Possession is nine-tenths of the law

The adage that 'possession is nine tenths of the law' will become more than just an old saying when the Stormers host the Bulls in the opening round of the Super 14 competition in Cape Town on Saturday.

The adage that 'possession is nine tenths of the law' will become more than just an old saying when the Stormers host the Bulls in the opening round of the Super 14 competition in Cape Town on Saturday.

While most experts feel the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs), to be partly introduced in the Super 14, will have some effect, very few agree on exactly how much that would be.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke agrees that “some adjustments” are required, but he feels other aspects of the game remain far more important – especially the fundamentals of the game.

Ludeke, in his first season with the Bulls, said the two key elements in the game – when looking at the ELVs – are conditioning and possession.

“Yes, there will have to be some adjustments, you simply can't just carry on like before,” Ludeke told rugby365.com, adding that a lot of “hard work” went into the pre-season preparations to adjust to the ELVs.

“We had top referees like Andre Watson [General Manager Referees at SA Rugby] and Tappe Henning [retired former Test referee] to help us,” Ludeke said.

“We made some adjustments in the pre-season games and we are happy with where we're at, at the moment.

“The ball is in play much longer and it certainly means conditioning is important,” he said, adding that he is convinced his players are all in shape to cope with the demands of the new rules.

He also felt the game will open up and there will be a lot more space available for both teams.

However, he said it is still more important for the Bulls to focus on their own game and how they play.

“We will see 50 per cent of the ball, so when we have possession and that extra space [is there], we need to use it,” he said, adding that maintaining possession remains a key factor.

Ludeke said they have the strategies in place, while he also feels they have the “skills and players” to use the possession they win.

He said the ELVs are “great” for any team that has an attacking mindset and wants to use the spaces that appear.

“It will ask questions of your conditioning and how you use your replacement bench.

“Because those guys will have to come on and make a big difference when the game opens up late in the half,” Ludeke added.

By Jan de Koning