The new regulation forces defences to stand five metres behind the scrum, affording more space to the team in possession.

It is a prospect that intrigues Smith, who was recruited earlier this month by the Rugby Football Union as attack coach under new team manager Johnson.

"With the new ELVs there's a lot happening at the moment," Smith told the RFU's podcast.

"I spent my first day going through footage of the Tri-Nations and Currie Cup games looking at the way teams are deciding to attack and defend under these new laws.

"With defences now having to stand five metres back, clearly there's a bigger opportunity to get 'go forward' from the scrum. That's what the game is about - getting over gain line.”