Why Stuart Hogg was not penalised for knock-on at Scotland's scrappy first try against Ireland
Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg hacked the ball forward – twice – in the build-up before the play was switched to the former Stirling County player – via the fingertips of one of the Ireland backs.
But match referee checked up on the captain’s play – as a forward move or knock-on would have ruled the try out and left the visitors 8-3 ahead.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt was a messy score – but it counted nonetheless. BBC Sport host Gabby Logan joked it was a move “well structured from training and practised a million times – give us the off the chin move please,” during the half-time analysis.
The build-up had seen the ball strike Hogg on the chin – which doesn’t count as a knock-on via rugby union rules as Jonny Barclay explained: “People might look at it – and it looks wrong for all intents and purposes – but it’s not touched his hand, or his chest - it’s come straight off his chin - and the chin is play on.”
“That’s why it is not a knock on,” added Logan.
Barclay added: “That sums up the game really – just bonkers. A comedy of errors.”
The try and Russell’s conversion added to a first-half penalty to put Scotland 10-8 ahead, though Ireland regained the lead through Johnny Sexton for a half-time scoreline 14-10 in the visitors’ favour.