Super Rugby promises to showcase the ‘Power of the Pacific’ with laws confirmed

The laws have been locked in for the Super Rugby Pacific competition with a number of variations.

The goal-line drop-out and 50:22, first trialled in Australian Rugby and since adopted as World Rugby Global Law Trials, will be carried through into the 2022 competition along with the addition of the 20-minute red card and golden point extra time variations.

The red card variation sees the offending players sent off the field for 20 minutes before being replaced to restore 15 on 15 players. While the golden point provides the opportunity for matches drawn at fulltime to go into a nail-biting 10 minutes of extra time where the team to score first points will be awarded the win.

“The Global Law trials carried through into the Super Rugby Pacific competition have proven to be very effective since being suggested by Scott Johnson 30 months ago and trialled in our Super Rugby AU competitions,” Rugby Australia General Manager of Professional Rugby Services, Ben Whitaker said.

“Whilst the red card and golden point law variations ensure the fans are treated to competitive, exciting matches under all circumstances. These competition variations will ensure players and teams can showcase the Rugby power of the Pacific to fans around the region and world.”

It’s hoped the laws will continue to promote attacking rugby and create more scoring opportunities.

“It’s great to have the coaches, players and referees working together again this season. We all want to support quick ball at the breakdown so we can create space for our x-factor players. Fewer stoppages will also mean players are likely to fatigue and hopefully we’ll see more space for attacking Rugby,” NZR National Referee Manager Bryce Lawrence said

Rugby Australia has also confirmed its referee team for the inaugural season of Super Rugby Pacific. Six Australian officials will take charge of the opening Australian rounds, with Nic Berry, Jordan Way and Angus Gardner set to take control of the opening three Australian Matches.

Throughout the season, Berry, Way and Gardner will be joined by Damon Murphy, Reuben Keane, and Graham Cooper before linking up with their New Zealand counterparts following Super Round.

The tournament commences on Friday with the NSW Waratahs taking on Fiji in the season opener.

Our experts Brett McKay and Geoff Parkes are off to a cracking start on The Roar Rugby Podcast as they tackle the state of play in the Six Nations and look ahead to the launch of Super Rugby Pacific. Click below to play or follow on Spotify.

source https://thedailyrugby.com/super-rugby-promises-to-showcase-the-power-of-the-pacific-with-laws-confirmed/