It's a penalty: World Rugby clarify rules following controversial Bok kickoff

The Boks' coaching team continues to push the boundaries of the sport and it's rulebook. In the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha last Saturday, Manie Libbok's kickoff went straight to an offside Andre Esterhuizen. Referee Andrew Brace signalled a scrum to Italy - as per the laws - and it was clear that that is exactly what the World Champions wanted.

The move has divided rugby fans and pundits alike, with one camp hailing the innovation and the other going as far as saying the Boks are cheating.

It only took World Rugby five days to clarify the ruling. The governing body released a statement on Thursday, which revealed that Law 9.7 comes into play in this instance.

"Laws 12.5 and 12.6 set out the sanctions where the ball unintentionally fails to go 10m or a player overruns their teammate at the kick-off/restart," it read.

"However, if match officials believe this is done deliberately, then Law 9.7a should be applied."

Rule 9.7 states that "A player must not: a. Intentionally infringe any law of the game.
Sanction: Penalty."

The statement was in response to a rule clarification request issued by the Italian Rugby Federation following their 45-0 loss last Saturday.

This is not the first time the Boks Brains Trust has tested the laws. In the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against France, fullback Damian Willemse called a mark, then indicated a scrum. World Rugby changed that rule shortly after.

The Boks' midfield lineout - where players lift a jumper in general play and setup a maul - has also come under public scrutiny and could be next in line for World Rugby's conformists.