RugbyRebels

North's interception really highlights the absurdity of the deliberate knock-on law. Everyone seems to agree that had he dropped it, that's a textbook yellow card by the existing laws. How we can countenance sending a player off (and often, as in this case, deciding the match) for failing to catch a pass is just baffling to me.

Sourdust wrote:North's interception really highlights the absurdity of the deliberate knock-on law. Everyone seems to agree that had he dropped it, that's a textbook yellow card by the existing laws. How we can countenance sending a player off (and often, as in this case, deciding the match) for failing to catch a pass is just baffling to me.

The second look I had at the try last night show just how alive George was to the situation.

He starts running as the second row winds himself up to pass and by the time the ball is intercepted he has covered about 10 metres and is flat out.

Very easy to fumble what was a relatively high ball and (deliberately?) knock on. He still juggled the ball running at full tilt and no one was going to catch him. If he hadn't judged the ball so well the French winger would have been in the corner.

A fantastic piece of skill and a match winner to boot.

6N championships can be determined on that kind of sleight of hand.

Sourdust wrote:North's interception really highlights the absurdity of the deliberate knock-on law. Everyone seems to agree that had he dropped it, that's a textbook yellow card by the existing laws. How we can countenance sending a player off (and often, as in this case, deciding the match) for failing to catch a pass is just baffling to me.

Agreed. It’s all about intent in my opinion and how obviously a player is trying to catch a ball. But it’s one that very open to interpretation. Even players who deliberately disrupt a play usually aren’t stupid enough to slap the ball down with one hand.

Sandydragon wrote:

Sourdust wrote:North's interception really highlights the absurdity of the deliberate knock-on law. Everyone seems to agree that had he dropped it, that's a textbook yellow card by the existing laws. How we can countenance sending a player off (and often, as in this case, deciding the match) for failing to catch a pass is just baffling to me.

Agreed. It’s all about intent in my opinion and how obviously a player is trying to catch a ball. But it’s one that very open to interpretation. Even players who deliberately disrupt a play usually aren’t stupid enough to slap the ball down with one hand.

I'm a bit of a broken record about this, to be honest. It really winds me up. If your pass can be intercepted by an on-side defender, then you need to pass better. If he knocks it on, you get the ball back which is enough IMO.

On the other hand, I'd be entirely in favour of other changes (to the offside laws e.g.) to make interceptions less likely, as while I wouldn't want to eliminate the possibility, they are far too prevalent in modern rugby for my liking. They are too strong a disincentive to adventurous play.