There has been much discussion about the lineout at the end of the recent Wales versus Ireland Six Nations game. However, all the commentary that I’ve seen is missing the real problem with that lineout.
It would not have mattered if the ‘correct’ ball was used. The try should have been disallowed and the lineout taken again (Wales throw in).
In order for a quick throw-in to be taken, there are a number of requirements, apart from those relating to the ‘identity’ of the ball that is used.
In the case of the Wales versus Ireland game, even if the ball had been the ‘correct’ one, the quick throw should not have been allowed because of the point on the touchline at which it was taken.
One of the other requirements for a quick throw in is that it occurs at a point on the touchline between where the ball crossed the touchline and the throwing team’s goal line. Because Ireland, outside its 22, kicked the ball directly into touch, there was no gain in ground.
So the point where the ball crossed the touchline was about 20 metres closer to Wales’ goal line than the location of the lineout.
So if Wales was going to attempt a quick throw-in, at the very least, it would have had to do it where the ball crossed the touch line (i.e. much closer to its own goal line) and not at the point where the ‘regular’ line out would be taken.
As an aside, another of the requirements for a quick throw-in is that a lineout has not properly formed. Although this isn’t relevant in the case (as the incorrect location trumps everything else), it does provide a hint as to the question Jonathan Kaplan should have asked the Assistant Referee.
Not if it was the correct ball, but whether a lineout formed before the ball was thrown in.
A lineout is formed if there are two players from each side in the line (the thrower/’hooker’ and receiver/’half back’ don’t count). If you look at the video, there is only one Welshman – the try scorer – in the lineout when the ball is thrown in. There are other Welshman nearby, but not in the lineout.
So it wouldn’t have mattered if the correct ball was used.
You can’t have a quick throw-in on that spot of the field. So it’s a ‘regular’ lineout and you can’t throw the ball into a ‘regular’ lineout until it is formed. So Kaplan should have called Wales back had it throw the ball in again.
Another scenario where this can happen is at a kick off/restart when the ball goes into touch on the full. The receiving team has three options: Firstly, another kick off/restart. Secondly, scrum at the centre of the halfway line.
Or thirdly, take the line out.
The receiving team may be tempted to take advantage of any lapse in attention of the kicking team and attempt ‘quick’ lineout at the halfway line. However, if it does, it has to wait for the lineout to form properly (see above).
Law 19.2 sets out the requirements for a quick throw-in.
The laws of rugby are complicated. The Welsh quick throw-in was illegal, but for a different reason than that cited in the commentary.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
The short weeks are done and dusted, with six more games in the regular season before we head into finals. The Crowd extended their…
The Melbourne Rebels may have traded while insolvent for more than five years, giving rise to potential breach of director duty claims for the…
The ACT Brumbies’ struggles against New Zealand opposition in 2024 has been a shock. The side is heavily laden with Wallabies and has strong…
He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
And then, there were two. The NSW Waratahs and Fijian Drua will meet at Ballymore to decide who lifts the Super Rugby Women's trophy,…
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
