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The 'Stellenbosch' Experimental Laws Explained

- September 14, 2007

IRB Experimental Law Variation Trial

The 2007 NZRU Men’s ‘B’ competition is being played under the IRB’s Experimental Law Variations. This is to assist the IRB in trialling and evaluating a number of possible changes to the Laws of the Game. A brief summary of the laws being trialled, appears below.

Corner Posts:

* Now positioned 2 metres back from touch in line with the goal line and dead ball line.

Inside the 22:

* If a team passes or takes the ball back into the 22m area and then kicks the ball out on the full, the lineout is where the ball was kicked, unless a tackle has been made or a ruck or maul has formed.

Lineout and Throw:

* A quick throw-in can be thrown backwards in the direction of the defenders goal line.
* No maximum number of players in the lineout – teams donot have to match numbers.
* The receiver (halfback) must stand 2metres back from the lineout.

Tackle and Ruck:

* Players must enter through the gate.
* There are now offside lines at the tackle (extending the full width of the field).
* If the ball is unplayable - Free Kick to team not in possession of the ball when the tackle took place.
* Most offences at the tackle are now sanctioned with a Free Kick.
* The half back may not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.
* Players are permitted to use their hands in the ruck.
* Players who deliberately or repeatedly offend any Law are liable to penalty kick, yellow card, etc.

Maul:

* A maul can now be pulled down. This must be done by grasping a player between the shoulder and hips and bringing the maul to ground.
* Players joining the maul must do so through the gate.
* If a maul becomes unplayable – Free Kick to team not in possession at the start of the maul.
* ‘Truck and trailer’ is permitted when breaking away from a maul – not permitted in general play.

Scrum:

* The offside line for backs (except the halfback) is now 5metres behind the hindmost foot.

Kick Off and Restart Kicks:

* For all kick off and restart kicks, any infringement by the kicking team (e.g. player in front, ball kicked into touch on the full) will result in a free kick to the non offending team at the centre of the half-way line/22 metre line.