If you think rugby's high tackle is looking lower this year, you're not imagining things.
New tackle laws at all levels below the professional and provincial game are being trialled by NZ Rugby, which has shifted the previous high-tackle line from the shoulder to the sternum.
It still looks the same, but there's a big change in club rugby this year.
"Last season, you were coaching double shoulder tackles," said Lincoln University coach Scott Pawson. "Now, you've got to sort of go back to the chop tackle again."
The new tackle law means the initial tackler now has to target lower, but adding to the confusion, the second tackler is still allowed to tackle below the shoulder.
"There's always going to be a player crouching in or going lower, so there's a little bit of grey area there that makes our job a little bit tricker," said referee James Munro.
The new law has drawn mixed reviews.
"For a tall bloke, I'm not a huge fan, but it's just the way the game's played now, so I've got to adjust," said Lincoln University No.8 Joe Brial.
The early season hasn't come without its headaches.
"It was a nightmare," said Pawson. "Yeah, the pre-season game was a nightmare.
"It was really difficult... basically every tackle was a penalty, so it was, like, 'What are we doing here?'."
The goal is to make the game safer.
"We've had a few head knocks already this season and pre-season, so I think it's imperative that we look after the player welfare," said Pawson. "The jury's out on that one, to be fair.
"I mean, if you look at it from a tackler's point of view, if they're going lower, there will be issues with them hitting knees or hips."
Said Munro: "We're all making an effort to get the tackle height lower and hopefully that results in a few less head injuries."
Everyone's making a conscious effort for the good of the game.
