THE Super 14 competition will introduce a raft of changes next year as southern-hemisphere rugby attempts to increase its entertainment value, lengthen the amount of time the ball is in play and quicken the game.
Australian teams are set to benefit most from the new laws as they have been extensively trialled in the Australian Rugby Championship and lower-tier competitions.
Australian Rugby Union deputy chief executive Matt Carroll admitted yesterday that the laws were aimed at boosting entertainment value.
"We are in a very competitive market," Carroll said. "We know how strong football is around the world, we know how strong Australian rules and league are in Australia. Even in New Zealand they know how strong rugby league is."
A large number of players from NSW, the Queensland Reds, Brumbies and Western Force have already played under the rules and have a prime chance to make use their experience and get a jump on their rivals early. With Australian rugby hurting after poor results in last year's Super 14 and World Cup as well as a drop in crowd numbers, gate takings and television ratings, quick on-field success next season would be an ideal medicine.
NSW coach Ewen McKenzie admitted his side "had the benefit here of having seen it whereas others don't.
"I have been banking on the fact (the rules) will be in. We have been conditioning on the basis the game will be more free flowing.
"We have certainly recruited on (that) … So the people we have got should sit in well with the way the game is going," McKenzie said.
Western Force coach John Mitchell has also prepared his squad expecting the variations to be approved.
"We have been expecting them," he said. "It will just require better decision making … probably quicker transitions between attack and defence. With the game in its previous form, there was a lot of down time between when the ball is kicked out and the scrum."
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