Welsh referee Nigel Owens has been praised for a rare moment during the Racing 92 v Saracens European Champions Cup semi-final match.
Owens received a raft of plaudits from fans and pundits after clamping down on the caterpillar rucking many see as a growing scourge in the game.
The technique sees players attaching to a ruck to form a single line of consecutive players, one after the next, effectively meaning the hind most foot of the ruck is several metres away from the nearest opposition player.
This lengthy process, which gives halfbacks space and time to launch clearance or box picks, is not illegal but is a frustrating spectacle for fans as slows the game down greatly.
Racing looked to employ it as they were under pressure on their own five metre line, but they twice ignored Owens when he demanded scrum-half Teddy Iribaren use the ball.
Teams have to get the ball away within five seconds of the referee's call to use it but the rule is rarely enforced.
But, after waiting the obligatory five seconds with no response, Owens blew his whistle, penalised the French team, telling them: "I called 'use it' quite clearly."
Owens was clearly keen to set his stall out early and could constantly be heard shouting "use it" to players throughout the match.
BT Sport commentator Ben Kay said: "He's absolutely right. It's the first time I've seen that. It was the slowest ruck I have ever seen. The Racing fans won't be happy but I think rugby fans will be happy."
Other pundits and fans took to social media to give the decision the thumbs up.
Racing went on to win the match and reach the final with a 19-15 victory.
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