All Blacks: Henry happy with new rule changes

The lineout during Saturday's match between the All Blacks and the Springboks. Photo / Getty Images

Graham Henry has given the ELVs a pass mark after their international debut in the opening Tri Nations test at the weekend.

However, he said he is still not sure about the sacking of mauls and the open numbers in the lineout.

The All Blacks coach gave the thumbs up though he conceded that they make things harder for his coaching staff as they make the game less structured.

His players prefer playing to the new rules as the game becomes more open and more athletic.

But the All Blacks will have to wait and see whether all of them become permanent law within the game.

And All Blacks forwards coach Steve Hansen believes one of the new ELVs will not survive - the rule allowing sides to use any number of players in the lineout.

He said it is flawed and gives the defending team an advantage.

Hansen does concede the rules need to be given more time before a good assessment can be made.

The Springboks, meanwhile, will take their concerns over what they see as illegal All Blacks scrumaging techniques to IRB referees boss Paddy O'Brien today.

- NEWSTALK ZB