When a penalty is awarded near the try line?

Question

why do the attacking team kick into touch, then have to re-win the ball before attacking the try line? When I learnt to play, there were lots of pre-planned set moves to use in positions like that.

Answer 1

its easier to catch and drive than to push a scrum over.

Answer 2

It depends on how much they need points as to what they do.  If they need the points they will go for the 3 points at goal, if they don't need the points so much, or are playing comfortably, going for a line out will give them the chance to get the 7 points from the try.  They don't have to re-win the ball necessarily...it's their throw in at the line out and more often than not, the team with the throw in wins the ball...then all they have to do is cross the line and get the try.  Alternatively they could take the scrum and either use the power of the forwards to go for the try or pass out to their backs and try to run it in.  And I guess they could also try taking it quickly and dart through the opposing teams defence before they've realised play has restarted...

Often the ref will decide if he wants them to scrum or kick...if it's a kick then they can choose to go for goal or for a kick to touch for a 5m lineout.  I personally like seeing them going for the 5m lineout...it brings out the best in the other sides defence and also gives the forwards a chance to really push through for the try...

Answer 3

the best thing to do in that situation would be to take the scrum. the set moves you would have done probably involved some sort of forward crashing into the line which wont work at international level(or even club). with a scrum or a line out it allows you to gather a pack either to scrum the ball forward or maul it forward, then you can release the backs to walk it over

Answer 4

Very good question and the decision to kick to touch is very questionable.

The chances of losing a scrum[against the head] is neglible but the chances of losing a line out are massive[especially if you are English whose line out is particularly c**p]

I would go for the easy three points and kick for goal in all circumstances aguaranteed three points against an unlikely five or a very unlikely seven.

Answer 5

used to play at scrum half at county level

( a long time ago when it was the 25 yard line)

used to make sure the pack were in close attendance with a tight back line , take a tap and see what happened

most times we pushed over and touched down

Answer 6

the game moves too fast in my opinion , i watched wigan and warrington yesterday, and a few times the ball was taken out of play, which left me screaming at the TV, alot of the changed rules are all geared at a faster game, i know ruby is a fast sport with the ball constantly changing hands from team to team, but i don't think the changes have made it a better game,, to me there isn't enough team play but hey that's my opinion

Answer 7

They don't have to re-win the ball if they kick for touch from a penalty, they still have possession at the throw in.

Edit: The team with possession has the advantage at line outs, as it almost always goes in there favour. If the line out goes in their favour then they can get the ball out wide for the run in to touch where the defensive side's defence is weakest. Playing the ball directly from the penalty is usually pointless as that's where the defence is strongest (around the ball).

Answer 8

i don't know i'm just admiring those thick, strong and dirty legs, rules mean sweet FA to me  !  lol xx

i hope you are not taking the pee ! enjoy your game. xx