Highlanders told by referees that Pita Gus Sowakula's try was illegal
It may have caught global attention in the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific, but Pita Gus Sowakula's spectacular try for the Chiefs against the Highlanders last weekend should not have stood.
That's the verdict reached by New Zealand Rugby's [NZR's] referees, who have informed Highlanders head coach Tony Brown that the try was an illegal act that should have been classified as dangerous play.
Brown confirmed on Wednesday that the try, which saw Sowakula hurdle Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith to score in the left-hand corner, was now deemed by NZR as illegal after confusion reigned over whether the try should have been awarded.
Earlier this week, NZR's refereeing team conceded it was unsure of the legality of Sowakula's actions, and had even sought clarification from World Rugby about the ruling, which resulted in the verdict that a penalty should have instead been called.
“I’ve had an email from the referees, who are saying that is now illegal. Dangerous play, I think, is the ruling, even though it’s not in the law, but it’s deemed as being dangerous now," Brown told media.
Sowakula's try was an admirable feat of athleticism from the Fijian No 8, of which is rarely seen in rugby union and more common in American football.
The leap left Smith, the Highlanders captain, grasping at thin air in an attempt to stop Sowakula, and that, Brown joked, was what frustrated him more than the incorrect ruling made by the officials.
"No, no," he said when asked if he was disappointed by the on-field ruling. "I’m more disappointed in Aaron Smith, really, so I’m not worried about what happened on the weekend. I’ll just make sure Aaron does his job.”
On Tuesday, former World Rugby referee Nigel Owens weighed in on the matter, posting on Twitter that Sowakula's actions were "not defendable" as no defender can make a tackle on a player in the air, unless that player is in the act of scoring.
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I dont believe Skelton has ever proven himself at test level tho Nick. Yep he played well against a side they scored plenty against but his record v the top sides isnt special. Good quality player but Im not as convinced about him as you seem to be, as you base most of your opinion on his local club stuff not really his test performances. His test record of 30 tests in 10 years explains itself very well. I think he is an honest performer but certainly not a top notch International player.
Go to commentsI wonder Jake, who do you think is the best fit for Australia as a coach? Not since Joe Schmidt took over as coach did Australia look any good, however, there is always this debate around not having an Aussie coach by the fans and so called pundits and old players.
Some of them are changing their minds now however, but I would love to see who you would choose. I think Joe Schmidt is an excellent coach, who puts in everything for the team he is coaching. To him, there is no such thing as being biased.
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