The Wallabies are likely to have to switch between two sets of rules next year in Tests against northern hemisphere nations and their Tri Nations opponents.

SANZAR, rugby's governing body in the southern hemisphere, is expected to announce tomorrow that Super 14 matches and Tri Nations Tests between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will be played under several of rugby's "experimental law variations" (ELVs).

But home Tests against Ireland and France in June and July will be played under the existing laws because northern hemisphere nations have not yet trialled the ELVs at an elite level.

It means Australian players will need to learn the new rules for the Super 14, which begins in February, switch back to the old rules for three Tests and then play under the new laws again when the Tri Nations series gets underway in mid-July.

Many of Australia's Super 14 players got a taste of the ELVs during this year's inaugural Australian Rugby Championship.

The rules are aimed at speeding up the game and reducing the number of penalty goals.

Super 14 coaches and referees will gather in Sydney tomorrow for their annual conference on rule interpretations for the tournament.

The meeting will take on added significance this year if the ELVs are given the green light, an outcome which won't be known until South African officials discuss them late tonight.

It is still possible the Springboks could reject the IRB's invitation to trial the rules at the highest level, particularly as they won the World Cup this year under the current laws.

ARU deputy chief executive Matt Carroll admitted today the Wallabies could be forced to mix and match in different Tests.

"That is an issue but we think it is something that can be overcome," he told AAP.

"We've had a good look at it and it's not that hard.

"It's easier to go back to the old ones probably than it is to go forward to the new ones.

"Australian rugby has always thought that the opportunity to introduce the ELVs in the Super 14 is too good not to be able to overcome some of the issues we consider less major."

Carroll said it would only be fair to revert to the current laws against the Irish and French because their players would not have played under them at a high level.

But he said the shoe could well be on the other foot when the Wallabies tour Europe in November.

"It will depend on when the IRB sets the date for the implementation of these laws on a world-wide basis," he said.

"There has been talk of early July 2008 so, in that case, the spring tour matches next year will be played under the new laws."

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock said he didn't consider the chopping and changing a major issue.

"If that eventuates then I don't think it will be much of an issue really, going back to rules we've known for years," he said.

"The reality of it is if these new laws come in the game will be quicker with more ball in play and that would be a positive for the guys' fitness levels.

"So reverting back for three inbound Test matches won't be much of an issue at all."

AAP