Changes as Heartland starts

Zac Guildford.
Zac Guildford.
Tries will be worth six points in the Heartland Championship as the new trial laws arrive in the lower division.

Trial breakdown laws have been introduced in the Mitre 10 Cup, with mixed success so far, but in the level below it will be changes on the scoreboard.

World Rugby is trialling law changes around the globe and New Zealand Rugby is part of the trial.

In the Heartland Championship, which kicks off tomorrow, the changes will be around the points.

Tries will be worth six points and penalties and dropped goals will be reduced to two points.

A penalty try will be worth eight points with no conversion needed.

The changes to the points have been used in some club rugby competition in the Heartland provinces and have resulted in some high-scoring matches.

The new scoring system does put some pressure on referees, as there is a fear teams will not want to concede tries and give away penalties.

The Heartland Championship appears to be wide open this year with the usual assortment of comings and goings.

Wanganui won the Meads Cup last year and would again appear to be the contender to be  top dog in the 12-team competition.

But teams change so rapidly with new players coming in and it can be difficult to get a read on what side would fancy its chances.

Meads Cup beaten finalist South Canterbury has experienced a cleanout but still has a core of experience in its side.

Mid Canterbury has had a changing of the guard but should still be a contender.

King Country won the Lochore Cup last year, beating North Otago in the final, and will be out to make an impact.

Former All Black winger Zac Guildford is believed to be suiting up for Wairarapa-Bush in his latest stop in an erratic career.

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