FRENCH World Cup star Frederic Michalak believes the new experimental law variations on trial in this year's Super 14 should be introduced to international rugby as soon as possible.
Michalak, who will play for the Sharks against the Waratahs at the Sydney Football Stadium tomorrow night, says the ELVs should even be introduced in time for Australia's domestic Test season.
The Wallabies are scheduled to play one Test against Ireland on June 14 and two against France, on June 28 and July 5.
Michalak's endorsement is at odds with criticism of the ELVs in the northern hemisphere. Wales and Ireland are opposed to the new laws and are set to reject them when the International Rugby Board discusses the issue next week.
Michalak is adamant the IRB should approve the ELVs internationally. "It is necessary to do it," he said. "Even [to implement the law] to not allow the ball to be passed back into the 22 and kicked to touch allows the game to be more open."
When told the Wallabies' Tests against France, which he hopes to play in, will be run under the old laws - or those still in place in the northern hemisphere - Michalak replied: "Ah … yes? Why?" Duly informed that the IRB was yet to vote on the ELVs, his sentiment was clear. "They like to have meetings," he deadpanned.
The IRB will review the ELVs next week in Dublin, where the national unions of the three SANZAR partners - Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - will also convene to discuss the laws and the unions' expansion plans.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill said pushing through the ELVs would still be "challenging", despite the fact the IRB had sponsored the project for over two years.
O'Neill remains hopeful all eight of the law variations will be adopted at Test level from August 1.
"We wholeheartedly support that recommendation," O'Neill said, adding there would be some "interesting behind-the-scenes chats with some of the northern hemisphere countries who are yet to be convinced". "Truthfully, it is only a couple [who are opposed]. It is only Ireland and Wales that are steadfastly opposed," he said. "England, I think, are halfway there. But Scotland, France, Italy, the SANZAR countries, Argentina are on side."
As a player from the northern hemisphere playing in the Super 14 for the first time, Michalak's views are a timely boost for the proponents of the ELVs.
"I find them very, very good. The game is much more open, especially around the ruck," he said. "They [referees] give a short-arm penalty if the player doesn't let go of the ball. It is a ball game … non?
"But it is necessary they also learn all [the laws]. Last weekend [against the Brumbies] there was a big error by one of the referees. I was [already inside] the 22 metres, passed and it was kicked directly out of touch. [The play] came back.
"Frankly they are good. [The game] is less broken because there are short-arm penalties. There are less consequences because [with a quick tap] the game will play on."
■ Western Force centre and Wallabies candidate Ryan Cross has re-signed with the Perth franchise for another three years. His deal will run up to and include the 2011 World Cup.
