Over 16,513,659 people are on fubar.
What are you waiting for?

Rugby: The basics

A BRIEF HISTORY Rugby has its roots firmly in a public school environment. It is widely regarded as William Webb Ellis who started the revolution in 1823, when during a football match at Rugby school (no prizes for guessing where they got the name) he picked up the ball and ran the length of the pitch, triumphantly smashing the ball into his opponents net. The idea caught on, and many different versions of the same game emerged. Decades after Webb Ellis' antics (1871), these versions were unified by Rugby playing clubs, giving rise to the Rugby Football Union (RFU), which is still the governing body today. Although it took time for the game to develop, it seems fitting that the 'Webb Ellis Trophy' is awarded to the winner of the four-yearly Rugby World Cup Final, which has been running since 1987. A TEAM OF TWO HALVES A rugby team consists of fifteen players, separated into forwards and backs. The forwards are generally big and burly, utilised in the scrum/line out/close-quarter play. Comparatively slow but powerful players, forwards perform the role of a battering ram, to make short gains in tight situations, and regain possession when in defence. Backs are quicker, more nimble players, used out wide to execute devastating attacking moves, or clear the lines when in defence. They also perform the kicking duties. THE BASICS On first impressions, rugby appears to be a game with no rules. Then after a few minutes watching, there appear to be far too many. The pitch is split into territorial sections, with a scoring zone at each end, defined by 'try lines'. The main objective is to obtain downwards pressure on a ball touching the ground over this try line. You do not have to be holding the ball when you cross the line, you may kick forwards and fall on the ball should you wish. There are two large 'H' shaped posts at each end, which you have the opportunity to kick through when a try is scored, to obtain maximum points (a conversion). The closer you are to these posts when you score a try, the easier your kicking position will be for the conversion. Scoring is achieved as follows: Try = 5 points Conversion = additional 2 points Penalties/Drop Goal = 3 points The ball may be passed backwards but never forwards. This puts emphasis on running with the ball. When tackled to the ground whilst held by an opponent, you have to release the ball and stay still on the ground, or roll away. The trick is to have supporting team mates close by (preferably forwards), in order to retain possession when the tackled player releases the ball, by forming a ruck. If the tackled player fails to release the ball, possession is relinquished. The ball can be kicked to gain yardage, but unless you are deep in your own half (22m from your try line or less) the ball has to bounce before it leaves play. Unless you are kicking from a penalty, the opposition will get the throw in, thus having a better chance of regaining possession. I find the territorial battles that unfold during play fascinating. Every inch of the pitch is contested in true gladiatorial style, with big hitting forwards, and exciting backs accelerating into their opponents half, desperately trying to breach the defences. It may look chaotic and disjointed, but every player is thinking and planning, drawing on their experience and training. When a side is on the ropes, you can see the pressure taking its toll, as you wait for the inevitable score. Much more a battle of attrition than football, a game that frequently transforms in an instant, rugby is more a game of chess, where one poor decision can leave you in real trouble for prolonged periods of time. The ebb and flow of a rugby match is far more absorbing than a game of football; the combination of complex tactics and physical conflict make for a fascinating spectacle.
Leave a comment!
html comments NOT enabled!
NOTE: If you post content that is offensive, adult, or NSFW (Not Safe For Work), your account will be deleted.[?]

giphy icon
last post
16 years ago
posts
69
views
9,363
can view
everyone
can comment
everyone
atom/rss
official fubar blogs
 8 years ago
fubar news by babyjesus  
 13 years ago
fubar.com ideas! by babyjesus  
 10 years ago
fubar'd Official Wishli... by SCRAPPER  
 10 years ago
Word of Esix by esixfiddy  

discover blogs on fubar

blog.php' rendered in 0.0624 seconds on machine '189'.