Super Rugby Pacific officials have backed the call to overturn a spectacular try by Lalakai Foketi in the corner during the Waratahs’ victory over the Chiefs, despite criticism the ruling was “clearly wrong” and defied the laws of physics.
But in an interesting development, the incident may also see Super Rugby Pacific seeking a tweak of the law to allow for “simultaneous grounding” of the ball on both the in-goal and touch-in-goal to be ruled as a try in the future, to reward the attacking side.
The Waratahs kept their undefeated record at home alive on Friday night with an upset win over the competition leading Chiefs, mixing a combination of scintillating attack and stoic defence to get home by seven points.
But the game was tighter than it could have been, with the Waratahs on the wrong side of referee Angus Mabey and an 18-4 penalty count, and several overruled tries.
The most contentious was a decision to overturn a try to Foketi in the 28th minute, after the Waratahs centre had performed an acrobatic dive in the north-east corner and planted the ball down while in mid-air. Mabey awarded the try but TMO James Leckie intervened after seeing replays, and made a swift call the ball had been “simultaneously grounded” for a try and on the white in-goal line.
Lalakai Foketi of the Waratahs scores a try but it was disallowed.Credit: Getty Images
The try was scrubbed, drawing the ire of Tahs fans in the Allianz Stadium crowd and on social media, where it was argued the ball hit green grass before white.
In commentary for Stan Sport, former Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui questioned how it was even possible.
“James Leckie, I think he is the best TMO pretty much in the world, I think he is excellent .. but someone tell me how it [can be] simultaneous when the ball is round,” Turinui said. “It is impossible for that ball to have not touched grass before it touches white paint. They’ve got that clearly wrong.”
Super Rugby Pacific issued a statement to this masthead on Sunday standing behind the decision.
“Super Rugby Pacific management has reviewed the TMO decision to overturn a try initially awarded to Lalakai Foketi in the 28th minute of Friday’s game between the NSW Waratahs and the Chiefs. The review process considered all available video evidence and concluded the TMO decision to overturn the try on the basis of ‘simultaneous grounding’ (Law 21.4) was correct,” the SRP statement said.
The incident may yield a different result in the future, however, with informed sources saying Super Rugby Pacific bosses have discussed seeking a potential law modification from World Rugby regarding “simultaneous grounding”, so attack is rewarded and the ball can be deemed a try, instead of in touch.
The no-try ruling, and a Chiefs try soon after containing a debatable pass, meant it was a 14-point swing.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Jack Bowen and Henry O’Donnell of the Waratahs celebrate victory.Credit: Getty Images
“We could have folded there and sort of did what we did against Moana [Pasifika], but the boys bit down the mouthguard and kept going. I am proud of that second half,” captain Hugh Sinclair said post-game.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said he would “bite my tongue” when asked about the 18-4 penalty count against his side.
The Waratahs travel to Fiji this week to meet the Drua, and McKellar said he would be “rotating a few players out” as part of the Wallabies resting protocol.
McKellar also stressed he was keen to keep Taniela Tupou, Teddy Wilson and Tane Edmed at the Waratahs next season, given the trio are all in-demand elsewhere.
Former Wallaby Tim Horan dropped a bombshell in the pre-game coverage by saying he understood Tupou was close to agreeing to a deal with a French club.
Tupou’s agent Anthony Picone denied the speculated move on Sunday and McKellar said he had no idea about it either.
“He’s a big, tight-head prop – he’s going to attract interest from the French,” McKellar said.
Tupou hasn’t been in strong form this year, but McKellar said it is not due to a poor attitude.
“His attitude has been superb since he walked in the door,” McKellar said. “He’s fit and got himself in good shape. Certain things just aren’t clicking.”
Edmed is being circled by the Brumbies but McKellar also praised his attitude, despite not getting much game time. And the coach made a point of praising Wilson, who has been strong over the past month since replacing Jake Gordon and is being wooed by the Force.
“Let me make it really clear that I want Teddy Wilson here,” he said. “He’s a great young man … he’s very coachable, listens to feedback, and has worked hard at the areas we’ve given him feedback on.”
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