Why do the IRB feel the need to add ELV's?

Question

I am from a Rugby family; I have been watching Rugby from the day I was born. However, I do not see the need for the ELV's. I am English and see the desicion for the ELV's to go ahead as given into the pressure of the Southern Hemisphere teams especially Australia because this is where they have a weakness. I know Australia pushed for a review after England won the World Cup. But also I see this as pushing the game towards Rugby League. Can someone tell me why this is happening?

Answer 1

You may be right - but here are some things to consider.

The rules of rugby (like many games) are actually quite fluid and have always changed at regular intervals as people suggest 'improvements'. Sometimes these have been for the good and sometimes not. Classic examples of changes include numbers of players (it wasn't always 15), points for tries (ranging from 0 to 5), being able to kick out on the full (used to be able to do it anywhere), the wing-forward/8 in a scrum rules and so on.

The usual reasons for these changes are to encourage different styles of play that are seen to be more attractive or more worthy of reward; or alternatively to improve safety standards.

The ELVS have been suggested mainly because the game now competes with many other attractions and it is felt the spectator MIGHT want to see more action (although safety issues play a part). That's not to say I necessarilly agree of disagree with any or all ELVS OR that I agree with the manner of implementation. However the IRB seems to think that while they have committed supporters, they are (or will) struggle to expand the game beyond those people (you and me) unless there is more overt action on the field.

I agree there is evidence of a North/South divide in some of this, but there have always been various blocs of opinion on any major issue in the game - that's how ideas are formulated, tested and ultimately implemented or discarded. As a 'Southener' (NZ) I have to say we often feel frustrated or pressured by the Northern bloc on issues - that's the way of the world. In the finish the only way the laws get changed is if a majority agree.

Answer 2

i think this is happening cuz it makes a game much more exciting... England may not see the need of this cuz their rugby is forward based style but in the southern hemisphere, the play involves more backs therefore the game gets boring without ELV... and more spectators want the game to be more exciting... cuz rugby has become MONEY GAME after all...

Answer 3

They need to add the ELV's because watching a 6N game where one team defeats the other by 5 penalties to 3 is hardly a spectacle is it?

The fans like to see tries, not scrums, line outs & touch finders inside the 22.

Answer 4

You certainly know more about the politics/ culture of rugby than I do, and about world rugby as well (not much exposure over here in the USA).

However, I would think they use them to test out how much it really would affect the game and see if they work in a real situation, as opposed to just in theory. They may honestly think it is better for the game to post these particular changes to the laws.

And maybe they'll agree with you in the end and not change the laws.