Rugbyworld.com reported on an incident in New Zealand when Chiefs no 8 Pita Gus Sokwala hurdled (jump over) Highlanders defender Aaron Smith on his way to scoring a try. Many questioned if this try should have been awarded or not.
When reading the reply from a World Rugby spokesman one must ask if a player who jumps in the air to catch a ball from a kick is not also guilty of dangerous play in an attempt to avoid a defender, who will be penalised if he makes contact in the air with the ball catcher. Especially taking into account that the player catching the ball is also a ball carrier after he caught the ball.
“We agree – jumping to hurdle a potential tackler is dangerous-play, as is the act of a ball carrier jumping into a tackle. Even if no contact is made, we believe this act is in clear contravention of law 9.11 and runs contrary to the game-wide focus on player welfare. In this specific case, the sanction should be a PK (penalty kick) against the ball carrier.” said a spokesman of World Rugby.
“A ball carrier may dive with the ball in order to score a try, and we all agree that should be allowed. From an equity perspective, if they do so, a defender may attempt to make a safe and legal tackle on that player. As we have said above, jumping to avoid a tackle should be regarded as dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly, even if no contact is made.
“Player welfare should remain the priority deciding factor for match officials in these very rare situations. In such instances as this rare example, which involves great player skill and dexterity, match officials have to make a judgement call as to which actions have taken place. If there is an element of dangerous play, in line with the above ruling, then a try cannot be the reward.
“In principle, in a try-scoring situation, if the action is deemed to be a dive forward for a try, then it should be permitted. If a player is deemed to have left the ground to avoid a tackle; or to jump, or hurdle a potential tackler, then this is dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly.”