scrum? He doesn't come around and pick up the ball from the "scrum win" and play what's in front of him. Wouldn't our best option be to have DCE at first or second receiver from the scrum? Wouldn't this put some doubt in the opposition's minds? Or is the better move of having a lumbering forward take it up on first and give time for the defensive side take position after the scrum?

Maybe Barrett's worried about losing a scrum against the feed...