Law variations

[Puja]

What do we think so far?

While I'm entirely unsure if there has been a successful 50:22 completed yet in the Premiership so far, I think it's achieving its goal quite nicely. Teams are definitely leaving more players back to defend against it and there's space on the wing. Leicester have targetted it several times in their opening games by moving the ball very wide, very quickly, to give Nadolo space and a one-on-one, and there already seems to be less aimless kicking rather than playing the ball in ones' own half.

The one with the most potential to affect the game though, assuming it continues to be refereed consistently, is the enforcement of the laws on the latcher. Previously, it seemed to be assumed that a latched player was an extension of the ball carrier and could go down in the tackle, as the carrier did. Now, as soon as they latch, they're considered effectively first person into the ruck instead and will be considered sealing off if they go down with the tackler. As current technique on latching stands, it's actually quite hard not to go down with the tackled player, so if(and it's a big if) it continues to be refereed consistently and continually, then it's going to require a lot of teams to change their technique and thoroughly defang the grind around the corner. Saw it at the end of the Leicester vs Glaws game - Leicester were trying to timewaste and run out the clock and got pinged for it, then Glaws were trying to rumble to the line and got pinged. Just gotta hope that it continues being an all-game rule, rather than one that's just applied at the end of games when refs are looking for a reason to blow.

The goalline drop-out I can take or leave, although I'll take it, if it is reducing the goal-line around-the-corner rumble.

Puja

[Puja]

Wayne Barnes is certainly enforcing the latcher-on-feet law today. Good to see.

Puja

[fivepointer]

The 50:22 might be leaving a little more space outside which is a good thing. Outlawing the latch and flop is a very good thing. I'm not overly keen on a drop out if the ball is held up but so far it doesnt seem to be having much of an impact.
Overall I think the changes have been marginally beneficial so far.