Why it's raining tries in the Super 14

BY SPIRO ZAVOS - © Fairfax NZ News

There were 45 tries scored in the first round of the 2009 Super 14 tournament. This was 20 more than in the first round in 2008. Last week's second round featured 34 tries.

New laws are good for Super 14

© Fairfax NZ News

The variations of the IRB's Experimental Law Variations selected for use in the 2008 Super 14 tournament represent an evolution rather than a revolution in the quest to work out the true laws of rugby union.

Don't judge Deans by silver standard

© Fairfax NZ News

For the chief executive of the ARU, John O'Neill, it's all about winning trophies. Robbie Deans's first term as Wallabies coach has reflected a holding pattern for trophies retained, but with an obvious improvement (except for two aberrations: the All Blacks at Auckland and the Springboks at Johannesburg) in the play of the team from last year. A C-plus would be a fair mark so far.

A game of three halves and infinite law changes

© Fairfax NZ News

The French have a lovely way of describing the banter and gossip that takes place in anticipation of the next big rugby match: "The third half."