tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83573052856574544382024-02-19T11:18:33.795-08:00Understand Rugby UnionLearn about the game of rugby unionPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-91299091778438938302013-07-07T06:39:00.001-07:002014-09-08T16:05:01.991-07:00No. 6 - Blindside Flanker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUHXU9NDTpOWtjCl5Gj8HIHUTj_vx2r2qPvG7kKvjMN2AVtv3vkVi5hwPYgeD4oOh_Jb-dprHW2gGZYgv0nMRlp5TRuiMX0R7Ig-SoVhx1uajWiQ9pDTbnIWGhxhyphenhyphen70AKQpyolgOM5eD8/s1600/Sean+O'Brien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUHXU9NDTpOWtjCl5Gj8HIHUTj_vx2r2qPvG7kKvjMN2AVtv3vkVi5hwPYgeD4oOh_Jb-dprHW2gGZYgv0nMRlp5TRuiMX0R7Ig-SoVhx1uajWiQ9pDTbnIWGhxhyphenhyphen70AKQpyolgOM5eD8/s1600/Sean+O'Brien.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>The <b>backrow</b> of the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">scrum</a> is made up of 3 <b>loose forwards</b>, each with specific goals relating to responsibilities at the breakdown, rucks and <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">ball-carrying</a> duties. They are called loose forwards as they are loosely bound to the scrum and make up the numbers 6, 7 and 8 on the team sheet.<br />
<br />
The no. 6 is called the <b>Blindside Flanker</b>. He is on the opposite side of the <b>scrum </b>to the feed, resulting in him being 'blind' or not able to see the feed going into the scrum. The 'blindside' of the scrum is also called the <b>'narrow' side</b> as it is closer to the sideline than the 'openside'.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Roles within the team</u><br />
The Blindside Flanker has many roles within the team and is generally the most defensive in nature of the 3 backrow forwards but not always. His main job is to make sure that the opposition team's main ball-carriers do not get over the gain-line or are smashed back before they get to the gain-line, and to keep the opposition's scrum-half quiet. As a result of this they will usually have one of the leading tackle counts at the end of a match. In the modern game and especially at professional level, Blindside Flankers have become more important offensively, being used more and more as ball-carriers to punch holes in the oppositions defence. <br />
<br />
At the breakdown one of his prime roles, along with the Openside Flanker, is to be quick to each <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank">breakdown</a>, to help retain or win possession before a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">ruck</a> is called. After a ruck is called they still have a role to play in 'hitting' the ruck if the other team is in possession, to make it as difficult as possible for the opposition to start another phase of play. <br />
<br />
<u>Physique</u><br />
Blindside Flankers are generally very athletic players, combining the strength to hit everything that moves, along with the speed to get around to each ruck and make every tackle.<br />
<br />
<u>Star Players</u><br />
Some of the best Blindside Flankers include Jerome Kaino of New Zealand, Schalk Burger of South Africa, Sean O'Brien of Ireland and Tom Coft of England.PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-55336304921971501932013-03-06T15:18:00.002-08:002014-09-08T16:08:50.774-07:00No. 4/No. 5 - Second Row/Lock Forward The <b>No. 4</b> and <b>No. 5</b> on a <b>rugby union</b> team are called the <b>Locks</b>. They are often referred to as the <b>'Engine Room'</b> of the team as Locks not only add power to the forward effort but are also known for their work rate. Lock forwards pack down behind the props and <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%202%20-%20Hooker" target="_blank">hooker</a> to make up the second row of the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">scrum</a> and this is why they are also known as <b>second row forwards</b>. <br />
<br />
<u>Roles within the team</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuf1sdSiXjkSwO0QxBUbFIKPAaNaSs0ONjFAYC1UxaxlNEOR_JM8is9OE1yo7GnpNgF7t4mbqbCdmERDhoggLwCxlzqix-ORSDx6BmY29cxlwbxGAOEqxe1vxLNSYQIsDI2AVslk2OIaF/s1600/Victor+Matfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuf1sdSiXjkSwO0QxBUbFIKPAaNaSs0ONjFAYC1UxaxlNEOR_JM8is9OE1yo7GnpNgF7t4mbqbCdmERDhoggLwCxlzqix-ORSDx6BmY29cxlwbxGAOEqxe1vxLNSYQIsDI2AVslk2OIaF/s1600/Victor+Matfield.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
Locks are the primary jumpers in the lineout. It is their job to secure possession on their own lineout and compete for possession on the opposition lineout. Locks also have an important role in the scrum as they add support and grunt behind the prop forwards. Usually a well balanced second row would include a powerful scrummaging Lock who packs down behind the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%203%20-%20Tighthead%20Prop" target="_blank">Tighthead Prop</a> and a Lock more renowned for his lineout prowess. The latter would be the primary target in the lineout and would generally jump as the receiver in the middle of the lineout, while the former would jump at the front of the lineout. In general play, not many locks have become known for their <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">ball-carrying</a> ability as generally they have a high centre of gravity but instead are used to particularly good effect in <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">mauls</a>, as well, as tackling close to rucks. <br />
<br />
<u>Physique</u><br />
Locks are usually very tall and thin as this makes them more effective and easier to lift in the lineouts, but some locks more known as good scrummagers and are bulky as well as being very tall.<br />
