Mixed emotions over ELVs

The controversial Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) drew mixed emotions from the Highlanders after their 42-21 victory over the Blues in Carisbrook.

The controversial Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) drew mixed emotions from the Highlanders after their 42-21 victory over the Blues in Carisbrook.

Referees are now looking to award free kicks if ruck ball is slow and it seems the attacking team is benefiting from the new interpretations.

This could alleviate the impact that specialist fetchers such as Richie McCaw have on the game, so it will be very interesting to see how these players adapt to the new laws in the Super 14.

Highlanders captain Jason Macdonald spoke to Sportal after his side's final pre-season match against the Blues at Carisbrook and saw the new laws as a positive for the game.

However, he hinted that his side's big pre-season may give the Highlanders an edge this season.

“We have put in a lot of work pre-season so I wouldn't like to say the rules had a massive effect, I think it's more the hard work we have put in so it was pleasing to finish as well as we did in the last twenty minutes,” Macdonald said.

His side were impressive against a Blues outfit featuring former Highlander Nick Evans, scoring 35 unanswered points.

Macdonald was happy with how his team performed but wouldn't read too much into his side's performance against a Blues side clearly lacking urgency.

“Anytime you beat the Blues is an occasion to savour and we will use it as a benchmark because the real stuff starts next week.

“You can't take too much out of these pre-season games but we will take the positives and build towards next week,” he said.

Highlanders' flyhalf Daniel Bowden, playing in his first full game under the new laws, was less enthusiastic about the ELVs.

“If you commit large numbers to the ruck it makes life pretty tough having to defend against the free-kicks,” he said.

“The result has really given us some confidence leading into next week, but in saying that you can't take too much out of a pre-season game and the Reds are going to be very difficult at home, particularly after holding the wooden spoon from last year,” he went on to say.

The Highlanders will be confident heading to Brisbane to take on the Reds, who they meet in the opening round of the Super 14 on February 15.