If the Super 14 and the opening Tri Nations games are anything to go by, then you would have to say that the Experimental Law Variations, or ELVs, have been a great success.

The games are being played at a good pace, with a lot less stoppage time. And, as the Super 14 showed, there are a lot of trys being scored.

And for those who appreciate a tight game, the opening two Tests of the Tri Nations have shown us that even with the ELVs, we can still get traditional, tough Tests.

Ultimately, it's created a style of game that fans love to watch. And that, at the end of the day, is what counts.

The Northern Hemisphere nations, though, aren't sold on the new laws, and are not prepared to trial them in any form.

Surprise, surprise, really - the Northern Hemisphere sides (namely England, Wales and Ireland) just don't want to play expansive rugby.

Australian rugby Chief Executive, John O'Neill, is warning that if the Northern nations don't come to the party, we could see a split in world rugby - two games, played under different rules.

"We are simply saying to England, Wales and Ireland, 'give it a fair go because until you have had a universal trial of all the ELVs, you cannot make an informed judgment." - John O'Neill

The IRB gave everyone a clear deadline for trialling the new laws, and so far only the Southern Hemisphere sides have met them.

It's therefore up to the IRB to force England, Wales and Ireland to trial the ELVs in some capacity - the consequences are too high if they don't.

"Nothing I say, nor South Africa or New Zealand, can force the Northern Hemisphere countries to trial these laws in full. The body with the only real clout is the IRB. If they bottle that decision I am not sure what we do because we can't go back to the old laws."

"The players and spectators have made it perfectly clear which set of laws they prefer. In the last two weekends, we have seen two wonderful test matches between New Zealand and South Africa under the new laws. We have also seen test matches Southern and Northern Hemisphere countries played under the old laws, and you don't have to be Einstein to figure out which game is a far more impressive spectacle." - John O'Neill

O'Neill is completely right, too. The fans want to see the new laws, and thus better viewing, and the IRB need to act now before there is split in the game.

The Northern Hemisphere countries don't rule the game, and the fact that they play boring (oh, so boring...) rugby proves it.

Rugby needs to evolve if it is to keep fans interested - and, as far as we're concerned, the ELV's are the answer.