ELVs - changing the shape of rugby ?

Question

Phew, 6 nations done and dusted - lets talk S14.

Looks like there is no major panic, and for the first time someone has admitted in print, that the "elves" are in part aimed at making the ref's job easier.

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/1479479/nzru-report-little-change-muchvaunted-elvs

Or... are you fully hating what's happening in the S14?

Answer 1

meaning that the brumbies cannot play rugby properly....what part of hating are you referring to?

Answer 2

The basic structure of the game hasn't changed at all.

The major difference is the amount of free-kicks instead of penalties. Because a lot of these are taken as quick-taps the game has speed up , which is good.

In an article in "New Zealand Truth" Greg Sommerville , a prop whose been playing top level rugby for the best part of a decade ,  make's these comments regarding speculation the speed of the game would expose burly props.

** "I don't find it difficult .... the biggest thing is you have to be aware the whole time"

**"The ELV's have placed more emphasis on teams needing a solid scrum to launch attacks because defences have to be back an extra 5 metres."

That 5 metre gap has made a little difference to back play , not as much as I had hoped , but still a noticeable  positive.

Another noticeable difference is the amount of "keep ball in play" kicking.

But nah , the basic structure hasn't changed.

Answer 3

We don't get much of the S14 on tv here (a shame, cause a lot of the time it's better than the heineken cup/guiness premiership matches) but from what I've seen it's not actually that much different.  I think it will take a little getting used to, but it is only a trial so it's not definite that it'll be changing to this...

I think there needs to be some changes, so maybe this will highlight that??

BUT, I am fully hating that the Chiefs are doing so badly...