Australia tests new rules to increase pace of Super Rugby AU
Jun 12, 2020
Australia’s revamped Super Rugby competition will feature seven experimental rules designed to increase the attacking element of the game and enhance it as a spectacle for viewers
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s revamped Super Rugby competition will feature seven experimental rules designed to increase the attacking element of the game and enhance it as a spectacle for viewers.
Super Rugby AU has adopted the red card replacement rule and the so-called Super Time for tied matches that will be in place for the New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa domestic competition, which kicks off Saturday in Dunedin and is expected to attract an almost capacity crowd.
Rugby has been suspended globally since March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The regular five-nation 15-team Super Rugby tournament was suspended after seven rounds, leaving participating unions to go their own ways to fill the void once lockdowns are lifted.
Australian organizers are embracing ideas from other countries and from the National Rugby League, including goal-line dropouts instead of five-yard scrums when an attacking player is held up in-goal or knocks forward over the tryline.
The red card replacement is new in rugby union. Usually a player red carded by a referee cannot be replaced. Under the experimental rule, a player sent off in such circumstances can be replaced after 20 minutes — which is double the penalty for a regular yellow card infringement. If all substitutions have been used, the red-carded player cannot return to the game.
In other variations, matches that are tied after regulation can be decided on golden-point extra time — the first team to score in the two five-minute periods of extra time — there'll be limits on scrum re-sets, more focus on infringements at breakdowns and rewards for attacking, touch-finding kicks in general play.
Australia's director of rugby Scott Johnson said the experimental rules were designed to make the game more entertaining and agreed by a group of 24 comprising coaches, players, referees and administrators.
“Throughout the process we stuck to the principle that whatever we changed, nothing could compromise the Wallabies’ preparation for test rugby,” Johnson said. "I believe the changes we have implemented will broaden and enhance the capabilities of our players.”
Wallabies prop Scott Sio said the forwards may need to improve their fitness to adjust to the added speed of the game.
“You’ve always got to spice it up when you’re trying something new, add a bit of variety,” Sio said. “And it gives the viewership something new to watch; hopefully some more exciting footy in the attacking halves, players trying something new."
Australia's 12-week, five-team domestic tournament will kick off on July 3, involving the four Super Rugby franchises and the Perth-based Western Force.
Rugby Australia is pushing for a return to international rugby for the Wallabies later this year, aiming for a four-test Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand and a condensed Rugby Championship also involving World Cup champion South Africa and Argentina.
____
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
More News
Travis Kelce Exits Kansas City Chiefs Game With Ankle Injury
Travis Kelce is taking some bench time. The Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end exited the team’s Nov. 15 match up against the Atlanta Falcons after his very first catch of the game, suffering an...
Rihanna Reacts to EJ Johnson Feud Rumors Following Viral Comment
Rihanna is setting the record straight on those EJ Johnson feud rumors. Back in September, EJ, 34, publicly called out […] The post Rihanna Reacts to EJ Johnson Feud Rumors Following Viral Comment appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
Kevin Feige Felt Bringing X-Men Into ‘Avengers’ Franchise Was “Fun Way” To Celebrate 25 Years
As Avengers: Doomsday assembles into theaters next month, Kevin Feige is celebrating more than 25 years of Marvel’s cinematic journey. The Marvel Studios president, who was also an associate producer on 2000’s X-Men, recently explained that it “just felt right” to bring the mutant superherhoes of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters into the MCU with […]
Phil Collins Says He’s a ‘Well Man’ Now and Hints at the ‘Possibility of Doing Some Shows’ Amid Health Battle: ‘You Haven’t Heard the Last of Me’
Phil Collins made a rare public appearance to accept his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, where he addressed his health, calling himself “a well man now.” “Thank you so much. Thank you. I’m really not as bad as it looks. I’m much better,” […]
Billy Evans Says He’d Do It All Over Again
Speaking with CBS News, Elizabeth Holmes’s partner said that despite the shower scene and other regrets, he would “100 percent” make “You Can See Everything” once more.
Box Office: Domestic Ticket Sales Up 20% From Last Year as Hollywood Awaits ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel, ‘Dune 3’ and ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
It’s been a triumphant year for movie theater owners, who are basking in the long-awaited box office rebound. Domestic ticket sales are already 20% above the same point in 2025, and that’s before a “Hunger Games” prequel, a third “Dune” and another “Avengers” installment hit the big screen. With revenues at $8.76 billion through Nov. […]
Baby2Baby Gala 2026: See Every Celebrity in Attendance!
Tons of stars are stepping out for Baby2Baby’s big event! Ciara, Kerry Washington, Jessica Alba, Keke Palmer, Andrew Garfield, and […] The post Baby2Baby Gala 2026: See Every Celebrity in Attendance! appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony Gets Fired Up With Live-Wire Numbers From U2, the Chili Peppers, Usher, Cynthia Erivo, Sienna Spiro, Aerosmith and More
You could feel it in the air that night, at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held Saturday at L.A. Peacock Theatre and filmed for a December ABC special. The show’s producers would relish, as always, the thought of having younger artists salute their elders, or bringing together some powerhouse teamings, coming […]
Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ Lyrics & Meaning Explained as Song Returns to Billboard Charts in 2026
Wham! is already making a big comeback on the charts as Christmas music takes over once again! The duo’s beloved […] The post Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ Lyrics & Meaning Explained as Song Returns to Billboard Charts in 2026 appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
Mormon Wives' Salomé Andrea Claps Back at Rumors Her Husband Cheated
Salomé Andrea is setting the record straight. After the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County star shared insight into her marital issues with husband Aaron Brimhall on the Hulu series, she...
Charlotte Church closes wellness retreat after five 'beautiful' years
Church previously said she blew "pretty much all my life savings" on the £1.5m home.
Elizabeth Holmes' partner sounds off on Amanda Seyfried's portrayal of tech founder
Elizabeth Holmes' partner sounds off on Amanda Seyfried's portrayal of tech founderAmanda Seyfried played the infamous Elizabeth Holmes in the show The Dropout and the documentary You Can See Everything.However, Holmes's partner, Billy Evans, appears not to have been a fan of the actress's...