Law discussion - obstruction?
Morné Steyn Stade Français kicks off to start the second half. Leicester Tigers catch the ball, a ruck forms and scrumhalf Ben Youngs kicks downfield. Sergio Parisse of Stade Français cannot control the ball and knocks it backwards to Julien Tomas of Stade Francis who knocks it on. Brendon O'Connor of Leicester Tigers picks up the bell just inside the Leicester Tigers half and races 51 metres straight downfield about a metre in from the touchline on his right with Adam Thompstone of Leicester Tigers on his left and level with him. Steyn is coming across to tackle O'Connor but cannot get past Thompstone to get to O'Connor. Eventually he pushes Thompstone out of the way but O'Connor goes on to score in the right corner. Steyn and Parisse appeal eagerly for obstruction.
The referee refers the incident to the TMO and then awards a try to Leicester tigers.
When the incident is replayed it is clear that Thompstone is in Steyn's way. It is also clear that he is not in front of O'Connor but at most level with him and at times slightly behind him.
Obstruction?
Law 10.1 OBSTRUCTION
(b) Running in front of a ball-carrier. A player must not intentionally move or stand in front of a team-mate carrying the ball thereby preventing opponents from tackling the current ball-carrier or the opportunity to tackle potential ball-carriers when they gain possession.
Sanction: Penalty kick
O'Connor is the ball-carrier.
Thompstone is not in front of O'Connor
Thompstone is not committing obstruction.
The referee was right to award the try.
If Thompstone had been in front of O'Connor, it would have been a penalty for obstruction.
