Coaches expect their teams to adapt to the tricky new breakdown laws, after a hefty penalty count in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Fifty-eight penalties were blown across the two games this weekend, with 30 of those called during the Blues' 30-20 win over the Hurricanes in front of a sold out Eden Park on Sunday.
Most of those penalties came at the breakdown, with players now expected to immediately roll away towards the sideline, while the offside line will be monitored more closely to create a faster game.
Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland has no complaints about referee Mike Fraser's officiating, but admits he went into the contest nervous, after watching the Highlanders' win over the Chiefs on Saturday, where plenty of penalties were blown against the attacking team.
"There were lots of penalties, but teams are still getting used to it," says Holland.
"It was consistent, and it's up to the players and us to adapt in how we coach and how we execute. If you can be smart and get that count down, it'll go a long way to winning a game.
"I think there is a mindset to make the game a good spectacle and make sure we don't get in a shit fight at the breakdown that slows up the game.
"There is always a settling period, so we will see what happens in a couple of weeks. It's not ideal, but it's a good time to make the game better, so in a couple of weeks, we might see a 60-50 instead of 30-20."
Blues coach Leon MacDonald isn't surprised to see some rust from the players in the first round of professional rugby in three months.
"We're all adjusting to the rules, so it's important you are at the right part of the field, because it'll cost you points when you get it wrong," says MacDonald.
"We managed to do that and then apply pressure with quick ball, but I thought we were clunky and the Canes would say the same. Both teams were rusty, that's for sure.
"There will be some adjustment from players and referees, as we work our way through the next few weeks.
"You do see quick ball, which is positive, but there was a period in the first half where we were able to string phases together, and the guys were accurate and the game flowed well.
"If we can take that 25 minutes and extend it to 80, it'll be a great spectacle."
The Blues' win saw them finish the opening round atop Super Rugby Aotearoa standings.
The 43,000 fans packed into the stadium was the biggest Super Rugby crowd for a Blues home game since 2005.
The Blues travel south to face the Chiefs in their next match, before returning to Auckland to face the Highlanders.
MacDonald hopes to draw a similar crowd for that match on June 27.
"Next week, if we can get a win on the road, who knows what we will get for our next crowd, but it would be good to see one like this."
Join us for live updates of round two of Super Rugby Aotearoa from next Saturday
