My initial view was that Cunningham took the re-start before passing to Long.

Did that happen?

Would it matter to the optional kick re-start?

If it doesn't matter, how many pairs of hands can the ball go through before the option is taken away?



You are chancing losing the possession you have just been given for a fresh set of six. From the centre of the twenty metre line the ball has to travel a minimum of 10 metres forward bounce in the field of play and then bounce out.

It can be defended against.

Didnt see it but..if kc got a 20m optional and didnt tap it before passing ball then ball not in play, you cant pass a ball if ball not in play..for optional kick..kicker cannot tap ball then kick downfield for restart..he either kicks downfield without tapping ball andnscrum feed, or he taps ball then ball in play he kicks downfield and oppo scrum.

That's basically how I thought it worked.

Cunningham can't have tapped the ball before giving it to Long then, at the time I thought he had but I guess I'm mistaken.

cunningham defo didnt tap the ball

Still not absolutely convinced although happy to accept that was the referee's call also.

First thing Donald (who had chased the kick) points for someone to drop back and cover the optional re-start. Well done for him for that in that situation after a hard chase to remain game aware.

Cunningham ball in hand (on Bentham's whistle) with his back turned to the official, motions to take the restart (which can be anywhere between foot and knee IIRC) before passing to Long.

Very close call in that case to calling play on, head and feed to Leeds.