Knock-out: in case of a draw
On this weekend there are three finals and six semifinals. In each of those nine matches there must be a winner. But what happens in the case of a draw?
Getting to a winner is a matter of regulation, not law except in the case of Under-19 matches. The details of how a winner is reached is a matter for regulation by the match organisation, which, the case of these three matches is the SA Rugby Union (SARU).
One of the finals and two of the semifinals are Under-19 matches and their regulations differ, by law, from the other six.
In the case of senior matches and Under-21 matches extra time is allowed; not so in the case of Under-19 matches.
Law 5.6 PLAYING EXTRA TIME
A match may last more than eighty minutes if the Match Organiser has authorised the playing of extra time in a drawn match in a knock-out competition.
But extra time is not allowed in Under-19 matches.
Under-19 Variations
Law 5.1 Each half of an Under 19 match lasts 35 minutes playing time. Play in a match lasts no longer than 70 minutes. After a total of 70 minutes playing time, the referee must not allow extra time to be played in the case of a drawn match in a knock-out competition.
Senior and Under-21A
If scores are level after the scheduled time, the winner will be determined as follows:
1. the team scoring the most points within a twenty (20) minute extra time (ten (10) minutes each way with a one (1) minute break); and if still level
2. the team scoring the most tries in the semifinal match, including extra time; and if still level
3. the team with the highest log position after the pool matches in that competition during the current season shall be the winner.
Under-21B, where the teams do not all play against each other and so log positions fall away.
If scores are level after the scheduled time, the winner will be determined as follows:
1. the team scoring the most points within a twenty (20) minute extra time (ten (10) minutes each way with a one (1) minute break); and if still level
2. the team scoring the most tries in the semifinal match, including extra time; and if still level
3. the sudden death rule will apply and the team that scored the first points in the match will be declared the winner.
Under-19 where extra time does not apply
Under.19A where teams all play each other.
1. the team that scored the most tries in the match; and if still level
2. the team with the highest log position after the pool matches; and if still level
3 a. in the event of a semifinal the toss of a coin, but
b. in the event of a final the teams share the cup.
Under-19B where the teams do not all play each other
1. the team that scored the most tries in the match; and if still level
2. the team that scored the most tries in the match; and if still level
3. the team that scored the most points in the first half; and if still level
4. the team that scored the most points in the second half; and if still level
5. a in the event of a semifinal the toss of a coin, but
b. in the event of a final the teams share the cup.
