O’Sullivan queries timing of new rule

IRISH coach Eddie O’Sullivan yesterday questioned the wisdom of introducing a “draconian rule” a week ahead of the start of the Six Nations Championship.

O'Sullivan believes the new ruling on the tackle law could become controversial as the northern hemisphere elite go head to head this weekend.

The Six Nations sides have been told there will be zero tolerance for changing body positions in a bid to recycle possession once a player goes to ground, despite the fact that the individual might not even be held by an opponent.

O'Sullivan said: "It's going to be very difficult for everyone, for players and for referees. Rugby is a collision sport and it's not just a simple thing for players to release the ball instantly to allow an attack continue.

"I hope the referees will be sensible. We have a sensible referee in Rome on Sunday Paddy O'Brien but we have to appreciate that all referees will be under scrutiny as well and we have had to do our best to adjust to what the IRB say will be applied."

O'Sullivan revealed that all coaches in the tournament had been notified a couple of weeks ago and had been supplied with DVDs showing clips from games indicating what would, or would not, be allowed.

O'Sullivan's gripe was the law had been introduced in the northern hemisphere halfway through the season, not giving coaches or players much opportunity to adjust.

"We have studied the footage and we have trained accordingly this week but there could be grey areas, there probably will. There could be a lot of penalties in the opening series of matches."

O'Sullivan did say it would be the same for Italy as Ireland. "It's all new to them as well, so there is no point in dwelling on it too much, only to get on with it and hope for the best.

"We would like to have had more time. These laws come in during the off-season for the southern hemisphere sides but smack in the middle for everyone else.

"Mid-season is not a good time to introduce new laws."

Captain Brian O'Driscoll backed O'Sullivan: "It's going to take a bit of getting used to but there are two teams in it so it won't be plain sailing for either."

O'Driscoll is reserving judgement on the rule.

"It's hard to judge what might happen in a match situation when you're only experimenting at training, when you haven't had a chance to see what happens in a competitive match.

"There would appear to be specific areas where harsh judgements could be made. A full-back, having caught a ball, might try to buy himself a bit of time by getting a long body position, only to find himself giving away an immediate penalty. Instances like that make the new rule seem harsh.

"It's hard to talk about this with any conviction because we have to see what happens this weekend, how the referees react to certain situations and how the players adjust to situations that are not quite natural to them, based on what has gone before."

One way or another, O'Driscoll expects a tough assignment in Rome.

"We will take nothing for granted against Italy. From the team of a couple of years ago when the main problem was physicality, they are now far better structured, better organised and prepared.

"And they are gaining experience all the time. Treviso supplies a number of players to the team and will be happy with their performance in the Heineken Cup."

The Irish captain was in expansive mode, describing full-back Geordan Murphy as one of the best players in the world.

"He only said that because he owes me money," said Murphy, but O'Driscoll clearly has huge respect for the Leicester player.

"I don't think there is any doubt, he is quality personified. I've said it for the last few years, he is a very exciting player, it's the things you see him do on the training ground and in matches that some other people would not dare try.

"He is a hugely talented player and there is always an element of the unexpected about him. His skill level is higher than anyone I know in the game, he's brilliant."

Murphy, who's sharing a room with Munster's Peter Stringer ("Maybe they're keeping me apart from Drico and the other Leinster guys"), is looking forward to his posting.

"It's great to get a run in my favourite position behind guys like Brian, Gordon (D'Arcy), Shane Horgan, Denis Hickie, Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer.

"It's an exciting back line to play in. I really didn't care where I was selected once I was picked. I feel sorry for Girvan (Dempsey) because he is a fabulous player and a very good friend, but I'm happy to get a shot at the full-back position.

"I'm happy, but disappointed for him. To be fair, he came straight up and congratulated me, the first guy to do so. That's a sign of the bond between players in this squad."