Blocking down a conversion in rugby is a very rare feat, but was an even more extreme example of that rule in practice during his afternoon's Six Nations clash between England and Wales.
During the first half of the game, George Ford was taking what looked a like a routine conversion in front of the posts following Ben Earl's try. However, the out-half would attempt to drain the clock as much as possible due to the fact that his team had two players in the sin bin at the time.
After standing there for quite some time, Ford did eventually take a small step to the side. This saw the Welsh defence charge him down and prevent him from taking the conversion, something referee James Doleman said was within the rules.
George Ford getting Kolbe’d. pic.twitter.com/iG9nXf4Mx0
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) February 10, 2024
The Englishman argued that he had not started his run-up and was simply taking a step to the side in order to start addressing the ball. However, the official argued that he had already done so and his step to the side constituted the start of his run up.
In the end, he was not allowed to take the kick.
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Rugby: Jonny Wilkinson questions George Ford conversion decision
This rule is one that we do not see come into play all that often, although Cheslin Kolbe did provide a high profile example of it in action during last year's World Cup.
The decision on this occasion has proven to be a controversial one, with many claiming that George Ford was harshly treated by the referee and had clearly not started his run-up.
Speaking on ITV, presenter Mark Pougatch read out the relevant rule and questioned if Ford had began his 'approach' towards the ball during this conversion. Jonny Wilkinson said it was clear that the official got it wrong.
Pougatch: We're going to have talk about law 8.14...
When the kicker begins his 'approach', that is the key word, to kick a conversion an opposing player may charge or jump to prevent a goal. Is your interpretation that George Ford began his approach?
Wilkinson: If he had begun his approach, he would have carried on kicking the ball. He clearly didn't, he moved to the side and started to get ready. It's not his approach, so he hasn't.
The point is as well that it's very difficult for a ref to decide when a kicker has started his approach, only a kicker knows his approach. For me, it was side on for the kicker here and I would tell the defence 'sorry guys go back, he clearly hasn't set'.
He says 'I moved to the side, all I did was move to the side'.
Not so sure on that one.
His fellow pundit Dan Biggar said while it may have been a bit harsh, Ford only has himself to blame as he was attempting to waste time during his kicking routine.
He has moved to the side to prepare to take the kick. George was trying to kill the clock with the two yellow cards and he has probably tried to be a little bit too clever.
For me, he could have just knocked that kick over with one step and not killed the clock or anything like that. He will be disappointed, but for me he has moved to the side in preparation to take the kick.
However, it seems that ITV used an old version of the rule when discussing the incident.
The law now states that a move 'in any direction' constitutes the beginning of a player's approach to the kick.
ITV used outdated law 8.14 in half time explanation of conversion charge down during England v Wales. Correct law below. Key words 'in any direction'. https://t.co/KorfchX7Rs pic.twitter.com/NDKY9BvCtC
— dominic rumbles (@dominicrumbles) February 10, 2024
In this case, that the referee got it spot on.
It seems that some pundits need to brush up a bit on the current rules.
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