The Irish players have had limited exposure to the new rules that have been applied throughout this year's Super 14.
They got a taste of them during the Six Nations but then played under the more familiar laws when they reverted to the provincial competitions and now find themselves playing catch-up heading into Saturday's Test against New Zealand in New Plymouth.
Kidney's pleas for a contest echo those of many southern hemisphere coaches who felt in the early stages of the Super 14 the decisions favoured the attacking side too much.
By the end of the competition, though, that was not the case as players and referees got to grips with the changes - something the Irish will need to do quickly.
"I think rugby's always a battle in terms of law between trying to have a bit of continuity but also trying to have a fair contest," said Kidney.
"If you take the contest out of it you get a game in a different code. I think it's important that we try and keep the contest in the game."
Kidney acknowledges his players are on a steep learning curve this week as they look to get up to speed.
"You can watch it on television but there's nothing like operating at it first-hand," he added.
"It's our job to adapt. We have a good contest for competition in our one. It's slightly different with the new emphasis and we'll have to adapt to that."
Leinster number eight Jamie Heaslip conceded the new interpretations at the breakdown, which require the tackler to release the player before attacking the ball again, appeared to be applied more strictly in the southern hemisphere - but he was not complaining.
"It's probably good for us because it might produce more quick ball and with quick ball our backs can be devastating," he said.
"We're going to have to be cute and smart around rucks and just listen to the ref and play the ref."
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