So'oialo laments loss of rucks

New Zealand rugby would do well to learn another method of recyling the ball quickly than rucking to maintain its strength on the domestic and international stages, Hurricanes captain and All Blacks loose forward Rodney So'oialo says.

So'oialo believes rucking, a traditional strength of New Zealand game, is being "depowered" to such an extent that it is now hamstringing New Zealand teams.

So'oialo will return from a week's suspension to lead the Hurricanes in Sunday morning's (NZT) Super 14 match against the Stormers in Cape Town.

So'oialo and lock Paul Tito, two of the most experienced forwards in the side, served a week's suspension for trampling on an opponent in their 29-16 win over the Cats in Wellington. As a result, both missed last Sunday's 25-27 loss to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back. I've been keeping the body in shape," told NZPA last night.

So'oialo and Tito "climbed into" Cats player who was lying on the wrong side of a ruck after a tackle.

Players over the years, particularly in New Zealand, have rucked opponents out of the way if they lay on the wrong side to slow the ball coming out. Many still like to play it that way, the way they had learned the game.

While the laws in the game have not changed recently as far as the rucks go, referees are now more vigilant on boot sprigs connecting the opponents at ruck time. Different referees have shown varying degrees of tolerance in applying the law and the inconsistency is frustrating players, coaches and fans alike.

Both So'oialo and Tito were cited and suspended -- which often meant no game and a loss of earnings -- for what had been accepted as part of the game once.

"Other teams are not getting pinged for not moving away from the ball or not getting off it," So'oialo said.

"It's now a matter of trying to find another way of getting the ball out quickly, anther type of game maybe. New Zealanders love running with the ball and to do that you need quick ball so you can punish the other team.

"We're definitely getting that taken away from us. It's (rucking) been a real New Zealand strength right through our game.

"I think we just have to find other ways, find or use other strategies for (the delivery of) cleaner and quicker ball so you don't get penalised.

"You've really got to watch what you do -- where you put your feet, how high you go into a tackle. It's for everyone.

"I'm not a dirty player. I just want to play hard but I'm not going to change anything I do (because of the suspension). I'll just go out and continue to play the game I know.

The Hurricanes, who're preparing in Durban, hope to reverse last Sunday's result, which was their first loss in four games in the competition.

- NZPA