HOME Rugby Answers Rugby COACHING Q&A

I watched a semifinal allblacks vs wallabies, Pocock?

I watched a semifinal allblacks vs wallabies, Pocock was penalised twice for leaving his feet at the ruck. I can't see it on tv. What is actually the situation can be happend? Is he accidentally or his leg get stuck in ruck?

Mohd Yassin Mohd FaeezCoach, Malaysia

3 answers

TOP ANSWER

Simon JonesCoach, England

Mohd

The laws state that you have to be able to support your own body weight at a ruck and if you fall or lie on another player it is a penalty offence.

Here is what the Law says:

16.2 JOINING A RUCK

(a) All players forming, joining or taking part in a ruck must have their heads and shoulders no lower than their hips.
Sanction: Free Kick
(b) A player joining a ruck must bind on a team-mate or an opponent, using the whole arm. The bind must either precede, or be simultaneous with, contact with any other part of the body of the player joining the ruck.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(c) Placing a hand on another player in the ruck does not constitute binding.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(d) All players forming, joining or taking part in a ruck must be on their feet.
Sanction: Penalty kick

Simon

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Mohd

The laws state that you have to be able to support your own body weight at a ruck and if you fall or lie on another player it is a penalty offence.

Here is what the Law says:

16.2 JOINING A RUCK

(a) All players forming, joining or taking part in a ruck must have their heads and shoulders no lower than their hips.
Sanction: Free Kick
(b) A player joining a ruck must bind on a team-mate or an opponent, using the whole arm. The bind must either precede, or be simultaneous with, contact with any other part of the body of the player joining the ruck.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(c) Placing a hand on another player in the ruck does not constitute binding.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(d) All players forming, joining or taking part in a ruck must be on their feet.
Sanction: Penalty kick

Simon

Rugby CoachCoach

I was just reviwing this match today. In the first instance it was a tough call on Pocock. However his shoulders were lower than his hips and he obstructed the clearance of the ball by the half back it was unintentional but the law says nothing about intent.

The second instance is much clearer you can see that as he entered the ruck he fell onto his right knee but continued to participate.

Both calls were correct but harsh. However given the question about body position in the ruck and the comments that refs need to police this area of the game more closley. Mission accomplished