By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The World Rugby have moved to clarify the Law around the Springboks’ deliberate short kick-off at the opening of the second Test against Italy.
Springboks began their 45-0 victory over Italy by intentionally conceding a scrum at the kick-off; flyhalf Manie Libbok kicked the ball less than 10 metres, and André Esterhuizen caught it having been offside three metres in front of him.
As it turned out, an early shove from the Boks in the resulting scrum resulted in referee Andrew Brace awarding Italy a free kick.
Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada was annoyed at the tactic, and a letter was sent to World Rugby by the Italian Rugby Federation. They protested the action and requested clarification on what had happened.
The Italians highlighted Law 9.7(a), which states: “A player must not intentionally infringe any law of the game.”
In response, World Rugby said that it should, in fact, have been a penalty to Italy for a deliberate failure on the part of the Springboks.
The governing body said: “The actions seen in this example show an intentional violation of the kick-off and restart laws.”
Laws 12.5 and 12.6 set out the sanctions where the ball unintentionally fails to go 10m or a player overruns their teammate at the kick-off/restart. However, if match officials believe this is done deliberately, then Law 9.7(a) should be applied.”
Ultimately, the Boks did not benefit from the move. Italy were awarded a free-kick from the scrum and launched an early attack, but the governing body’s intervention is a clear warning to teams considering similar tactical tricks in the future.
World Rugby have not yet pronounced on any censure against the Springboks.
No doubt, also under scrutiny by World Rugby is the Springboks’ open play “lineout” mauls, the Springboks set up mauls in open play twice during the game, with props lifting a pass receiver in the air as though they were in a line-out or preparing to catch a kick-off. South Africa scored a try from both moves.