The fundamental difference between a penalty try and a try in rugby lies in how they are scored: a try is earned through direct attacking play and the grounding of the ball, while a penalty try is awarded by the referee as a sanction against the opposition for foul play that prevented a probable try.
Understanding the Core Concepts
Both a try and a penalty try are crucial scoring events in rugby, but they arise under different circumstances, reflecting the dynamic nature and rules of the game.
What is a Try?
A try is the primary method of scoring in rugby and is the culmination of effective attacking strategy and execution.
- How it's scored: A try is scored when an attacking player grounds the ball over the opponents' goal-line in the in-goal area. This involves the player either pressing the ball down with their hand, arm, or entire body, or falling on it, ensuring definite contact with the ground.
- Value: A standard try is worth five points.
- Conversion: After a try is scored, the scoring team earns the opportunity to attempt a conversion kick, which, if successful, adds an additional two points, making the potential total seven points for that scoring play.
For more details on the laws surrounding scoring a try, you can refer to the official World Rugby Laws of the Game.
What is a Penalty Try?
A penalty try is a disciplinary measure awarded by the referee when a team's foul play prevents a try that would otherwise have been scored. It's a direct consequence of an opponent's illegal action.
- How it's awarded: A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored a try but for foul play by the opposition. This means the referee is convinced that a try was highly probable or certain to be scored, and an infringement by the defending team directly stopped it.
- Value: A penalty try is now worth seven points.
- Conversion: Crucially, with a penalty try, no conversion is attempted. The seven points are awarded automatically, making it an immediate and significant points boost for the non-offending team.
Examples of foul play that might lead to a penalty try include:
- Tackling a player without the ball who is about to collect a kick and score.
- Deliberately collapsing a scrum or maul very close to the try line when a try is imminent.
- A high or dangerous tackle on an opponent who is in the act of scoring or about to score.
- Knocking on or batting the ball forward deliberately to prevent a player from gathering it and scoring.
Key Distinctions
Here's a concise overview of the key differences:
| Feature | Try | Penalty Try |
|---|---|---|
| Method of Scoring | Ball grounded over the goal-line by an attacker | Awarded by referee due to opponent's foul play |
| Primary Cause | Successful attacking play | Foul play preventing a probable try |
| Point Value | 5 points | 7 points |
| Conversion | An additional 2-point conversion attempt follows | No conversion attempt – 7 points are awarded directly |
| Player Action | Requires player to physically ground the ball | Does not require physical grounding by a player |
Practical Implications
The distinction between a try and a penalty try carries significant practical implications for the flow and strategy of a rugby match:
- Deterrent Effect: The penalty try serves as a strong deterrent against foul play, particularly in crucial scoring situations. Teams are less likely to risk illegal actions near their try line knowing it could result in an automatic seven points against them.
- Referee's Discretion: Awarding a penalty try requires a significant judgment call by the referee. They must be convinced beyond reasonable doubt that a try would have been scored if not for the foul play. This emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent officiating.
- Impact on Momentum: An awarded penalty try can be a huge momentum shifter, not only because of the guaranteed seven points but also due to the psychological impact on both teams—one feeling justified, the other penalized for their transgression.
In essence, while both outcomes reward attacking pressure, the penalty try uniquely punishes defensive misconduct, ensuring fairness and upholding the integrity of the game's scoring opportunities.
