hooking ball at scrum.

Question
As a retired hooker I was confused in one of my son's games today with a penalty award.The hooker was penalised for competing for the ball (post striking) with both feet off ground, being supported by his props.I hooked this way for the best part of 40 years and cannot find anything to preclude it. Can you assist with a definitive answer please.

Answer
Hi Ken,

I can't find a law on the books. But I would think this is enforced for safety reasons. I am not for or against the idea. As a prop I have seen hookers do it. I take it as a bit of a compliment that a hook would put that much risk on the hope I can keep him and the other front rowers from collapsing.

I have played hooker once or twice and the concept scares me to death.

As for a penalty with no warning I would argue against that. If the ref gives warning that he doesn't allow it and he is ignored well I would side with the ref.

Just my opinion. I guess the thing to do is ask the ref on the day prior to the game starting how he rules on it.