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With the decision on the ELVs in May looming, the question has to be asked: have they actually achieved anything?
I have followed them since they were trialled in Stellenbosch, as even though I didn’t have a problem with the game, you can still tinker around the edges to improve things.
Every sport has done it to some extent.
And their theory sounded fantastic: speed the game up, keep the contests, reduce the complexity, reduce the stops.
This does sound pretty good.
But in the years since they were introduced, I am not sure even one of these has been achieved. The game, when it is actually playing, probably is faster, but the endless short arms I think cancel this out.
The short arm is easy for the referee to give, and seemingly not a real penalty for the offending team so it doesn’t really matter if one is conceded.
The complexity is up, and I hate to agree with this, but the amount of aimless kicking has increased tenfold. This is the absolute worst part.
I don’t mind kicking in a game. Even the English style of the past was fine to me. But what seems to have crept in now is just beyond understanding.
I really didn’t think there was much wrong with rugby in the first place.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.