Super Rugby Pacific Statement: Vaa'i Try Decision

Super Rugby Pacific management has reviewed the decision to award a try to Chiefs player Tupou Vaa'i in the 32nd minute of Saturday’s Round 1 game against the Blues.

The review concluded that Vaa'i's actions constituted leaving the ground to avoid a tackle, rather than simply diving forward to score a try, and that as a result the try should not have been awarded.

The relevant law provision is World Rugby Clarification 3-2022:

“In principle, in a try scoring situation, if the action is deemed to be a dive forward for a try, then it should be permitted. If a player is deemed to have left the ground to avoid a tackle; or to jump, or hurdle a potential tackler, then this is dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly."