Test referee Angus Gardner has thrown his support behind the trial laws in Super Rugby Pacific, claiming they boost the game's appeal by minimizing disruptions. The tournament has introduced a raft of experimental laws to cut down on stoppages, particularly by limiting scrum options after certain infringements.
On the Rugby Unity podcast, Gardner expressed his enthusiasm for the new direction. "Super Rugby has always aimed to keep the game flowing," he said. "The recent innovations are crafted to ensure the ball stays in play more frequently, creating a more dynamic spectacle."
"We're looking for opportunities to get the game back up and operational rather than necessarily going to a scrum,"
While some traditionalists might see these changes as undermining the scrum's significance, Gardner sees it differently. "The focus is on maintaining continuity. It's a shift some purists might struggle with, but we're embracing a product that values ongoing action," he explained.
Gardner also highlighted the proactive approach taken by officials under these new laws. "Referees are now more driven to support attacking play and maintain momentum. This collective buy-in from teams, coaches, and referees is fundamental to this approach," he remarked.
The balance between maintaining accuracy and ensuring the game remains entertaining is something Gardner refers to as the "art of refereeing". "Managing safety, fairness, and flow without sacrificing any is a delicate dance that happens in real-time during the matches," he noted.
"There’s always a balance between accuracy and flow,"
Despite some pushback, Gardner is confident that these changes are enhancing the game and could potentially set a precedent for rugby globally. His endorsement suggests that while the evolution of rugby rules continues to stir debate, the focus firmly remains on refining the game for players and spectators alike.