I hope some of you are watching the games on Peacock. There have been some mismatches but overall the games have been enjoyably brutal. The last 10 minutes of Fiji v Wales were intense. Give rugby a chance. Just remember that a tackled player must immediately pass or release the ball. There is an offsides line through the ball or the last foot of the ruck if one is formed
Rugby World Cup
- Thread starter docrugby1
- Start date
The winners of the Rugby World Cup and the Rugby League World Cup should play each other in the Rugby Super Bowl to determine the true rugby champions.
The formats are so different that there really isn't anyway that a fair tournament could be played. I prefer union but the physicality of League players is amazing.
Union rules first half, League rules the 2nd half.
I could not begin to describe the difference between league rules and Union rules. Anyone care to give a synopsis?
Union originated at Rugby School in 1845 England .when William Webb Ellis picked up a soccer ball and ran with it. Rugby was purely amateur until about 1990
Union is played by 15 players aside-8 forwards and 7 backs. The ball may be advanced by running or kicking. All passes must be lateral or backwards. Play is continuous as a tackled player must release the ball immediately with the opposing teams contesting for possession in a process known as rucking. If a player is held upright in a tackle the teams contest for the ball in a maul. If there is a stoppage of play for a minor infraction-knock on, forward pass etc- the ball is returned to play in a scrum when the ball is rolled between the engaged forwards. Points are scored by placing the ball on the ground on or beyond the goal line for 5 points. A 2 point conversion is then attempted from a point perpendicular to the point where the ball was touched down. Drop kicks and penalty kicks for major rules infractions count 3 points
It is not unusual for teams to keep the ball in continual action for 20 phases(tackles) Games are played in 40 minute halves but a game is not over until there is a stoppage for a rules infraction. Each team is allowed to dress 23 players allowing tactical and injury substitutions
League is played by 13 asideThere are 6 downs before a team must kick away possession. Each tackle results in a set uncontested pass to initiate the next phase. A try is worth 4 points. There are an enormous amount of tackles but very few rucks and mauls. I consider League to be a game of atttrition-brutal tackle after tackle until an opponent withers. League is a working man's' game whereas Union is considered a gentlemen's game
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League and Union are extremely different sports. They are played on same pitch with similar ball but the similarities between sports just about cease there.
Decades ago, League used to be an avenue by which Union players could go professional and be paid for the sport
I know we played Union at NU. Didn't realize League had 13 aside. Much closer to American football.
Lomu was electric. I think he kind of was the first global rugby superstar. In the 90's I used to pay attention to rugby, watch the 5 nations tournament and the WC. It's an incredible sport. When Lomu came on the scene it was spectacular.
I have not watched it much in the 21st century. The proliferation of entertainment alternatives did that. Not unlike what happened to my F1 viewing habits.
Will be watching some WC this weekend.
Jonah Lomu was a freak combination of size and speed. He weighed about 260 lbs and could run the 100 in less than 10.0 seconds. Rugby players are a fearless group but in the 1995 WC the English players were reluctant/afraid to tackle Lomu. Yet South Africa upset the All Blacks to win the WC. If you have ever played a S. African team, they have legs the size of telephone poles and are ruthlessly physical.
Unfortunately, Jonah's career was brief. He died of kidney disease at age 40 about 10 years ago
You can watch the best professional leagues on Flosports, an inexpensive App that includes about 25 international and domestic sports. They have the :
1.URC-Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa professional teams
2.Super Rugby-New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Islanders and Argentina
3.English Premiership
4.Top 14-French teams
I would suggest watching Leinster (Dublin) from the URC, Canterbury or Auckland from Super Rugby, Toulouse, La Rochelle from the Top 14 and avoid the English Premiership because they play a boring style of rugby.
I will typically watch about 10 or more games per week, never missing Leinster because of their backline play
Unfortunately, Jonah's career was brief. He died of kidney disease at age 40 about 10 years ago
You can watch the best professional leagues on Flosports, an inexpensive App that includes about 25 international and domestic sports. They have the :
1.URC-Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa professional teams
2.Super Rugby-New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Islanders and Argentina
3.English Premiership
4.Top 14-French teams
I would suggest watching Leinster (Dublin) from the URC, Canterbury or Auckland from Super Rugby, Toulouse, La Rochelle from the Top 14 and avoid the English Premiership because they play a boring style of rugby.
I will typically watch about 10 or more games per week, never missing Leinster because of their backline play
