The Lions were left stunned in their clash against the Queensland Reds after referee James Dolman ruled the ball had been held up over the line – halting what looked like a certain try.
But instead of a five-metre scrum – as used to be the case – the new law handed the Reds a get-out-of-jail-free card with a goal-line dropout.
Fans were furious.
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One slammed the law on social media: “The goal line dropout when an attacker is held up over the line is the dumbest rule in rugby. Get out of jail free card for the defence.”
Another raged: “Still not sure what utter moron at World Rugby thought we should have a dropout and not a 5m scrum when the attack is held up over the line.”
A third said what many are thinking: “The worst rule in rugby. Penalised for almost scoring.”
Even former top referee Nigel Owens didn’t hold back. Writing in his Wales Online column, he said:
“Just look at the goal line drop-out. To me, that is a total disaster and I would get rid of it tomorrow if I was in charge. It hasn’t brought anything positive to the game… It is a total punishment for the attacking team.”
World Rugby brought in the law change in a bid to speed up the game – but it’s safe to say fans, players and even top officials aren’t impressed.
Four Lions players who flopped against the Reds
Some Lions roared — others whimpered. Here’s the breakdown of who boosted their Test stock and who sent it plummeting.
💨 Duhan Van Der Meh
When fast and loose turns into just loose.
RUCK 5.5/10:
“Van der Merwe was very suspect especially in defence with some key moments when he looked well off the pace. In attack he just looked very one dimensional and looked nowhere near his usual standard we’re used to.”
Rugby Pass 5/10:
“The Reds exploited his slowness to turn with some probing kicks and he was nearly made to pay for a casual one-handed gather when under pressure on his own try line.
“It took 14 minutes before he received his first pass and was largely anonymous as an attacker until the game started to break up. Nice finish for the Lions’ third try atoned for some of his backfield errors, but was overshadowed by his fellow winger Freeman.”
FLO Rugby 3/10:
“Firmly on the back foot for a test spot, the powerhouse Scottish winger does not look comfortable in the Lions’ system. Unlike Scotland, where his strike running ability is a key focal point, in Andy Farrell’s system, more is expected of wingers to go looking for work.
“Throw into the mix his struggles in the air, rather reckless one-handed grab of a ball behind his own line and brutally poor positioning for the Reds’ second try by Josh Flook, and it is tough to see Farrell trusting him on the big occasions. Overall, it was a fast and loose showing from van der Merwe, who did score a try, albeit it was a simple run-in.”
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