South Africans question legality of McCaw's lineout try

South Africans are questioning the legality of Richie McCaw's sensational lineout try that secured the All Blacks' latest win over the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.

McCaw's try seven minutes form the end was the dagger blow to the Boks in the All Blacks' 27‑20 win.

It was a crucial touchdown, set up from a lineout just metres out from the All Blacks line. Decoys at the front and back of the lineout allowed McCaw, coming from a halfback position, to snatch the throw‑in and charge through a gaping hole to the line.

South African rugby writer Brendon Nel and retired referee Jonathan Kaplan are claiming the move was illegal.

Nel suggested McCaw was at fault and that the early lifting of Kieran Read in the lineout was also illegal.

He went to the rule book to back up his claims and said according to World Rugby law if a team uses a receiver, then that player, must be positioned at least 2m back from team‑mates in the lineout, and between the 5m and 15m lines, until the lineout begins.

He adds once the lineout has commenced, the receiver may move into the lineout and may perform all actions available to players in the lineout and is liable to related sanctions.

Meanwhile, Kaplan says as a receiver, McCaw had to stand 2m away from the lineout and it is questionable whether he was. Nel moreover says the player cannot move into the lineout to receive the ball until the ball has left the hands of the thrower.

He says it is clear McCaw does start moving before the ball has left the hands of the hooker.

Source: Stuff.co.nz