Sports Letters: Kick out the kicks

Sir: If international rugby union sides concede penalties (in most cases) to deny the opposition both possession and territorial advantage, I suggest the most suitable punishment would be to award the disadvantaged side a scrum (at which they will generally regain possession) 10 metres down field from the point of the offence. Any offence by the defending side within 10m of their own try-line would result in an automatic try.

There would still be a place for good tactical kicking in the game, but not so many matches would be decided by the form of the kicker.

Yours faithfully

S C MARR

Biggar

9 March