This is the question that burned the lips of all supporters of the French XV at the start of the second half during the opening match against the All Blacks. Was New Zealand’s second try, scored by Mark Telea at the very start of the second half, valid? In any case, this is the decision taken by Jaco Peyper, giving the New Zealanders a four-point lead.
After watching the slow motion again on the stadium screens, the 80,000 spectators at the Stade de France screamed. Damian Penaud, the last defender, who had stopped thinking the pass was illegal, also expressed his dissatisfaction. Because it seems clear, the arrival point of the ball is further than its starting point. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Rieko Ionae’s pass was forward.
As we can see in the video below, a pass that lands further than its starting point is not necessarily a forward. This is notably due to the principle of inertia, which means that the ball can continue to move forward slightly despite the fact that the passer sends it backwards. Referees base their decision on a range of factors, including the position of the hands at the time of the pass and the intention to play well behind.
However, it is difficult to say whether Rieko Ioane’s pass was forward or whether it was the principle of inertia that played a role. Regardless, Jaco Peyper decided to award this try, as did the video referee, who did not intervene. A blow to the head of the Blues.
