Spectators can look forward to a more open running game in the 2008 Super14 competition after SANZAR decided to adopt some of the Experimental Law Variations(ELVs). The ELVs adopted by SANZAR cover the following areas: 1. Posts and flags around the field, 2. Inside the 22m area, 3. Lineout, 4. Breakdown(tackle/post tackle), 5. Scrum and 6. Sanctions. The aim of the ELVs is to keep the ball in play more and create a more exciting brand of rugby to attract more people to the game.

ELVs to be applied:

1. Posts and flags around the field:

- Corner posts will be positioned at the outside junction of the goal line and the touch line:

a. if a player in possession of the ball touches the corner post he will not be in touch unless he touches the touch line or the ground beyond the touch line

b. if the ball is not being carried by a player and it touches the corner post the ball will be deemed to be touch in goal.

2. Inside the 22 metre area:

-When a defending player receives the ball outside the 22 metre line and passes, puts or takes the ball back inside the 22 the folllowing can occur:

a. If the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.

b. If a tackle, ruck or maul is subsequently formed and the ball is then kicked out the lineout is where the ball crossed the touchline.

3. Lineout:

- On a quick throw in, the ball can be thrown straight or backwards towards the defenders goal line, but not forward towards the opposition goal line

4. Breakdown(tackle/post tackle):

- Players entering the breakdown area must do so through the gate.

- Immediately the tackle occurs there are offside lines.

- The half back should not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.

5. Scrum:

- The offside line for players who are not in the scrum and who are not the team’s scrum half, is 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum.

6. Sanction:

- For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate and Foul play, the sanction is a free kick and not a penalty.

Info via www.sarugby.com

Cape Town – The Springboks have moved into second place in the latest IRB rankings following their RWC semi-final win over Argentina. New Zealand remain atop the standings on 89.63 points, closely followed by South Africa on 89.32. England have jumped from sixth to third in the rankings following their shock 14-9 victory over France, who in turn drop from second to fourth. Argentina, beaten comprehensively by the Boks 37-13, have slipped from fourth to sixth.

Top 10:

1. New Zealand 89.63
2. South Africa 89.32
3. England 87.18
4. France 84.83
5. Australia 84.21
6. Argentina 83.16
7. Ireland 78.66
8. Scotland 76.83
9. Fiji 75.82
10. Wales 74.08

News24