Question about ball interference

[dasNdanger]

A couple times now I've seen an opposing player 'intercept' a pass and get penalized for it as interference (not sure if that's the proper term). I'm trying to figure out what makes it illegal compared to charge downs and other intercepted passes that are allowed.

I can't give a specific instance, but was wondering if it could be because a player is offside, or if it's because (as it sometimes seems) that he's not attempting to play the ball, but tip or slap it just to throw off the trajectory.

das

 

[irelandfan123]

If he is intentionally going for the ball it should be a scrum but if he just slaps it down to stop and attack it should be a penalty, Vague I know sorry lol

 

[dullonien]

A couple times now I've seen an opposing player 'intercept' a pass and get penalized for it as interference (not sure if that's the proper term). I'm trying to figure out what makes it illegal compared to charge downs and other intercepted passes that are allowed.

I can't give a specific instance, but was wondering if it could be because a player is offside, or if it's because (as it sometimes seems) that he's not attempting to play the ball, but tip or slap it just to throw off the trajectory.

das

You've got it correct in that second paragraph. If a player is penalised, it'll be because of one of those two.

As for a charge down, it's a unique situation where a player is allowed to basically knock on the ball, but this only occurs from a kick.

 

[dasNdanger]

You've got it correct in that second paragraph. If a player is penalised, it'll be because of one of those two.

As for a charge down, it's a unique situation where a player is allowed to basically knock on the ball, but this only occurs from a kick.

Thanks - and now that I get all of that, one more question so that I have it all straight in my ol' noggin.

So, when a defending player snatches the ball as it's passed between two attacking players, and then runs it in for a try - that's okay because 1. he was not offside, and 2. he played the ball and didn't just try to tip it away to prevent the attacking player catching it. Right?



das

 

[dullonien]

Thanks - and now that I get all of that, one more question so that I have it all straight in my ol' noggin.

So, when a defending player snatches the ball as it's passed between two attacking players, and then runs it in for a try - that's okay because 1. he was not offside, and 2. he played the ball and didn't just try to tip it away to prevent the attacking player catching it. Right?



das

Yup. As long as the defending player is onside at the previous ruck/maul/scrum, he can rush up and pick off a pass if he reads the opposition play.

The easiest way to differentiate between whether a player is trying to catch the ball, or if he's trying to knock it down is the movement of his hands. Upwards motion usually suggests a player is trying to catch the ball, downwards motion and/or slapping motion suggests a player is trying to knock it away. Ref's can also be stricter on a player if he goes for the intercept with one hand instead of two. Whilst it is possible to catch a ball under one arm (I think the Monye intercept in the 3rd Lions test against SA is a good example of this), ref's are usually kinder if a player goes for the ball with two hands.

 

[TRF_heineken]

To add to the good response Dullonien made, is to look at Bryan Habana's interceptions, and attempted interceptions. I haven't seen a penalty given against him for trying to intercept, as he has the intent of catching the ball to score, he always uses both hands and starts off low, with an upward motion.

With that being said, plenty of interceptions happen with a downward motion, the only difference is that the ball is the caught by the same player that attempted the interception without the ball touching another player or the ground.

 

[dasNdanger]

Thanks much, guys!

Now, is it only my impression, but are these slap down interferences happening more often and that's why I'm just really noticing them (and the penalties given for them)?


das

 

[TRF_heineken]

Thanks much, guys!

Now, is it only my impression, but are these slap down interferences happening more often and that's why I'm just really noticing them (and the penalties given for them)?

das

I think it's more obvious in Super Rugby, as the teams play a flatter defensive game. The slap downs are usually by forwards who are in centre field and doesn't have the necessary skill or pace to properly intercept it. Most of the times the defender has a half-hearted attempt at tackling the player with his arm coming around and the attacking player trying to give a quick pass.