Michalak supports ELVs

Need for speed: Michalak believes the ELVs are good for the game

France and Sharks fly-half Frédéric Michalak has lent his support to the new experimental law variations on trial in this year's Super 14.

Michalak, who is currently on tour in Australia with the Sharks, said that the ELVs should quickly be introduced into international rugby, and if possible, in time for France's June tests down under.

The Wallabies are scheduled to play one test against Ireland on June 14 and two against France, on June 28 and July 5.

Michalak's endorsement is at odds with northern hemisphere criticism, with both Wales and Ireland opposed to the rules ahead of discussions on the issue at next week's International Rugby Board meeting.

Michalak said the IRB should approve them around the globe.

"It is necessary to do it," Michalak said in a television interview on Thursday.

"Even [to implement the law] to not allow the ball to be passed back into the 22 and kicked to touch allows the game to be more open."

The IRB will review the experimental laws next week in Dublin, where the unions of the three SANZAR partners - Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - will also convene to discuss the rules and the unions' expansion plans.

"I find them very, very good. The game is much more open, especially around the ruck," said the 50 cap international.

"[Referees] give a short-arm penalty if the player doesn't let go of the ball. It is a ball game, non?

"Frankly they are good. The game is less broken because there are short-arm penalties. There are less consequences because with a quick tap the game will play on."

The new rules, designed to cut down stoppages and encourage free-flowing rugby, cover the breakdown (tackle and post-tackle) area, the maul, lineout, various sanctions, kicking from inside the 22-metre line and the act of scoring in relation to the corner posts.