-Credit:Bein Sports on X, via Investec Champions Cup France
Welsh referee Ben Whitehouse intervened to explain an obscure law which allowed a stunning try in Europe.
The moment took place in Bordeaux-Begles’ hammering of Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. France international winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey was surging down the right flank when he kicked the ball back into play while his other foot was touching the line. Fellow Les Bleus winger Damian Penaud pounced on the ball and touched down.
Upon watching the replays, it would be reasonable to assume that Bielle-Biarrey was simply in touch, as the commentators also thought. However, referee Whitehouse stepped in to clarify that it was indeed a legal play.
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“Let me just explain this, because it’s really tight,” said Whitehouse. “Adam (Jones, assistant), listen up as well.”
Explaining the decision to Dafydd Jenkins, Whitehouse continued: “The ball does not cross the plain of touch. So, believe it or not, the law allows you to stand on the line and kick the ball. The try is good, okay?”
Watch the try below.
Section 18.2 (d) of the World Rugby lawbook states the following: “The ball is not in touch if a player, who is in touch, kicks or knocks the ball, but does not hold it, provided it has not reached the plane of touch.”
Bordeaux defeated Chiefs 69-17 in the end, bagging a jaw-dropping 11 tries in the process. It comes just one month after Chiefs sustained a 64-point hammering at the hands of Toulouse, another French side.