South Africa may get an edge.

IRB has confirmed that South Africa will be playing within the full-version of the ELV this year on.

To a lesser extent, the ELV are to be introduced this season in the Super 14 starting on Feb 15th, so it is expected a tough work for all to adapt: players, coaches, referees... and spectators as well!

However, as the IRB has stated, the trial period for the ELV will be over in 2009. South Africa gains thus, an edge over the nations who will adopt it later (New Zealand, you ought to wake up).

Intrepidity is the word that comes to my mind when I review the changes that South Africa is introducing after World Cup success. How different is this country behaving than it did!