Hell Yeah Sports

Rugby Part 2

2011-01-13T00:06:00.000-08:00

Now that we've covered some vocab, the field, and how to score, let's get into some specifics. There are two distinct types of Rugby. Rugby Union and Rugby League.

League has less play stoppages, and the scrum and rucks are all but eliminated. By doing this, the proprietors of League hope to make a faster-paced game that is more interesting for the viewer.In addition, League has only 13 players

Union has the scrums and the rucks, and plenty of play stoppage. This game is more "physical" in the sense that there is more contact between players, through rucks and scrums, especially. Union is played with 15 players.

Something both Union and League have in common is tackling. No matter what, rugby is a contact sport. (Unless you're playing touch or flag).

For now I will focus on Rugby Union.

Union, as mentioned earlier, is played with 15 players a side. The positions are as follows:

If that is difficult to read, here is a list from 1 to 15:

Forwards

Loosehead Prop
Hooker
Tighthead Prop
4 Lock
5 lock
Blindside Flanker
Openside Flanker
Number 8

Backs

Scrum-Half
Fly-Half
Left Wing
Inside Center
Outside Center
Right Wing
Fullback

As you can see, in Union, there are 8 forwards and 7 backs. Forwards are generally the bigger guys, who take part in the scrum, and do plenty of rucking and tackling.

I will go in-depth into what each position's role is next, but for now, I bid you adieu.

Rugby Part 1

2011-01-12T03:03:00.000-08:00

As you can see by my profile picture, I am quite interested in Rugby. I started playing it a year ago, and am into my second season. I play the 15 position, or Fullback.

I will break down the basic idea of Rugby for all of those people who might not know about it.

Terminology

Try: Basically, a score. A Try is worth 5 points
Scrum: A set play, called for by the referee on certain fouls, such as a knock-on. 9 players from each side are involved
Knock-On: When a player knocks, drops, or otherwise causes the ball to go forward.
Ruck: A Ruck is formed after a tackle, used by both teams to gain possession of the ball.
Line Out: A set play used after the ball is knocked or carried out of bounds. The teams Forwards line up on either side of an imaginary line, where the ball went out of bounds, and the possessing team's number 2 man throws it in.

This is a Rugby field. Man that is a lot of lines.Alright, now, as you can see there are goalposts on each side of the field, much like American Football. Unlike American Football, the goalposts are in in front of the "in-goal area". The field, otherwise is about the same size as a football field. A player can score by touching the ball down in the "in-goal area". This can be quite tricky, as the opposing team can hold the ball up, preventing you from getting your points.

More to come tomorrow :)

Introduction

2011-01-12T02:52:00.000-08:00

Hey guys (and gals),

This is my new blog about basically anything sports related. You will find specifics, generalities, and my opinions, among other things. I will usually follow the seasons of the sports, and try to cover as many as I can, although, as an American, I will be biased towards American sports. I will attempt to make at least a post a day on content of interest, maybe something that caught my eye today.

Thanks for reading!