In reply to Derry:
Yes I agree. I blame professionalism . Players today are too big and too fit and the game is built around defence rather than attack. Its more a game of attrition than flair these days. The small fat strong bloke has no place in the game today, which is a shame. His place is now taken by a 6'3" gym monkey and you've got wingers who should be second rows.
Bring back the sub 6 foot barrel chested props and see how many scrums collapse. Just let them get on with it,the ball will come out. Especially if the hookers actually hook the damn thing. I know France are poor at the moment, but when was the last time they ran it from their own 22 ?? Used to be a sight to behold did that. Now everyone just hoofs it.
I can't ever see it getting any better.
........I'm talking Northern Hemisphere here. Down under they play to different rules, or so it seems.
Edit: I don't think it helps the NH sides that Rugby up here is a winter game played on soft ground.
Post edited at 19:47