Warriors use scrum for Tomkins to score

New Zealand Warriors hammered the Parramatta Eels 48-0 in the NRL this weekend, with one of their tries, somewhat remarkably these days, coming from a contested scrum.

Sam Tomkins, packing down in the old loose forward position at the scrum, was able to pick the ball up and fight his way over the line to score.

The Warriors shoved the Eels pack off the ball, reviving a technique which is not often seen in the game to win possession and score a surprising try.

The NRL laws of the game do state that sides are allowed to push in the scrum, as long as it is safe.

Rule 12.4, which covers the scrum in the NRL’s official laws of the game, states: “It is permissible for forwards to push – except where the Safeplay Code applies, once the scrum has been correctly formed but if it moves an appreciable distance to the disadvantage of any one team before the ball is put in then the referee shall order the scrum to reform in its original position.”

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden revealed after the game that it was something his players do occasionally practice.

“It’s something we do every now and then, a bit of scrummaging,” he said.

“It’s not something we put a whole lot of time into. The boys obviously saw an opportunity at that point in the game and we just wanted to get the ball back. The fact that we got the try was just a bonus.”

Sam Tomkins scored two tries in the game, in which Warriors led 36-0 at halftime.

“He certainly took his opportunities tonight,” added McFadden, speaking about the England fullback.

“I’m really happy for Sam he’s been working hard. It’s good to see he got over the try line to get his confidence up.”

New Zealand coach Andrew McFadden felt that his team’s defensive effort was more significant than their scrummaging, however.

The game was the first time the Warriors had nilled anyone since 2009.

“Whether it’s 6-0, 12-0, 48-0, it’s no different,” he said.

“A nil’s a nil and certainly we’ll take a lot of confidence out of that.

“That first half was unreal, but we realised we could let it all go if we went out with a blase performance.

“The boys responded. We stuck to our game plan. We didn’t let them score a try.”

“We had zero scoreline against us and that’s probably the big one.”