Read bracing himself for ELVs

Editor

Crusaders flank Kieran Read said the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) would take their toll on loose forwards for at least the first few weeks of the Super 14 campaign.

Crusaders flank Kieran Read said the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) would take their toll on loose forwards for at least the first few weeks of the Super 14 campaign.

The Crusaders loose forward explained that while scrums would offer much-needed relief for some teams if the match got too fast – which it probably will – defending sides would still be somewhat handicapped by being forced to be five meters back.

“When you're inside the 22 on defence it's a lot harder to 'D' up because there's less chance to get up in their [opposition's] face,” Read told RugbyHeaven on Tuesday.

“It's creating a lot more one-on-ones in the backline and it's a bit harder for us as 'loosies'. We've got to work hard to get off the scrum as quickly as we can,” added Read.

While the task that faced most teams in the Super 14 under the ELVs was particularly daunting for most players, Read explained that there was certainly an element of excitement that would come with playing under the new laws.

“But it's exciting. It's going to bring a lot more playing time. There are fewer penalties and more free kicks and teams are going to be willing to get themselves on the front foot by that means,” added the Crusaders flank.

“It's pretty interesting, and though it doesn't change the whole thing too much, it does quicken up the game a little and make the boys train a bit harder to get a bit fitter. It should be good for the fans I'd say,” said Read.

“It's going to have a big impact on the attacking team.

“If you can get hold of ball and get the quick tap it's going to be hard to stop. But also if you want to slow it down there's no reason why you can't take the scrum. There are other ways to play it,” added Read.