 Peter de Villiers says June's Tests will be tough encounters |
South Africa coach Peter de Villiers says Wales will have an edge in June's Tests as they will not be played under the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs). Some of the ELVs have been trialled in the southern hemisphere Super 14 this season, but the old laws will apply when the Boks face Wales and Italy. De Villiers said: "It is going to be tough. Wales will certainly have an advantage on this tour." Thirteen of the 23 ELVs will be brought in across the board in August. Changes to be trialled from 1 August include: Players can defend a maul by pulling it down. Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum. No restriction on the number of players who can participate in the lineout from either side (minimum of two). The receiver in a lineout must stand two metres back from the lineout.  | 606: DEBATE |
Flags are no longer considered to be in touch in-goal except when a ball is grounded against the post. Possible confusion over law changes notwithstanding, South Africa have several injury worries, including to talismanic flanker Schalk Burger. Wales will also be without a glut of Grand Slam winners, including Martyn Williams, Mike Phillips, Dwayne Peel and Gavin Henson. De Villiers said: "Injuries happen. But we should remember Wales did not win the Six Nations as a result of individual brilliance, but because they were such a good team. "One will always have injured players and others who are not well. It may be difficult to replace some but that is the challenge. "It has been said Schalk will be out for six weeks, but let's see what happens."
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