Twister_Ken
Well-Known Member
I'm about 10 years out of date on laws/rules, but it used to be that when 40 minutes (plus stoppages for injury) was up, the next stoppage in play would be half or full time. Consequently, if a penalty is awarded before full time, that allows as much time as the kicker needs to place the ball, go through the mental jiggery pokery and take the kick. If the kick is successful when the ball crosses between the posts that is the next stoppage and the game is over. If the kick is not successful and somehow remains in play, play continues until the next stoppage.
On the Wales/Italy example, if the Welsh had kicked for goal, they would have had all the time they wanted (actually, one minute is supposed to be the time allowed for a penalty kick). However, they took the penalty quickly, by booting the ball into touch. The clock does not stop when the ball is in touch. Therefore whilst the players were faffing around organising a lineout, play was considered stopped with the ball out of play, although the clock was not stopped. Consequently, when the 10 secs were up with no lineout taken, the ref blew for full time. That, at least, is my interpretation.
Where there's room for argument is in the question of what is a penalty. Is it the kick to touch, or is it the kick and the subsequent lineout? Without the book of words, I'm not sure.
On the Wales/Italy example, if the Welsh had kicked for goal, they would have had all the time they wanted (actually, one minute is supposed to be the time allowed for a penalty kick). However, they took the penalty quickly, by booting the ball into touch. The clock does not stop when the ball is in touch. Therefore whilst the players were faffing around organising a lineout, play was considered stopped with the ball out of play, although the clock was not stopped. Consequently, when the 10 secs were up with no lineout taken, the ref blew for full time. That, at least, is my interpretation.
Where there's room for argument is in the question of what is a penalty. Is it the kick to touch, or is it the kick and the subsequent lineout? Without the book of words, I'm not sure.
