Concerned by an increasingly over-populated midfield area, the Stellenbosch laws require the backs to be at least 5m behind - rather than level with - the hindmost foot of the scrum.

"At scrums, all non-participating players - except scrum-halves - must be at least 5m behind the number eight's feet," said O'Brien.

"This gives much more room for the back lines and helps make for a more skilful handling game."