THE Super 14 competition will introduce a raft of changes next year as southern-hemisphere rugby attempts to increase its entertainment value, lengthen the amount of time the ball is in play and quicken the game.

Australian teams are set to benefit most from the new laws as they have been extensively trialled in the Australian Rugby Championship and lower-tier competitions.

Australian Rugby Union deputy chief executive Matt Carroll admitted yesterday that the laws were aimed at boosting entertainment value.

"We are in a very competitive market," Carroll said. "We know how strong football is around the world, we know how strong Australian rules and league are in Australia. Even in New Zealand they know how strong rugby league is."

A large number of players from NSW, the Queensland Reds, Brumbies and Western Force have already played under the rules and have a prime chance to make use their experience and get a jump on their rivals early. With Australian rugby hurting after poor results in last year's Super 14 and World Cup as well as a drop in crowd numbers, gate takings and television ratings, quick on-field success next season would be an ideal medicine.

NSW coach Ewen McKenzie admitted his side "had the benefit here of having seen it whereas others don't.

"I have been banking on the fact (the rules) will be in. We have been conditioning on the basis the game will be more free flowing.

"We have certainly recruited on (that) … So the people we have got should sit in well with the way the game is going," McKenzie said.

Western Force coach John Mitchell has also prepared his squad expecting the variations to be approved.

"We have been expecting them," he said. "It will just require better decision making … probably quicker transitions between attack and defence. With the game in its previous form, there was a lot of down time between when the ball is kicked out and the scrum."

SUPER 14: THE NEW LAWS

■Backlines must be five metres back from the scrum.

■Line-outs: a quick throw-in can now go backwards toward own-goal line.

■For all offences other than offside and foul play, sanction is a free kick rather than a penalty.

■If a player passes or carries the ball from outside to inside his own 22-metre line and he or a teammate kicks into touch, the line-out will be from where the ball is kicked out. If a tackle, ruck or maul is subsequently formed and the ball kicked directly into touch, the line-out is where the ball crossed the touch line.

■If a player with the ball touches a corner post, he will not be in touch unless he touches the touch-line or the ground beyond the touch-line. If the ball is not being carried by a player and it touches the corner post, the ball will be deemed to be touch in goal.

■Players entering the breakdown area must do so through the gate.

■Immediately the tackle occurs there are offside lines.

■The half-back should not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.