Experimental Laws No Longer Experimental

[thunderchicken9]

We're a little backwards here in the States, (especially in Fresno!) so just this week we caught wind of the new laws incorporated by the IRB, such as 8s no longer "sling-shotting" into the scrum, pulling down the maul, etc. Showing my massive ignorance, I will ask: Has the Super 14 used these "experimental" laws throughout the 2008 season, and if so, was the Super 14 used as the test to see if the laws worked? Finally, did these new laws significantly affect the games?

[BLR]

We have used alot of them, we haven't used the pulling down the mauls and hands in the ruck like is being done in the world wide roll out, which was decided after the IRB met with the nations up North.

Edit: The hands in the ruck was used in the ARC though...wasn't good...

[thunderchicken9]

Hmm, that's interesting... I suppose it'll take some getting used to... it's gonna be especially difficult for guys like me, who are still just learning the game. I have to wonder why the IRB felt these changes were needed..

[BLR]

Hmm, that's interesting... I suppose it'll take some getting used to... it's gonna be especially difficult for guys like me, who are still just learning the game. I have to wonder why the IRB felt these changes were needed..

The official line is to take the subjectivity out of refereeing and make the game less convoluted, it still needs to be worked on however as there are still alot of calls that don't make much sense...

Just remember when playing under the laws not to get too carried away with the quick taps, for repeat infringements a long arm penalty is awarded, a few times this year teams have tapped and ran when a long arm has been awarded....can be the difference between winning and losing...

[thunderchicken9]

Thanks, that is good information, yeah I can see how it would make a difference..