Nigel Owens weighs in on a controversial try which caused mass confusion online for the rugby community.
In the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific, the Chiefs welcomed the Highlanders in the clash which kicked off the campaign for both of these sides. In the 38th minute Chiefs number 8, Pita-Gus Sowakula scored a controversial try just before halftime.
The Chiefs had a scrum on the Highlanders 5 metre line setting up a key attacking platform. The number 8 picked the ball from the back of the scrum and went down the blindside. As he was taking on the covering defender he leaped over him, dotting the ball down in the corner for the score. This score gave the Chiefs a comfortable 18-6 lead coming into the break.
The Chiefs went on to win the game 26-16 getting their Super Rugby campaign off to a good start.
Many viewers and rugby fans took to comment sections on videos posted on platforms such as Twitter, Reddit and YouTube to debate on whether the try should have been allowed to stand or not.
Why, though? I understand the gut instinct, but under what law?
To act as devil’s advocate for a second – suppose I hitch-kick or step over a chop-tackle without any contact. Would that be a penalty? If not, is this a question of degree or principle?
— Tim O'Connor (@timoconnorbl) February 22, 2022
can carrier "hurdle" a tackler front on?
if contact sports wants to thrive ,they must be cognisant of adressing brain injury. rugby is on a wise path to doing this.
no law about it ,but for me this specific fall under "dangerous play" by carrier. knee can cave in a head. pic.twitter.com/bwbgRCIhIh
— Oom Rugby (@Oom_Rugby) February 22, 2022
I'm not sure. You're saying this because he actually succeded in jumping over. What if he misses and ends up kicking/kneeing the defender in the head instead? Hence dangerous play IMO.
— Adrien Giraud (@adrienpgiraud) February 22, 2022
Nigel Owens gave his opinion on what he thinks the correct decision should have been.
A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground. There for a player cannot jump to avoid being tackled
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 23, 2022
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