The Rugby Thread

[PeteC]

While we're talking about rules and such....I'm still not comfortable that I know what I'm looking at concerning a ruck. If a whistle blows I seldom know what the penalty was, unless there is a replay. It's a confusing part of the game for me due to the speed of play, but hopefully that will correct itself in time.

I picked up the following from a rule summary; "They must bind with one arm round a team-mate at the very back of the ruck." I assume they are talking about the team on defense, but I never see anyone binding! Do you?...or is it one of those things that is now ignored by referees? Pete

[dtaai-maai]

The trend seems to be to commit fewer players to the ruck these days. I think that the rule says that if 2 players of either side happen to find themselves on their feet, they should be bound as they would be in a scrum - rucks don't usually last long enough for that to matter much.
The emphasis for referees is in keeping the game flowing, so they won't be too worried about minor technicalities if they're not interfering with play.

EDIT: Penalties at rucks are almost always for not releasing (either the ball or the tackled player) or for not being on your feet while trying to get the ball. Alternatively for not joining the ruck from behind ('through the gate').
Or for hurtling in with your shoulder!

[arcadianagain]

Sometimes it`s difficult to roll away with half a pack of 18 stone players laying all over you. Point of order chaps, Rugby Union has laws, not rules

[PeteC]

As you've picked up, I watch a lot of League matches because that's what's televised the most on 669 True. NRL is over but now they are doing the British matches....Super 8 or similar? I don't have to deal with rucks, mauls and they barely have scrums in League. It's more of a group hug with ball in the side and out the back to the offense. I guess they still have to put on an appearance of a scrum or you probably wouldn't be able to call it rugby. Pete

[dtaai-maai]

One of the reasons why I much prefer Union is that League is too 'by the numbers' for my taste. You get to the 5th tackle (or whatever) and then the ball's handed over (or booted down the pitch) and the whole thing starts again. Quick, yes. Flowing, yes, in its own way. But for me, it's like watching prison badminton. (Oops, what a giveaway...)

[arcadianagain]

One of the best. if not the best, matches I have ever seen was the 1973 or 1974 game Barbarians v All Blacks, especially the first try scored by Gareth Edwards. I`m sure it`s knocking about on the internet somewhere, well worth a look. As an aside, a quiz, what colour socks do Barbarians wear?

[dtaai-maai]

One of the best. if not the best, matches I have ever seen was the 1973 or 1974 game Barbarians v All Blacks, especially the first try scored by Gareth Edwards. I`m sure it`s knocking about on the internet somewhere, well worth a look. As an aside, a quiz, what colour socks do Barbarians wear?

It's knocking about on this thread somewhere.

They wear pink socks with a white frill round the top. If these aren't available for any reason, they have to wear their club socks.

[arcadianagain]

It's knocking about on this thread somewhere.

They wear pink socks with a white frill round the top. If these aren't available for any reason, they have to wear their club socks.

Quite right about the socks, not the pink ones though.
Is "knocking about the internet" not a proper technical term?

[PeteC]

Some info on local rugby here in Thailand. It's good to see the link about the org teaching kids. There's one called "Old Bangers" Pete

http://www.oldbangkokbangers.com/

http://www.southerners-bangkok.com/rugby/

http://www.bkklionsrugby.org/about-us

[PeteC]

Your 24 hour countdown begins in a few hours Pharvey. Make sure the valium is handy and enjoy the match. I couldn't pick with my heart and had to take Australia based upon record. I hope I'm wrong and will gladly eat humble pie if Wales takes it. Good luck. Pete

[pharvey]

^ The countdown has indeed begun in earnest.....

The odds are stacked against us having not won since 2008 , although the majority of the losses have been within 5 points, so there's not been much to separate the teams - Australia have quite simply been better in closing the game(s) out.

Some interesting selections by Gatland for today's game, a much needed (and hopefully) beefed up Front-row, North picked in the Center, Anscombe at Fullback, Tipuric in at Openside with Warburton moving to the Blind....... could make for some good rugby!! The match-ups in the Centers and the Backrows are certainly going to be interesting!

I can see this being a real classic - as long as Wales can keep parity in the Front-row.

[dtaai-maai]

The odds are stacked against us having not won since 2008 ,

Oh come off it, Mr Harvey, you of all people know how irrelevant that is today!

I think that Wales have the passion and commitment to win this if there is the slightest hesitancy on the part of the Gum Tree Growers/Billabong Boys/Kangaroo Shaggers.

This may come as a surprise, but what cheers I can summon up will be for Wales...

[pharvey]

^ Well, your support is appreciated DM - we need all we can get!!

As long as we stand up in the Front-row/Scrum, I really do think we can do the business - we have a very good Back-row and the backline are no mugs.......



As an aside - Scotland vs Samoa what a game!!


OK.... now to p!$$ off my neighbours, scare my dog and lose my voice... thank Christ the LHG is away in China!!

[pharvey]

We are going to win.......

[PeteC]

Commiserations Pharvey...commiserations.