So far, what I have seen....the new rules seems an attempt to turn rugby into a fifteen man version of sevens rugby and destroys the tactical side of the game. So far it nullifies brainier teams outsmarting their opponents, denying them opportunity to set up field position. It also denies the infringed team from punishing their opponents deservedly for certain infringements such as hands in the ruck, slowing the ball down etc. From what I can see, the free kicks that usually would have been penalties which in some cases would have been turned into points, prevents the stronger of the two sides building up a deserved lead over their inferior opponents before giving their rightful cushion margin to start opening up on their opponents. The weaker team, the more undisciplined team stays very much and unfairly within the scoreline.

A defending team under the new laws is more prepared to infringe in front of their posts because the result will not be a certain three points against them but a free kick which is defendable OR if the attacking team goes for a lineout to the corner, well that too is defendable as the infringing team now gets the lineout throw.

The new rules also seem to deprive teams of creating a steady platform from which to attack. So far, it is too basketball.

The three Super 14 super matches played in SA, I simply did not enjoy. I am not being negative. I was looking forward to the new rule's improving rugby as a spectacle and although it is very early days, typical of early season form...and of course players needing to come to terms with the new rules and applying them tactically...I found the rugby dished up in SA was woeful.

After the Sharks vs the Force match which was painfully unmemorable, I looked forward to the Bulls/Stormers match hoping for a better showing of rugby. This was not to be ...and again with the Lions/Cheetahs.

I am awaiting next weeks rounds to see whether all of this is rustiness. And moreover, I want to see the matches down under to see whether this is SA Super 14 rugby and/or whether the NZ/Oz teams are serving up pretty much the same. Before guys crucify me for being too negative, I am prepared to give these new experimental laws a chance. But if after three or four weeks of rugby, should the same drivel continue, then I for one wont be supporting these rules as a permanent change. So far the changes appear too radical and far too sweeping.

I would be interested to know if there is anyone who agrees with me and is equally concerned. In earlier posts, I read Dodge had described the first bout of Super 14 rugby as being too similar to league. I am inclined to agree with him. The new rules also seem to dilute the impact of the scrum.

Another concern for me was the lack of deft and skillful passing of the ball with players just running and bashing it up, recycling and bashing it up some more....backs and forwards... no support running, no looking for gaps. It was just was one messy scrap after the other.

Often tactics on the field are not trying to go out there and score tries in the first minute, but rather to wear your opponent down, gain the ascendancy tactically, get your opponents big forwards trudging back down field fifty metres and then unleashing your strike power.

It is has been a long time since I haven't enjoyed a weekend of rugby. In Cape Town I started off supporting the Bulls over the Stormers. Midway through the game I was happy to support the team that played the better, constructive rugby...even if it was a Stormers win...in the end it was neither.

Finally, I don't wish too sound sour, over moan and complain, or too negative particularly in the first week of Super 14 rugby 2008...but after three matches, I found very little positive in either match and all six teams and have started to ask whether these experimental laws will eventually improve or negate rugby. I know time will tell, for sure!