I'm aware we've discussed this before but what was the consensus of the Receiver (aka scrum half) joining the lineout before the throw? Does a team mate already in the lineout need to drop out?
If so, what is the sanction for failing to do so? Is it a FK for not giving opponents time to match numbers? Or would the empathetic referee blow time off to allow time for numbers to be matched?
From a non-reffing law-reader:
19.8(i) says that:
[LAWS]If a team uses a receiver, then that player, must be positioned at least 2m back from team mates in the lineout, and between the 5m and 15m lines,
until the lineout begins.[/LAWS]
The sanction for him not taking that position is:
[LAWS]Free kick on the 15 metre line along the line of touch[/LAWS]
Before the ball is thrown in(/lineout begins), though:
[LAWS]Participating players in a lineout
(which includes the receiver) may change places before the ball is thrown.[/LAWS]
After the ball is thrown (also 19.8(i)):
[LAWS]Once the lineout has commenced, the receiver may move into the lineout and may perform all actions available to players in the lineout and is liable to related sanctions.[/LAWS]
My understanding of all that, FWIW, is that until the ball is thrown, the receiver stays 2m back from the line,
unless he changes places with someone in the lineout. Once the ball leaves the thrower's hands, however, that restriction is lifted and he can enter the lineout without swap or sanction.
I understood that that has been the consensus previously expressed on here; but that may not be right.