The Experimental Law Variations have understandably be one of the most talked about new innovations in Southern Hemisphere rugby for a long time.
The laws address a number of areas in our game where there was a need for improvement, with opinions varying widely on whether they have thus far been a success in the Super 14 or not.
One of the laws that is confusing a lot of people and is quite difficult to accept for some, is the Offside Line at the Breakdown law, where an offside line is created immediately when the tackle is made. This means that any other players have to enter
through the gate
, with any interference from the wrong position being deemed illegal.
Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)
1. Players entering the breakdown area must do so through the gate.
2. Immediately the tackle occurs there are offside lines.
3. The half back should not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.
This came into play last weekend when the Stormers played the Chiefs, and a Penalty try was awarded when Schalk Burger was tackled from an offside position. Confusion reigned supreme, with Schalk himself looking shocked, but it's all explained nicely here by former Bok Nass Botha.
Even so, it seems like a crazy new law and one that really needs to be looked at.
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