Glossary of Rugby Union Terms - U

U

Uncontested scrum

Scrum in which, due to absence of key specialist forwards through injuries or yellow cards, the safety of the scrum cannot be guaranteed. In an uncontested scrum, the players form a scrum but the two teams do not push against each other or compete for possession.

Up and under

An up and under or a Garryowen kick, is a high short punt onto or behind the defending team.

Use it or lose it

If the maul stops moving forward the referee will often shout "use it or lose it" to the team in possession of the ball. This means they must pass the ball within a five-second time period. If they do not the referee will call a scrum and the team not in possession at the beginning of the maul will be given the feed.