"The Ruck" - a Lawyer's analysis of the rules of rugby's ruck

All Black, Richie McCaw, ended active play many times by successfully tackling the opposing team’s ball carrier to the ground. A ruck is then formed only if one (or more) players from both teams come together in physical contact above the ball. Once a ruck is formed, only the halfback can handle the ball - the other participants can only use their feet. Offside lines for each team are drawn at the opposing rear player’s feet, and any encroaching team risks a penalty. As a result, the ruck has a material impact on the ability for teams to contest ball possession.

But what happens if the defending side chooses not form a ruck?

Earlier this year, in a controversial match between Italy and England, Italy chose not to contest any tackles. As a result, there was no ruck and therefore no offside line, and the Italian players were able to obstruct the flow of the game. The All Blacks use the rule more subtly, choosing to form rucks at about half of the tackles.. This may be why many argued Richie McCaw was offside, and may be why the referee plays on when it seems as though a team is ‘offside’.