Rugby Australia has kept most of last year’s Super Rugby AU law changes for the 2021 edition, as well as adding a further two variations.
The regulations regarding kick-offs from rugby sevens have been adopted, meaning any infringement from the restart will result in a free-kick being awarded, and that the kicking team has a 30-second limit to take the kick.
And while up to ten minutes of extra time will once again be used to find a winner if teams are level after 80 minutes, a golden-try system will be used rather than last year’s golden point. The side which scores the first five-pointer of the additional period will win the match.
Teams can still opt to kick for goal either from penalties or via a drop-goal attempt, but the game will continue in the event of a successful kick until a try is scored or the ten minutes elapse.
The kick-off changes have been made to speed up the game and reduce the number of scrums, while the alterations to extra time have been introduced to encourage attacking play and avoid a repeat of a clash between the Rebels and Reds which saw both sides play out a dour, conservative final ten minutes of their drawn match in Round 2 last year.
The introduction of goal-line drop-outs, replacements for sent-off players, and 50-22 and 22-50 kicks are all rule changes from 2020 which have been retained.
In addition, referees have been directed to police the breakdown more stringently in an attempt to speed up the play, particularly in regards to Law 15.17, which states: “When the ball has been clearly won by a team at the ruck, and is available to be played, the referee calls ‘use it’, after which the ball must be played away from the ruck within five seconds.”
“These variations have the capacity to enhance the capabilities of our players, and the general entertainment value in the game as well,” RA director of rugby Scott Johnson said.
“There were some terrific, robust discussions that were had, and some great left-field ideas proposed, but we believe we have struck a great balance in preserving the integrity of the competition, developing our players for the Test arena later this year and enhancing the spectacle of the game.
“The variations were all unanimously agreed, and everyone also indicated a desire for referees to ‘speed up the game’ with a general reduction in scrum resets, and a greater onus on the attacking team to use the ball from a ruck when available.”
Super Rugby AU 2021 law changes