IRB boss weighs future of penalties

The world's top rugby figure is pondering whether kicks at goal should decide the winners of big matches.

International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar raised the issue in Auckland yesterday during a rare chat with media as top officials from around the world met to discuss the future of the game.

Millar said rugby still had problems with its rules, especially with rucks, mauls and tackles.

They reduced the spectacle of the game and led to penalties, which decided the fate of some matches.

"Is it right that you can lose a test match, or indeed a test series, because of a technical offence?"

Such things are being debated this week - behind closed doors.

Media were refused entry when the three-day conference started yesterday.

Millar was one of the few to speak publicly, and then only briefly.

"If you look at the room there's great coaches of the world, some of the great players and great referees with huge knowledge of the game," he said. "Those are people whom we want to listen to."

Several journalists wanted to listen to England's successful World Cup coach, Sir Clive Woodward. But he refused to talk.

New Zealand is represented by new All Black coach Graham Henry and NZ Rugby Union deputy chief Steve Tew.

Australia coach Eddie Jones is thought to be pushing for more replacements and interchanges, a move which would speed up the game.

Millar is said to oppose such a move.

Jones and Woodward are also likely to discuss decoy runners, which some coaches claim are illegal because they interfere with defending teams.

Millar said the issue arose three years ago and "I'm sure it hasn't finished."