These variations were introduced in an attempt to speed up the game and provide an incentive for teams to play creative, attacking rugby resulting in more tries.

The biggest difference that has been noticed so far has been the effect of reducing a vast range of infringements from a full penalty to a free kick.

In doing this, teams are now taking advantage of this free kick to continue the run of play, gain ground quickly and leave defenders scrambling in their wake.

On the field this weekend, honours go Wanderers for their try-fest meeting with Hamilton at No. 2 Sportsground in a game that kept the scoreboard attendants busy all night.

Wanderers racked up 83 unanswered points and while the Hamilton women did their best with a diminished team of 13 players, as the score-line suggests, it was indeed a one-sided affair.

It was a dominant performance by the Wanderers tight five where they were able to consistently gain valuable metres followed through with a well-drilled backline who then finished the job off.

A great kicking display from ex-soccer player Amelia Withers helped Wanderers extend the score-line significantly.

In representative news, Hunter Red and Hunter Blue have been busy this week with final preparations for the Country Women’s Rugby Union Championships to be held this Saturday at No. 2 Sportsground from 12.45pm.

Don’t miss this premier event as Hunter take on Central West in the round robin tournament set to decide if Hunter is still the force to be reckoned with in Women’s Country rugby.

Women’s rugby is a game for everyone and if you would like to be involved as either a player, supporter, volunteer or even a sponsor get online and visit http://.hunterwomen.rugbynet.com. au for your local club contacts, player profiles, photos and honour rolls – including many Australian Wallaroo’s