Australia coach Robbie Deans admitted on Wednesday that the Wallabies were struggling to adapt to ”old” rugby rules as they prepare to face
France after a season playing under experimental laws.
The Australian players contested the Super 14 southern hemisphere provincial competition under trial laws designed to speed up the game but had to revert to standard rules for their 18-12 Test win over
Ireland two weeks ago.
Deans conceded that against Ireland the Wallabies were found wanting at the breakdown, a key area affected by the rule changes, with the forwards leaving halfback Luke Burgess exposed.
The New Zealander said he wanted an improvement for the France Test, his second match in charge of the Wallabies.
”It’s probably fair the intensity around the collision and the immediacy of that contact we probably grappled with [against Ireland] and hence we struggled a little bit around the breakdown,” Deans said.
”We’ve pushed on and tried to make some progress this week. We still haven’t got to the level where we need to be.”
Under the the new rules, known as Experimental Law Variations (ELVs), the halfback cannot be touched at the breakdown unless he has his hands on the ball.
Other changes include reducing the number of penalty kicks, and alterations to the maul, line-out, kicking from inside the 22-metre line and scoring in relation to the corner posts.
French lock Sebastien Chabal predicted the Wallabies would have difficulty adjusting after so long playing under the ELVs, which will be trialled worldwide from August 1.
”I think it will be a bit messy [for the Wallabies] in the head because they play for one year with some rules — now they have to come back with the old rules,” France’s talismanic player, known as ”the
Caveman”, told reporters.
”There are not many differences but there are still some differences, so I think it’s better for us than them.”
But Wallaby flanker George Smith said containing Chabal, not adapting to rule changes, would be the key to beating France.
”He’s a player that inspires the French team,” Smith said.
”He’s a very emotional player out there, so if we can nullify him, and also the other players on the team, I’m sure we’ll have a good performance on the weekend.” – Sapa-AFP