English rugby is trying out the new ELVs for the first time, and Reihana feels he and his Saints team-mates are ready for the challenge.
Saints’ home fans will get their first chance to see what difference the laws make this Saturday when they take on Australian Super 14 side Western Force at Franklin’s Gardens.
It will be a doubly difficult test for Saints, as Force have already played a season to the new rules, of which one of the major changes concerns the maul which can be pulled down at any time.
“I think the ELVs are going to affect everybody in different ways,” said Reihana.
“At the start it could be a bit frustrating, because with the new breakdown laws there could be quite a few penalties.
“That will be part and parcel of everybody getting used to the new laws. In general I think it is definitely going to quicken up the game and the pace that will keep the crowds excited and see plenty of running rugby.
“I think the new ELVs will help us play the running rugby style we have always tried to play.
“It just depends if you have done the right fitness training and have that flexibility in your squad which can move it round the pitch and can keep up with that sort of game plan. That’s what we have been working on.
“And the rules negate those big, heavyweight forward packs, because you can drop the mauls and drag them down from anywhere, so there won’t be any driving mauls from 20 metres or 30 metres, because they will be dropped straight away.
“It is going to bring out a different style of rugby for everybody. It will be interesting to see how everybody adapts and keeps hold of the ball, it is all about taking your opportunities.”
The law changes (listed left) have been welcomed by Reihana, who added: “I think the new laws are good, especially the quick throw on lineouts.
“It is about getting the ball back in play quickly and when everybody thinks the ball is dead, it’s not.
“It will be a trial and error thing, if these laws go well, then they could bring in the rest.
“There are enough to make it more interesting and a lot faster. I watched a little bit of the Super 14, it certainly speeded up the breakdown and there were a lot of quick taps.
“You’ve certainly got to be on your toes and the contest at the breakdown is nothing short of furious now. It is 50/50 every time you take the ball in.”