Peter O'Mahony's scrummaging technique has caused quite a stir online, as the Munster man's questionable binding technique once again provoked discussion today during his sides 10-10 draw away to Exeter Chiefs.
The style in question was flagged in the second half, as the question was put to a reserved Donncha O'Callaghan as to whether the bind was, in fact, illegal.
O'Callaghan: Look it is probably not to the rules. We have to find ways sometimes. We don't fault that, I feel like we are squealing.
BT: Once the outrage had died down it was actually a sort of begrudging admiration that he was willing to do whatever it took to win that match and Peter O'Mahony has that mindset.
O'Callaghan did admit it gave the tighthead some assistance. It was first identified last week during Munster's loss against Leinster in the Aviva Stadium by Eir Sport commentator Liam Toland.
Here's how Peter O'Mahony has been binding at the scrum, going under Archer's leg, rather than over Kleyn's back.
It means O'Mahony has essentially been a third second row tonight.
Only issue, it's not a legal bind. Should be a Leinster penalty. pic.twitter.com/MuzjXMKeFM— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) October 6, 2018
This is the law in question. The way POM is currently binding, he's wrapping his left a around Archer rather than Kleyn. Provides more power behind Archer, but should be a penalty. pic.twitter.com/x6dH4ZJvHs
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) October 6, 2018
The legal bind is onto the second row, as demonstrated here.
However, this season O'Mahony has deployed the illegal bind, as shown here.
The bind has both advantages and disadvantages. It reinforces the props set, ensuring the lock and flanker push is full throttle. However, it does slow down O'Mahony's ability to break quickly in the event of the opposing number eight running off the back down his channel. The delay may be only a few milliseconds long but could have an impact against a fleet-footed back row. It may also destabilise the scrum or tip the scale towards the tighthead 'boring' in on his opponent.
O'Mahony is not the first exponent of this bind. In the 2009 Challenge Cup semi-final between Bourgoin and Worcester, Julien Frier used the illegal move as the French side drove a scrum over the line.
This scrum shows the benefit, as opposing prop folded under the extra pressure.
The Cork Con man was immense today and was not penalised by referee Jérôme Garcès for the bind. For now, O'Mahony continues to use the bind unhindered but there is no doubt referees will pay extra attention as the issue continues to be discussed.
