0
The coaches' perspective...(source: PlanetRugby)
Stellenbosch Laws: Fools rush in ...
Saturday 27th October 2007
Several leading coaches have warned against the "foolish" act of rushing the new 'Stellenbosch Laws' into the Super 14 competition next year.
It has been reported, but not confirmed, that SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby - which governs the Super 14) will bow to pressure from the International Rugby Board (IRB) to take the experimental law variations (ELVs) to a new level after trials in South Africa, Scotland, Australia and the New Zealand this year.
And Super Rugby has been mooted as the new testing ground, a move that has met with some resistance from SANZAR coaches.
New Blues assistant Greg Cooper is one of those questioning the wisdom of rushing the experimental laws into next year's Super 14, suggesting more analysis is needed before they are introduced into a competition as tough as the Southern Hemisphere's provincial extravaganza.
There has been positive feedback on the new five-metre law and the increased running opportunities.
Most criticism is centred on the free-for-all breakdown that allows hands in the ruck and players entering from all angles.
Cooper who has just finished a paper for the Blues on the new laws, after consulting the three provincial B coaches in the franchise and watching taped matches, has doubts about that key area of the game.
"Personally I think it would be a bit early to rush them in," Cooper told RugbyHeaven.
"I think there needs to be some more consideration and analysis done on it. I say that based on one key area of the laws. I think there are some very good laws and some very logical ones that are looking to come in. But the one key area that everyone will always talk about will be the tackle-breakdown.
"The end product that came out of the B competition was, at best, as good as what we have got at the moment. But at times it was an inferior product."
Chiefs coach Ian Foster, Waikato development coach Andrew Whelan, former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher are others who have raised questions over the new laws and their introduction to the Super 14.
Crusaders assistant coach Mark Hammett is concerned that New Zealand players will start well behind the Australians if new laws are introduced to next year's Super 14.
Hammett is worried the laws will take New Zealand teams longer to adjust to.
"The Aussies will have the jump on us because a lot of players will have been involved in their provincial competition which was played under the new laws," Hammett told The Press.
"I'm not sure if they should be brought in the Super 14 this early."
Hammett said it was still unknown whether the Crusaders will have to start learning how to operate under the new regulations. There has been no word from SANZAR.
"It will be very hard for us if we do have to. It will be the same for the referees because a lot of them will not have been involved with them yet."