The Voice From the Stands

Monday 30th June 2008 | www.planetrugby.com

I know there is only one game left under the old laws, but if ever there was an advert for ELVs then it was Saturday's Test between Argentina and Italy.

The game was the worst I have seen for as long as I can remember, maybe even of all time. Over thirty penalties, ten free-kicks, twenty-plus scrums and a set of match officials with as much commonsense and understanding as a bucket of frog spawn.

We all know it is down to the two teams' will to play enterprising rugby, but even then you can't account for the whistle-happy Matt Goddard who clearly thought he was at a rave and not charged with officiating a Test match.

Having watched an entire season of Super 14 under the ELVs I never thought I would end up supporting the changes of law, but having witnessed Italy's dour win in Cordoba I have been swayed - more out of the fear of having to watch a game that boring again.

This is not to say the old laws are detrimental to running rugby, as all you have to do is take a look at the Top 14 Final between Toulouse and Clermont. Both sides, aided by competent officials, played an attacking brand of rugby that flowed from start to finish.

You can't help but feel for Clermont though, who were appearing in their ninth Top 14 Final and are still without a single victory to their names. Clearly Clermont and Vern Cotter have taken a leaf out of Gloucester's book of how not to finish a season!

Speaking of the new laws, this weekend marks the start of the 2008 Tri-Nations, although I struggle to see anything but an All Black win - not just this weekend but overall as well. Even without Richie McCaw I can't see the Springboks or Australia mounting serious challenges.

Without going too far into the Springboks squad I just don't think they have the right blend, or enough back-up in key positions to mount a sustainable bid for the title. I have no doubt they will turn a few heads with one big win, but they will not be able to cope with the injuries and fatigue that goes with this tournament.

Australia, who struggled past France at the weekend, have shown glimpses of what they can do under Robbie Deans but as of yet have failed to convince me of their ability to play rugby for eighty minutes. Within twelve months Australia will be the best team in the world, but for now the Tri-Nations has come a might early for them.

There are worries about how New Zealand will fare without Richie McCaw, who is a big loss, but he does not make the team. I personally think New Zealand will have too much depth to be troubled by the other two, not forgetting the return to form of Dan Carter.

As mentioned last week we are starting a new section to 'The Voice From the Stands', where you the reader have a chance to ask a question or request an opinion on a certain topic, and we in return answer or debate the point at hand. So without further ado here is the first point of debate...