McCaw: Cheats don't prosper
2008-02-28 09:31
Sydney - Richie McCaw has dismissed talk of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) allowing breakdown cheats to prosper.
Under the ELVs rugby referees can now award free-kicks instead of penalties at the post-tackle melee. The practice can be open to abuse because it encourages players to keep infringing if they know they are not going to be penalised.
Crusaders skipper and openside flanker McCaw, however, says anything that attempts to produce clean ball and speed up possession is a bonus, reports Rugby Heaven website.
"If you are getting frustrated with guys lying all over the ball, the refs will just give you the short arm (free-kick) and, bang, there is no hesitation and you can play or (you) can start at the set piece again."
With captains having the option of taking a quick tap or calling a scrum, the game has become more tactical. Those against the law change say it can also reward illegal play because the chance of being penalised has been reduced.
Although referees still have the option of penalising off-side play, they may be more tempted to merely dish out a free-kick and avoid controversy.
'Bloody tough to defend'
"That's up to the ref," McCaw said.
"But if you end up giving away free-kicks one after the other, then it becomes bloody tough to defend."
McCaw said the Crusaders were blowing when they gave away several early free-kicks against the Bulls and noted both teams were warned by referee Matt Goddard that the punishment would become severe.
"The referee at the weekend said if it was cynical he was prepared to go to the long arm straight away, so as long as the refs are prepared to do that I guess it comes down to judgment," McCaw said.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has intimated some players are allowed to get away with too much on the ground.
Goddard will control Saturday's match between the Crusaders and the Stormers at Newlands.
While acknowledging he has every reason to be pleased with the new rules after two big wins in the opening rounds, McCaw said it was no longer easy for defenders to conveniently block the ball.
"When it's a free-kick they (referees) are more inclined to get rid of the tackler. That's what is freeing the ball up."
- SAPA