The Western Force will host the Brumbies and the Queensland Reds will take on the NSW Waratahs in Round 1 of Super Rugby.
Western Force skipper Ian Prior has given a big thumbs up to Super Rugby AU’s new golden try rule, and players are confident the other law tweaks will make the game a better spectacle.
Last season’s tied games were decided by a golden point rule in extra time, meaning a team could win the game by merely nailing a penalty or a drop goal. This year, teams will have to score a try to automatically win in extra time in a tweak that encourages more attacking play.
“The golden try is a great thing,” Prior said.
“We saw last year the golden time was a great initiative, but teams were trying not to lose, just playing field position.
“This (new tweak) makes you want to be bold and play the game in the right way and score a try to win, which is pretty exciting.”
Players will get far less time to rest in matches this year due to a series of tweaks that have been implemented to speed up the game.
Teams will have just 30 seconds to restart play after points are scored, while scrum resets will be timed by the television match official to crack down on unnecessary delays.
Match officials have also been briefed to police the breakdown and the ruck speed, whereby players must play the ball within five seconds of it being made available.
“For me and the front row, we’re going to be tired,” Wallabies and Brumbies prop Allan Ala’alatoa said.
“Obviously more free kicks. We’re hoping it’s a more entertaining brand of footy that attracts a lot of viewers, and brings people back to our game.”
Round 1 begins on Friday night, with the Western Force taking on the Brumbies in Perth, while the Queensland Reds host the NSW Waratahs.
The Force’s match marks their first Super game in Perth since July, 2017 – just before they were axed by Rugby Australia.
Prior praised billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest for saving the Force.
“He came on the field after the match. It was 1316 days ago, and said he’s going to get into the trenches with us – not only be with us, but leading from the front,” Prior said.
“And he stuck to his word, and we’re here today because of that.”
Meanwhile, the six-week, home-and-away Trans-Tasman competition that is due to follow the domestic tournament from May 14 is still expected to go ahead despite continued uncertainty around border restrictions.
There are fears a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand will not be established for the tournament to be run as initially planned.
But it’s understood Rugby Australia’s contingencies include playing several games in hub cities, with an extension of the Super Rugby AU competition a last resort.
© AAP
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