Radical new laws to be trialled during the Rainbow Cup
THREE radical new rugby laws will be trialled during the upcoming Rainbow Cup, tournament organisers have confirmed.
In the newly-formed competition, which kicks off next week, a red-carded player can be replaced after 20 minutes, captains can challenge the decision of the referee and rugby league-style goal-line dropouts will be brought in.
The laws are already being trialled in Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby AU and the Rainbow Cup will now join the World Rugby law trials programme.
The most eye-opening new law is that a player who has been sent off can be replaced after 20 minutes.
Players who have already been replaced for tactical reasons are permitted to come back onto the field in this scenario, but the player who received the red card cannot return.
The new law will prevent games being ruined – in the eyes of some – by red cards. However, critics will argue that it is an example of the game’s governing body pandering to coaches and players who have struggled to adapt to the zero tolerance approach to contact with the head.
Another new development is that captains will now have the power to challenge a referee’s decision.
In the first 75 minutes of a match, the challenge can only be used to check an infringement leading up to a try or foul play.
After the 75-minute mark, they can be used to challenge any whistled decision regardless of whether or not a try has been scored.
Challenges can only be made in the first 20 seconds after a referee as blown the whistle to stop play and can only related to incidents in the previous passage of play.
When a ruling is challenged, it is referred to the television match official for further inspection. If the decision is overturned, then the team keeps their challenge but if the on-field decision stands then the team cannot challenge another call.
This new law is aimed at enhancing the accuracy of decisions made by match officials.
Finally, a goal-line dropout is now being introduced for held-up over the line, knock-ons that occur in goal, or when the ball is grounded by a defending player in the in-goal area after a kick through.
The dropout can take place anywhere across the field but must be taken from behind the goal-line and travel a minimum of five metres.
Missed penalties and drop goals will continue to result in dropouts on the 22 metre line.
The reason for this is to reward the attacking team for working themselves into a dangerous position.