A Guide to the Experimental Law Variations (ELV's)
The 2008 Super 14 sees the introdution of several variations the Laws of Rugby.
Designed, to promote, a faster more attractive form of the game, the players and coaching staff of the HSBC have given the move to introduce the Laws an overwhelming endorsement.
"We've been calling for this for a long time so it's great to see it locked in stone," HSBC Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said.
"It's a big win for attacking Rugby, we saw the benefits of the ELV's in the Australian Rugby Championship with more tries being scored and the ball in play for longer.
"That's now going to be translated into the Super 14 which can only be a good thing both for the players and for those watching the game."
DOWNLOAD :: SANZAR Press Release Explaining the ELV (PDF format, 64.56 Kb)
The variations adopted involve the awarding of free kicks for all offences apart from offside, not entering through the gate and Law 10-Foul Play; the lineout, scrum and breakdown; passing back into the 22 before kicking for touch; and the placement of posts and flags around the field.
"Positive, attacking play has been the result in every competition that has trialled the ELV's so far," HSBC Waratahs captain Phil Waugh said.
"It's great for the players but more so for the fans, who have backed us massively with new memberships going through the roof.
"People want to see action and that's what they'll get as a result of the introduction of the variations in the Super 14."