what is the game status now

[VM75]

Scenario:

A Maul forms in the field of play , [and for the purpose of discussion involves 4 players from each team]

Without there being any evidence of a knock-on the ball is dropped to the ground [or is placed there by a player ] and remains under the feet of the players who had been participating in the maul.

The original ball carrier has remained on his feet as have all other maul participants.


[B]Law 16 says 'A Maul Ends and play continues when - the ball is on the ground.

so, what is the state of the game now ?

[crossref]

it becomes a ruck
(see threads passim)

[VM75]

it becomes a ruck
(see threads passim)

please vote CR

[crossref]

well - you can't say for certain without seeing the incident...

[ChrisR]

well - you can't say for certain without seeing the incident...

CR, that has never prevented you from offering a definitive opinion!

[ChuckieB]

Where's the let it breath option? A dynamic situation doesn't allow for a snapshot to be taken.

[Taff]

Where's the let it breath option? A dynamic situation doesn't allow for a snapshot to be taken.

I can see the logic of "letting it breath" if a BC is held and it leads to a Maul, but I can't see the benefit of letting a Maul "breath" when it has clearly turned into a Ruck. Ie 2 opposing players in physical contact over the ball which is on the ground.

Why do we seem to have a problem with Rucks? I don't get it.

[VM75]

Where's the let it breath option? A dynamic situation doesn't allow for a snapshot to be taken.

Very interesting Chuckie, but without a current status you can't know what to decide if lets say ;

a] one of the participants of the 'ended maul' now reaches down & palms it back towards his 9
b] one of the participants of the 'ended maul' now drops down onto the ball to 'win it' for his team
c] someone not within the 'ended maul' [9?] dives in & gathers it [brave fool he may be !]
d] one of the participants of the 'ended maul' now boots it forward towards opposition 9

the decision you then give would be governed by the 'status' of play that you are now watching, ie if you consider it Open play then all a,b,c,& d are lawful, on the contrary, if its considered a Ruck then none of them are.

So, again chuckie - what status will you be giving this 'ended maul' before one of those things happen , & would you verbalise the same ... "Maul over - Open play" / "Ruck - no hands" / or simply say nothing .... to help the players know what status you are now refereeing ?

[Pegleg]

well - you can't say for certain without seeing the incident...

Yet earlier you categorically stated "lt becomes a ruck". Etc. Make up your mind.

[crossref]

Yet earlier you categorically stated "lt becomes a ruck". Etc. Make up your mind.

I hadn't read the poll !

From the text in the OP the answer is that it's a ruck

But then the poll has the possibility of an unplayable ruck .. to determine whether the ruck is playable or not you would have to see it.