Ex-Saints coach Geech: New laws are ruining rugby
Former Northampton Saints boss Ian McGeechan insisted the Experimental Law Variations introduced this season are ruining the game despite Wasps' 28-19 victory over rivals Leicester.
Jeremy Staunton kicked 23 points for the visitors before Damien Varley's 68th-minute try secured their first win of the season at Welford Road.
But British and Irish Lions coach McGeechan, who helped rebuild Saints after relegation in the mid-1990s, says the ELV's introduced by rugby's governing body, the International Rugby Board, have left coaches, players and referees confused.
"It's sad when you have to ask a team to stop playing the rugby they usually play," said McGeechan, whose side claimed their first win of the season after losing their third on the trot at Franklin's Gardens last weekend.
"You can't afford to play in your own half and I think Leicester adopted the same principles as we did by trying to keep it tight. It's very tough on referees as well because they have enough to think about.
"But our physicality was first-class and we never gave Leicester a platform to build on. We were also very disciplined when we didn't have the ball. I'm delighted to get the first win under our belts."
After Staunton and England star Toby Flood had traded early kicks, Irish winger Johne Murphy gave the hosts a 13-6 half-time lead with a try.
Former All Black Aaron Mauger broke through a tackle in midfield and timed his short pass to Murphy to perfection.
Staunton and Flood again traded kicks before two drop goals and a penalty from fly- half Staunton edged the Guinness Premiership champions ahead for the first time.
Heyneke Meyer's side refused to give up but after Flood had kicked Leicester back into the lead from 45 metres, Staunton restored Wasps' two-point lead.
But the visitors made sure of victory when substitute Varley crossed with Staunton's kick making it 28-19.
Leicester coach Meyer said: "We didn't play enough football and you certainly can't win any games if you don't play.
"I don't think we had a single set piece in their half in the second half and it is obviously going to be tough to score points if that is the case.
"The difference between the two sides tonight was that when they got into our half, they punished us by kicking their goals.
"But Leicester v Wasps games are always going to be very tactical and you have to expect a lot of kicking."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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