The highest level competition the laws had previously been introduced to was the 2007 Australian Rugby Championship.

The introduction of the laws for the 2008 season was approved by the competition's governing body, SANZAR, at a meeting on 4 December 2007.

The next score occurred in the 25th minute when Waratahs flanker Phil Waugh intercepted a pass from Dan Carter.

[4] The Crusaders looked to have scored their second try in the 56th minute when prop Wyatt Crockett landed on a loose ball in the Waratahs in-goal area, but play was taken back 60 metres after touch judge Cobus Wessels reported that Crusaders lock Brad Thorn had thrown a punch.

[5] Despite having an extra man for the next ten minutes, the Waratahs were unable to score,[4] and were further hampered by the loss of Kurtley Beale to injury.

With only minutes remaining Crusaders winger Scott Hamilton dropped the ball only metres from the Waratahs try-line.