![\"Vaa'i](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tupou-vaai-points-to-his-head-after-scoring-for-the-chiefs-a-MWQBLQH4ERGJZOZ76AUCN5BYNE.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat turned out to be a crucial try awarded to Tupou Vaa\u2019i in the Chiefs\u2019 19-15 Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Blues at Eden Park at the weekend should have been disallowed, according to the competition organisers.<\/p>\n
Vaa\u2019i scored in the first half of the match after leaping over several would-be defenders near a ruck while close to the try-line.<\/p>\n
The try was awarded by referee Ben O\u2019Keeffe despite the protestations of several Blues players.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Keeffe was heard on the broadcast saying Vaa\u2019i, the Chiefs and All Blacks lock, jumped in the act of scoring a try, rather than to avoid being tackled.<\/p>\n
Not so, according to Super Rugby Pacific in what was a rare proactive statement highlighting a law transgression clearly designed to stamp out such behaviour.<\/p>\n
The statement read: \u201cSuper Rugby Pacific management has reviewed the decision to award a try to Chiefs player Tupou Vaa\u2019i in the 32nd minute of Saturday\u2019s Round 1 game against the Blues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe review concluded that Vaa\u2019i\u2019s actions constituted leaving the ground to avoid a tackle, rather than simply diving forward to score a try, and that as a result the try should not have been awarded.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vaa’i points to his head after scoring his disputed try at Eden Park. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n
\u201cThe relevant law provision is World Rugby Clarification 3-2022: In principle, in a try-scoring situation, if the action is deemed to be a dive forward for a try, then it should be permitted. If a player is deemed to have left the ground to avoid a tackle; or to jump, or hurdle a potential tackler, then this is dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vaa\u2019i\u2019s try was the opening score of the game but should instead have been a penalty for the Blues.<\/p>\n
To add insult to injury for the Blues, Vaa\u2019i celebrated by pointing to his head \u2013 presumably a reference to his out-thinking the opposition defence.<\/p>\n
The officials also took a lassez-faire attitude to the breakdown<\/a> during a match which, during the first half at least, was not of the highest quality.<\/p>\n