The directives given to referees should lead to a Premiership campaign of running rugby capturing the expressive mood of the times, according to Paul Rees in The Observer.
"The Indian summer that brightened September 2009 did not encourage ambition at the start of the last Premiership season. Teams were unnerved by refereeing interpretations at the breakdown that gave defenders more time to compete for the ball, so they resorted to kicking. Games became a series of punt returns, crowds booed and, eventually, a kick-it-out campaign prompted a more relaxed approach.
"Who dares sins became yesterday's motto. Leicester, who started the season with five tries in their opening eight league matches, and Saracens, whose outside backs managed six tries in their first 16 Premiership encounters, competed in arguably the most enterprising Premiership final to date, the boldness of Sarries suppressed at the last by the Tigers' insatiable drive for success.
"As the new season looms, referees have been given another breakdown directive. Defenders will now command attention but the evidence of the Tri-Nations suggests those who go off their feet or enter a ruck from the side will be the targets. Breakaways such as Richie McCaw and David Pocock, who arrive quickly after a tackle and generally remain off their knees, force turnovers and ensure attackers, are not guaranteed possession."
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