Bok loose forward's take on World Rugby's tackle law changes

INTERVIEW: Springbok and Bulls loose forward Elrigh Louw has thrown his support behind World Rugby’s new ‘hip-drop’ and ‘knee-drop’ tackle laws, describing them as a positive step for player safety.

Louw suffered a near career-ending knee injury as a result of the hip-drop tackle early last year. He returned to action last November but has since struggled to regain his form.

The new laws will come into full effect on November 1. World Rugby says the offences will be added to the foul play law and sanctioned with at least a penalty kick.

A hip-drop tackle occurs when a tackler uses their bodyweight to pull a ball carrier to the ground and drops onto their legs from behind.

Meanwhile, the knee-drop tackle involves a player dropping to one or both knees before tackling.

Although Louw has moved on from the injury that sidelined him for almost a year, he welcomes the changes and believes they will help protect players.

“I think they’ve implemented that rule in a few different sports,” he said.

“I know it’s also against the laws in the NFL, so I think it’s a great adjustment to rugby.

“I think there are a lot of injuries. We saw last weekend against New Zealand and Australia, again an ankle injury with the hip drop, so I think it’s a great addition to the laws.”

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The changes also hit close to home for Louw, who knows first-hand how devastating a serious injury can be.

“It does hit me quite personally, but just for future players’ safety, I’m very happy that they changed the law.”

Louw returned to action for the Bulls in their 57-15 victory over the Lions last week.

Before that, he featured for the Springboks against Argentina and was part of the team that lost to Australia in Perth last month.

“Playing for the Boks was almost as good as the first time I played for the Boks.

“To get back into the setup after the injury was tough mentally for me. Some people just get back and play to the best of their ability, but I think I took a while to get back some of my form.

“I don’t think I’m there yet, to be honest, but just to get an opportunity to be in the Springbok setup again was massive for me.”

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Louw is set to feature for the Bulls this Saturday when they open their Investec Champions Cup campaign against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld.

Having suffered several last-16 exits in the competition, Louw says the Bulls are determined to go further this season.

“We let it slip last season at home,” he remarked.

“We want to try and win all the games at home and then make a statement overseas.

“I think there’s a lot of misconception about this competition and the South African sides.

“We take it as seriously as any other team, and we want to win it; that’s definitely our mindset.”

Stade Français will arrive in Pretoria with two wins in their last three French Top matches.

They’ve also suffered some massive blows on the injury front, losing Lucas Peyresblanques, alongside No.8 Yoan Tanga and centre Noah Nene against Montpellier last week.

The Bulls have had the better of the French outfit before, beating them 47-8 in their last meeting. Louw, however, expects a tough battle.

“They have a big forward pack, a heavy forward pack, and they rely a lot on scrums, mauls and set-piece, so I think that’s a massive battle for us.

“They have a lot of flair in the backline; you look at that French team, and how they play, that’s definitely what we expect.”