That is well below the regular-season average of 5.5 per game, with penalties also down from 10.8 to 8.1 in finals.
In theory, the changes have resulted in less stoppages in play and a greater free-flowing style of football for all teams with more of a fatigue factor.
But there is also the potential of teams using the knowledge of less penalties to slow down the ruck, with a greater chance of referee interference.
Traditionally that has been seen as an advantage to underdogs, who can drag better-performing sides into a slugfest with slower ruck speeds.
The Sydney Roosters have conceded more set restarts this year than the Storm, while Cronulla have also been called out more than the Panthers.
Ruck changes no worry for Melbourne, Penrith
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