Competing for the high ball

[light]

Alright, so any of you who have been here longer than a month have probably seen me constantly ranting on about contesters going for the ball getting taken out in the air. In the modern game we are seeing the dominance of 'box-kicks' or high kicks to put pressure on the back three and increase field position but there is something that really irritates me about the way they are refereed.

On numerous occasions, particularly with the Wallabies, the player contesting for the ball is either taken in the air after jumping or taken in the air without the ball, often resulting in an aerial clash and knock-on. More often than not the ball is either knocked on upon impact with the ground or the player is taken out, sometimes resulting in niggling injuries. So I ask those with greater rugby knowledge..

What are the rules on competing for the high ball and why don't referee's protect the player competing for the ball? For me, it's pretty obvious when a player is actually competing for the ball or just there to impede the guy catching it. IMO this area needs to be addressed, players are risking everything jumping above others to catch the ball and getting no protection from guys who are chasing purely to take the guy catching it out.

Thoughts.. Would love a logical explanation for it

 

[Scotty]

It seems you only have to look like you are going for the high ball and you can pretty much do anything to the defending player jumping to receive it. The laws need to be change to reward teams more for playing with the ball in hand.

 

[pete88]

It's also pretty hard to defend against getting belted or turned if you've just taken a highball, particularly if you do what you've been coached to and jump for it. I think the NRIs being properly enforced does the trick as far as stopping a glut of these incidents, but a good contestable kicking game shouldn't be made impossible, I don't think it can be without some bizarre/unworkable law changes.

 

[grievous]

I thought we got taken in the air a few times today, no call by knob features

 

[Mank]

It seems you only have to look like you are going for the high ball and you can pretty much do anything to the defending player jumping to receive it. The laws need to be change to reward teams more for playing with the ball in hand.

Not saying you guys are wrong, but posting some evidence would lend a little more weight to the thread.

Also, why do the laws need to be changed to suit a particular style of play more than another? (Coincidentally, the style your team plays).

 

[light]

There is really no incentive as one of the following is bound to happen (my estimated %'s):
a) You get taken out in the air, with or without the ball (50%)
b) you knock it on because a player has impeded the catch (30%)
c) you catch it and get cleaned up when you land by an awaiting player (15%)
d) you mistime your jump and miss it completely (4.9%)
e) you catch it and run the length of the field and score (0.1% chance)

Perhaps they should make it similar to the mark rule, you catch it and you can either kick back up field or have a scrum.

 

[MrMouse]

I agree that there were two incidents in the game today where players were taken out. My issue is guys not looking at the ball. It's pretty fookin' obvious in that situation that you're NOT competing for the ball, just hoping to put off/injure an opposition player. As to whether it's an issue wider than this specific game? I'm undecided, I'd want to see a bit of video analysis, per Mank's request.

Maybe Bryce Lawrence watched too much State of Origin this year, where anything went in the air...

 

[EVERYFWDTHINKTHEYREA6OR7]

There is really no incentive as one of the following is bound to happen (my estimated %'s):
a) You get taken out in the air, with or without the ball (50%)
b) you knock it on because a player has impeded the catch (30%)
c) you catch it and get cleaned up when you land by an awaiting player (15%)
d) you mistime your jump and miss it completely (4.9%)
e) you catch it and run the length of the field and score (0.1% chance)

Perhaps they should make it similar to the mark rule, you catch it and you can either kick back up field or have a scrum.

This is an interesting idea.

Howiever i like our 0.1% chance, Beale seems to be good at it.