There’s probably none more impactful play in a rugby union game than that of a penalty try.

Games have been decided by the referee’s decision on these plays and it’s important that fans understand the whole nature of it.

Let’s explore how crucial this is and see why it matters.

What Exactly is a Penalty Try?

The referees award a penalty try when they believe a try would have been scored if not for a foul play by the defending team.

No more room for what ifs. The call comes with real consequences and the official’s decision is final.

World Rugby clearly defined guidelines on this putting the judgment solely on the referee’s hands.

When Does the Ref Blow the Whistle?

The path is clear. A player, ball in hand, sprints directly into the in-goal area ready to score a try.

And then, boom! A defender commits a foul stopping the player dead on his tracks.

This is when the referee steps in and blows his whistle, awarding a penalty try.

But his judgment is not solely on the idea that the player is close to the goal line scoring a try. The referee has to believe there was a “probable” chance of scoring.

This is where things get a bit subjective, and where debates often kick off.

The Scoreboard Impact

Just how heated are the discussions are when it comes to penalty try?

Well, for one, it’s worth seven massive points. Those can change not just the complexion of the game, it could also very well decide who the winner will be.

No need for Jonny Wilkinson-style conversion kicks here.

It’s the value of a try and a conversion all rolled into one.

If debates on calls like these already divides the house in local matches, just imagine how much it matters more in the bright lights of the Six Nations Championship or the Rugby World Cup.

More Than Just Points

But wait, there’s more.

A penalty try often comes with extra consequences for the offending team.

We’re talking yellow cards, or even red cards in severe cases.

Suddenly, you’re not just down seven points, but potentially a player short too.

This can completely flip the script on a team’s strategy.

Real-World Examples

Let’s talk about some scenarios where you might see a penalty try awarded:

• A defending player deliberately knocks the ball forward to prevent a certain try
• A scrum collapses repeatedly near the try line
• A maul is illegally brought down close to the goal line
• A player is tackled without the ball when they’re about to catch a pass and score

These situations can happen in any rugby match, from local leagues to the biggest stages.

The Controversy Factor

Now, here’s where it gets spicy.

Penalty tries can be controversial.

And it has every reason to.

When the fate of the game lies heavily on the hands of the referee and how he or she chooses to interpret what a “probable” try-scoring opportunity is, you will always have players go up in arms.

What’s clear to one may not be the same for another. It’s a classic he said, she said situation.

And subjectivity isn’t limited to those on the pitch as the chatter continues among fans, players, and pundits alike even after the final whistle is blown — all the more if the penalty try determines the winner.

Just imagine the extra layer of drama it provides to the already exciting game of rugby.

Penalty Tries in Rugby: The Finer Points and Far-Reaching Impact

With the judgment of what a penalty try is solely on the determination of the official, it’s important that we understand how one comes up with such game-changing call.

The Referee’s Perspective

It’s never easy being a referee. That goes for rugby and every other sport there is.

Now, put your shoes on those of rugby officials, intently watching this fast-paced game, and then you have to decide whether a try would have been probable in the foul play you whistled. And you got to decipher it within split-seconds of action.

Referees often use the “advantage rule” before awarding a penalty try, giving the attacking team a chance to score despite the foul.

Some however, are more unforgiving, blowing the whistle for a penalty try.

It’s a hard balancing act of allowing the players to play while making sure that they’re doing so in a fair manner. This decision-making process is a key part of what makes rugby officiating so challenging and respected.

The Ripple Effect on Team Tactics

The possibility of a penalty try doesn’t just affect scoring – it changes how teams play, especially in high-pressure situations near the try line.

Defensive teams must be extra cautious. A moment of desperation could lead to a penalty try and potentially a card. This risk often leads to more open play near the goal line, as defenders are wary of committing fouls.

For attacking teams, it’s about creating situations that might lead to penalty tries. This could mean powerful scrums or mauls near the try line, or quick plays that might tempt defenders into professional fouls.

Penalty Tries in Professional Rugby

We’ve seen our fair share of dramatic moments involving the penalty try, and top-tier competitions like the Six Nations Championship or the Rugby World Cup are not immune to that.

One of the recent examples include the 2019 Rugby World Cup where Wales was awarded a  penalty try against France in the quarter-finals. This crucial decision, along with a red card for France, turned the tide of the match in favor of the Welsh.

These high-stakes situations underscore why understanding penalty tries is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike.

The Evolution of the Rule

The penalty try rule has evolved over time with World Rugby continually reviewing and updating the laws of the game.

One significant change came in 2017 when the automatic seven-point award was introduced. Before this, penalty tries were worth five points with a conversion attempt still required.

This change was made to simplify the process and remove any advantage the defending team might gain from committing a foul.

Beyond the Try Line: The Broader Impact

The magnitude of penalty try‘s impact to the game isn’t just on the result on pitch but also reflective of rugby’s deeper emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship.

Severe punishments on dangerous plays, especially those committed near the try line, makes players rethink their actions as the rule encourages a more open and flowing game. It discourages the “professional fouls” that can mar other sports.

It’s aligned with the core values of rugby which is hinged on integrity and respect, shaping the sport’s unique culture both on and off the field.

The Future of Penalty Tries

As rugby continues to evolve, so too might the penalty try rule.

There are already those pushing for a more technology-based decision making to aid referees in making these crucial decisions. There are also advocates for a system much like cricket’s Decision Review System (DRS) for try-scoring opportunities to determine what is probable or not.

Others, however, think that this will just slow the game down and insist that what makes rugby so compelling is the human element involved in it.

Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: penalty tries will continue to be a crucial and exciting part of rugby union.