ELVs RIP?

D-Day from the ELVs is, apparently, a mere few weeks away. On 13th May in London a two-day IRB meeting will be looking at the evidence of the worldwide trial - and despite the massive pro-ELV PR campaign it doesn't look good.

The way in which many top level games have decended into aerial ping-pong is an unexpected but common complaint. ELV supporters say that this just shows unimaginative coaching, but such is the growing tide of disatisfaction that it is possible that the entire ELV collection could be thrown out - even the bits that people say they like.

Certainly whispers in the press hint that the pulling down of mauls is dead in the water and variable number in the lineout also seems in trouble, surprisingly. However, even the five metres at the scrum rule is under threat, according to many correspondents. Indeed, as you read around, the impression you get is that there is even a growing counter-revolution campaigning to remove older law changes around things like the ruck, which some say made the game "safer" at the loss of fluidity.

So - watch the press - there could be yet more changes to your game before the start of next season.