NZ to trial new rugby laws
From what I have seen from the Sydney Comp the downgrade of most Penalties to Free Kicks is working extremely weel and has made for a far better spectacle.
Teams are really only going for touch within their own twenty two, otherwise preffering the quick tap and go by the Loose Forwards.
My only concern would be making it too fast and "athletic" for traditional Props and Locks, it would be unaccetable to Law Change them out of our great game.
NZ to trial new rugby laws
From correspondents in Wellington, New Zealand
May 23, 2007
THE New Zealand Rugby Union has agreed to trial proposed new rugby law variations in its provincial B competition later this year.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) have asked national unions to trial the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) and New Zealand will do so in the second-tier competition, which runs from August 25 to October 20.
NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the IRB had identified variations for eight laws of the game, with the aim of simplifying rugby.
The ELVs apply mainly to lineouts, the breakdown area, scrums, mauls and play inside the 22m area.
Scotland and Australia have been trialling some of the ELVs.
“The initial feedback has been very positive and suggests that the variations have made for a more open and fast-moving game which, if true, would clearly be good for players, coaches, referees and fans,” Tew said.
“However, we are keen to see first-hand how they affect the game and make our own assessments.”
Tew said the men’s B competition was a fitting competition to trial the ELVs.
“This competition is of a high standard and the trial will provide a group of players and coaches with the opportunity to experience the variations and we will have a group of our top professional coaches and referee personnel also observe the matches,” he said.
“We will then assess the outcome of the changes and pass on our feedback to the IRB.
“The IRB will consider any proposed law change proposals after Rugby World Cup 2007.”
AAP
