Former Test referee Nigel Owens believes the Springboks should have been penalised for deliberately manufacturing a scrum from the kick-off against Italy in Port Elizabeth.
Andre Esterhuizen intentionally ran in front of kicker Manie Libbok from the kick-off, which didn’t go 10m, resulting in a scrum on halfway.
Speaking on Whistle Watch, Owens said the action was clearly deliberate and should have been punished.
“If I was refereeing this game, that would have been a pretty straightforward, clear penalty because it’s not the normal action of being slightly in front,” said the Welshman. “It’s a ploy, an action to get a scrum.”
Owens emphasised that the law considers intent, which he believes was obvious in this case.
“The key word is ‘deliberate’. Normally, it’s accidental or marginal. This looked planned.”
JUDGY JEFF: Bok trick play won’t last a week
However, Owens gave the Boks’ midfield ‘lineout’ tactic a thumbs up.
“A player being lifted to catch a kick-off is perfectly legal. It happens in every game,” he said. “But if he’s in the air, defenders can’t touch him or those lifting him. The opposition has to wait for him to land.
“It’s a very clever ploy,” he added. “Some like it, some think it’s not right – it all comes down to whether you think it’s fair.”
OPINION: Rassie’s Boks of tricks is great for the game
The post Nigel: Bok scrum tactic illegal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.