nah. just playing devils advocate in what I genuinely perceive is a level of naivety that because kicker K points at the posts anything that happens that isn't a goal/near miss _MUST_ be an accident.
I HAVE seen a "kick at goal place kick" kicked for a winger to chase. Twice. Though neither time it ended in touch. And it had to be a winger to chase ploy becasue that is exactly what happened - short side wingers dont chase down the touchline for kicks at goal.
(no, not one of my teams. My guys and girls weren't skillful enough!)
Why does it need to be advised as a kick at goal
20 - Penalty and free-kick:
Taking a penalty or free-kick
5. A penalty or free-kick must be taken without delay.
6. Any player from the non-offending team may take it, other than for a free-kick awarded for a mark.
7. The kicker must use the ball that was in play unless the referee decides it is defective.
8. The kicker may punt, drop-kick or place-kick (other than for touch) the ball.
Sanction: Scrum.
In my reading the kick can be placed and kicked, if it goes into touch then sanction applies (SCRUM) but if the winger or any other player retrieves the ball in the field of play and scores
If you elect to kick at goal a different set of rules apply:
Penalty goal
18. A penalty goal can be scored only from a penalty.
19. The kicking team must indicate their intention to kick for goal without delay.
20. If the team indicates to the referee the intention to kick at goal, they must kick at goal. The intention to kick can be communicated to the referee or signalled by the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or when the player makes a mark on the ground.
21. The kick must be taken within 60 seconds (playing time) from the time the team indicated their intention to do so, even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. Sanction: Kick is disallowed and a scrum is awarded.
22. If the kicker indicates to the referee the intent to kick at goal, the opposing team must stand still with their hands by their sides from the time the kicker starts to approach to kick until the ball is kicked.
23. If the kicker has not indicated an intention to kick at goal but takes a drop-kick and scores a goal, the goal stands.
24. The kicker places the ball directly on the ground or on sand, sawdust, or a kicking tee. The kicker may be assisted by a placer. Nothing else may be used to assist the kicker. Sanction: Scrum.
25. Any player who intentionally touches the ball in an attempt to prevent a penalty goal being scored is illegally touching the ball.
26. A defending player must not shout during a penalty kick at goal.
27. If the opposing team infringes while the kick is being taken but the kick at goal is successful, the goal stands and a further penalty is not awarded. If the kick is unsuccessful, the non-offending team is awarded a penalty 10 metres in front of the original mark.
So no need to conflate the 2, Captain calls "Shot please sir" clock starts and kicker tries to bisect the posts, if they fail no issue. Is ball dead or still alive, restart or play on as required.
Note also 23, you can take a drop kick at goal and score without advising any intent, sharper players may take this option as a chance and with a chasing winger if defence is poorly organised as they are waiting for and expecting notification.
If the kicker places the ball on the floor, no kicking tee or sand present, you may wish to confirm the intent but it appears to be perfectly acceptable to place kick down the pitch, and only demands a sanction if the ball goes into touch.
As with most issues a lack of understanding by the players of the Laws brings about some bizarre behaviour. Ruckgate anyone?