The Rugby World is Buzzing: Was Henry Pollock's Try Legally Scored?
A controversial try by Henry Pollock during the Northampton Saints vs Sale Sharks match has sparked intense debate among rugby enthusiasts. The decision by the referee, Anthony Woodthorpe, to award the try has left many scratching their heads, including former England star Austin Healey, who was unaware of a crucial lawbook caveat.
With the score at 29-43 in favor of the Saints, the England flanker, Pollock, sealed the bonus-point victory with a try that has since become the talk of the town. However, the validity of this try is being questioned by many, who argue that the referee and his assistant made the wrong call after reviewing the footage.
But here's where it gets controversial: Healey, a respected commentator on TNT Sports, expressed his confusion over the decision, stating, 'Is he on the field when he kicks it? Is Freeman's right foot down when he puts boot to ball?' Healey's comments ignited a firestorm of reactions, with many fans agreeing that Freeman was in touch, and therefore, the try should have been disallowed.
The incident in question occurred in the 77th minute when Sale winger Arron Reed kicked the ball back into the field to avoid a full kick-out. Saints' Tommy Freeman chased the loose ball, but it slipped through Ernst Van Rhyn's grasp and appeared to be heading out of play. Freeman then kicked it diagonally infield to Pollock, who scored the try.
The replay revealed that Freeman was indeed beyond the touchline and out of the field of play, with his right foot grounded when he kicked with his left. This led Healey and many fans to believe that Freeman's actions should have rendered the ball out of play, nullifying Pollock's try.
However, Woodthorpe, the referee, disagreed, stating, 'The ball is in the field of play, he is not in possession of the ball... play on.' This decision has sparked a heated discussion among rugby enthusiasts, with some arguing that Freeman's foot being grounded meant he was in possession, while others support the referee's interpretation of the law.
And this is the part most people miss: According to World Rugby laws around touch or touch-in-goal, specifically Law 18.2.d, a player who is in touch can kick or knock the ball without holding it, provided it has not reached the plane of touch. In this case, Freeman did not catch or attempt to catch the ball, nor did he hold it, and the ball did not reach the plane of touch before he kicked it. Additionally, Pollock was onside, as he was behind Freeman when the ball was kicked.
This interpretation of the law justifies the referee's decision to award the try, despite the controversy it has generated. As the Saints celebrate their victory and prepare for their upcoming clash against Leicester Tigers, the rugby community continues to discuss this intriguing incident, highlighting the complexities and nuances of the sport's laws.
What do you think? Was the try legally scored? Should the referee's decision be challenged? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going!
