By WYNNE GRAY
Top referee Colin Hawke feels far more comfortable about making decisions in this year's Super 12.
"I mean, it is reffing out of the book, isn't it?" he said on the eve of his role in tonight's competition start between the Highlanders and Blues.
"Before, they had added on a set of interpretations to the laws. Reverting to the rules as they are written is a good move and should make it easier to referee. It should also mean it will be better for a global game, in that we will all be singing from the same hymn sheet."
The Timaru-based referee said club referees used to wonder why they were not allowed to rule like Super 12 officials. There should be no difference now in applying rules about the tackle ball and obstruction and offering a fairer contest for possession. "I think the players will adapt quickly, though the hardest part is going to be the tackle law and getting people to stay on their feet. It will be a matter of getting some balance in the game and getting player cooperation."
Hawke issued only 21 penalties in a recent trial match, though he felt he might have eased off late in the game.
Hawke does not expect to do anything different from his routine inspection of players' boots and giving his standard safety briefing to the front rows.
For the first time in New Zealand, a half and fulltime hooter will be operated by a timekeeper in electronic contact with the referee.
"I like the idea," said Hawke. "It means one less thing we have to keep tabs on."
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule/scoreboard
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