30/01/2008 22:17

Miller, speaking at a Western Province coaching clinic in Khayelitsha on Wednesday, dismissed fears that the northern hemisphere countries may still oppose the experimental laws to be tried out in the south from February.

The general feeling is that the laws will increase the value of mobility. This will be welcomed in a country such as Australia. However, it is unclear what the opinion will be in the northern hemisphere, where a greater appreciation of the set pieces exists.

Countries in the southern hemisphere could be at a disadvantage when they play against those from the north in June because they will have to revert to the "old" laws.

Miller said the northern and southern hemispheres had equal representation on the laws projects committee.

The idea was that the scrum should become a more important weapon than before.

"If you have a strong pack, you will be able to take the option of a scrum whenever you are awarded a free kick," Miller said.

Launching moves from the scrum could now be a stronger option because of the experimental law that stipulates that the offside line for players not involved in the scrum will be five metres behind the feet of the player at the rear of their own pack.

Logical decision

"We are going to see more moves by the loose forwards," Miller predicted.

He said it was a logical decision to introduce the laws in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, there is constant overlapping of competitions. In the south, competitions are played in blocks.

"Our approach is now much more scientific than in the old days. Things happen in cycles of four years," he said.

"The move towards the new experimental laws began in 2003 when concern was expressed about the breakdown points."

These laws had also been tried out at lower levels in Ireland, Scotland, France and England.

"Sanzar (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) agreed to try out the laws, with certain exceptions.

"It is a pity that all the experimental laws won't be applied in Super 14 rugby this year," Miller said.

"This is a long process. The experimental laws will be discussed again in November and will probably be ratified only in November 2009."

International Rugby Board president Bernard Lapasset also attended the coaching clinic, along with Miller and representatives of the SA Rugby Union.

"The IRB has a special plan for South Africa," Lapasset said. "We support plans to develop rugby in the townships."

The Frenchman, on his first visit to South Africa, added, "South Africa has two faces - the one we saw at the World Cup tournament (in France last year) and the one here in the townships.

"South Africa has a special place in world rugby. In is important that rugby remains strong here."