How will the new ELVs change rugby?

Question

Ok the Elvs go in effect allmost world wide this summer. How will the game change? I was reading them (as a ref it is kinda of mandatory) and was thinking if I was playing how would i take advantage of the rule changes. One thing that pops to mind is that boots will come back in play again. The IRB has worked hard in the psat couple of years to get rid of the boots but with hands in the ruck being allowed now, I have a feeling that boots will come back. Would love to hear your ideas.

Answer 1

hands in the ruck aren't allowed but they're not as penalised anymore (free kick instead of penalty)

the rule changes will mean more tries and a faster game.  There will be less time spent in the ruck and more in the open field.  The 10 man game will be a thing of the past, finally.

Also, the rule changes will really expose unfit teams and we'll see smaller, fitter players.  

Depending on if the teams who have decided to not introduce the IRBs laws obey the rugby world's governing body get around to it or not, we may see a rugby union/league style split.  After all, it was a rule change that separated league and union originally.  I hope it doesnt come to that, but it might.

Answer 2

For the better. Any Euros who think these laws are bad haven't seen them in action. The scrums are even more important the only thing it really negates is abpout half as less lineouts and of course fewer penalties but nearlly three more tries a game.

Answer 3

It should make the game more interesting to watch.

- will speed the pace of play (garantee the gain line to the offense at 1st phase).

- should reduce kicking to +3rd phase option (before the defense can tighten up)

- improvement of strategy of utilizing forwards in the backline (forwards will not have to retreat/loop behind at first and second phase in order to get a touch)

- equalize ratio of lineout to scrum to closer to   1:1 instead of 2:1 (free kicks replacing some infractions)

- will see more phases of play (faster initial platforms and wider ball (from scrum)

- should decrease the propensity of the pick and jam at initial phases (which slow the game down and force kicking situations/penalties)

- better officiating and a more wide open game at intial phases (more input from touch judges as well)

Overall there should be a refreshing increase in tactical aspects of the game and less smash and maul (England) and less pod diving(Australia). I welcome the new tactics and hopefully will see some innovation and improvement from the traditional lineout (boring...).

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Answer 4

the idea of them is to keep games flowing and reduce kicking... but they reduce the physicality of the game. one of rugby's strengths compared to other sports is the physicality. i'm not sure if you can advertise here, but there's a 'rugby forum' and people bring up the ELVs all the time. i don't watch SH rugby so I'm not an expert but search for 'rugby forum' it should be the first results you get. then navigate to elvs.

Answer 5

It will force the boring rugby playing countries like England and Ireland to produce more ball running players.

Answer 6

Make the game faster, more of a spectacle, more entertaining - look at the Crusaders they mastered them better than any other side in the S14 this year. Which wasn't a surprise given they had the master coach who will now masterly plan the downfall of the NZRFU ... watch that space.

Answer 7

The hands in the ruck are not one of the ELVs actually being introduced, it was only talked about. The main change is free kicks for most things which speeds up the game a bit more (not as many lineouts). The other major difference in that on defence you must be 10m from the hind most foot of a scrum, this has put a big emphasis on the set peace as an attacking option.

Answer 8

the ELVs will Change rugby for the good.generally speaking the game will be much faster and this will benefit teams with dynamic forwards and fast, skillful backlines.as part of the ELVs mauls will be aloud to be collapsed, defensive players will be 5 metres behind last foot at scrums, and free kicks won't be given for stupid offences like too many numbers in lineouts.I disagree that rugby will lose its physicality.any super14 matches I have watched have been hugely physical contests and brilliant matches to watch.the ELVs will make sure that real rugby teams win matches instead of teams that play 'winning rugby'. Too often teams play for penalties, kick their points and never score any tries.The ELVs will change all this and I can't wait to start playing rugby with them next season

Answer 9

I have to disagree that you will see Smaller and Fitter players under ELV.  Mauls dont change, Rucks dont changes, Scrums dont change, lineouts don't change.  what changes is the distance between the attacking and Defensive Teams.  What you will find is a  rugby version of touch football.  In the S14 they trailed it and I really liked alot of the possible changes that could happen.  However i fully agree that fitness levels will go up to a whole new level based on what i watch.   The only concerning part is always the same, interpretations of refs, sometime i think they should standardise how they ref a game because from what I see alot of times it is interpretation that spoils the game!!!

Answer 10

The ELVs are a dreadful idea.  The Super 14 looks like a Rugby League tournament now.  

The IRB look like they are trying to lessen the input of the forwards to create Sevens style rugby.  I hate it!