<br />
<u>Star Players</u><br />
Some of the <b>best second row forwards</b> <b>in the world</b> include <b>Victor Matfield</b> of South Africa, <b>Paul O'Connell</b> of Ireland, <b>Richie Gray</b> of Scotland and <span class="st"><b>Joe Launchbury </b>of England. </span> PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-10396633104562642832012-01-26T07:45:00.001-08:002014-09-08T16:10:02.976-07:00No. 3 - Tighthead PropThere are two props in every <i>rugby union</i> team. The No.3 on a rugby team-sheet is called the <b>Tighthead Prop</b>.They together with the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/No.%201%20-%20Loosehead%20Prop">Loosehead Prop</a> and the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/No.%202%20-%20Hooker">Hooker</a> make up the front row of the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/scrum.html">scrum</a> and have to have certain physical attributes and skills to perform in this position. They are called the Tighthead prop as they bind against the loosehead prop and the hooker in the scrum, leaving their heads locked in between the oppositions props and hookers head. <br />
<br />
<u>Roles within the team</u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNqWM1_wf9QNWucmwovsBVJNJcvMmbQl_sMWUDOYb4wbbsir4_ono3lcbcDIJCfGpWByGl_uxe5P8czi2Ufdot8D-YmfXeNdeRPTjc3tEo9xPDpGOjtoCYJhneUfvZk9MVPFf_1dJfcKt/s1600/Adam+Jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNqWM1_wf9QNWucmwovsBVJNJcvMmbQl_sMWUDOYb4wbbsir4_ono3lcbcDIJCfGpWByGl_uxe5P8czi2Ufdot8D-YmfXeNdeRPTjc3tEo9xPDpGOjtoCYJhneUfvZk9MVPFf_1dJfcKt/s1600/Adam+Jones.jpg" height="400" width="370" /></a>The primary roles of props are scrummaging and lineout lifting. They are bound to their Hooker on the left side of the scrum and scrummage against the Loosehead Prop and Hooker of the opposing team. In the lineout, their strength makes them the chief lineout lifters, which means they lift either the Locks or Backrow Forwards into the air to receive the ball during the lineout. In general play they are used as tacklers at the sides of <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul">rucks</a> and are usually not found in midfield. Props are also used as <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Ball-carrying">ball-carriers</a> close to rucks. They often do not gain much ground as a result of a lack of speed but rather suck in defenders, as they require a number of tacklers to bring them down. <br />
<br />
<u>Physique</u><br />
Similar in physique to the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/No.%201%20-%20Loosehead%20Prop">Loosehead Props</a>, Tighthead Props tend to be slightly bigger and stockier as their shief role is to anchor the scrum.<br />
<br />
<u>Star Players</u><br />
Some of the best loosehead props include <b>Adam Jones</b> of Wales, <b>Carl Hayman</b> of New Zealand,<b> Martín Castrogiovanni</b> of Italy and <b><span class="st">Nicolas Mas</span> </b>of France.PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-33064275330579881452011-05-31T18:02:00.000-07:002014-09-08T16:11:23.959-07:00Player Positions - No. 2 Hooker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The No. 2 on a <b>rugby union</b> team is the <b>Hooker</b>. Hookers together with the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no1-loosehead-prop.html"><i>loosehead prop</i></a> and the <i>tighthead prop</i> make up the front row of the scrum. Hookers are positioned in the middle of the front row and are called hookers as it is their job to <i>hook</i> (kick backwards) the ball to the back of their <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Scrum">scrum</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Roles within the team</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iOaxWVwfiR3ihpfEle11yqQ6mCesD0w-KtFQCqSxPVajsy25T7J_FSWVdRZaRUA5-8_gTsnFXnLge8yVuv36eDo7DiDsqxTjFoJNPYokBDV9UUCIu7awVn_AWNDce49fBiLLkHdqOlmU/s1600/William+Servat+hooker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iOaxWVwfiR3ihpfEle11yqQ6mCesD0w-KtFQCqSxPVajsy25T7J_FSWVdRZaRUA5-8_gTsnFXnLge8yVuv36eDo7DiDsqxTjFoJNPYokBDV9UUCIu7awVn_AWNDce49fBiLLkHdqOlmU/s1600/William+Servat+hooker.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a>Hooker is one of the more vital positions on a rugby team in terms of retaining possession of the ball in the set-piece. In the scrum they scrummage against the opposition tighthead and hooker and are expected to hook the ball to the back of the scrum. A hooker's <i>hook</i> in the scrum can retain or gain possession of the ball for their team. Hooker's are also vital in retaining possession for their team in the lineout as it is their job to throw the ball into the lineout. Lineout throwing is one of the hookers primary skills and it is vital the throw is straight and accruate to reach the intended lineout jumper.<br />
In the loose hookers have become important <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Ball-carrying">ball-carriers</a> as they often combine power with explosive speed over short distances. Like props they defend and attack close to <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul">rucks</a> but can also be found popping up in open play. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Physique</u></b><br />
Hookers are similar in build to props but generally they are not as big as they have to combine scrummaging skills with the skills of lineout throwing. They are never the less some of the most powerful players on a rugby union team. Due to their smaller physique, hookers are often faster than props and as a result are expected to get around the field more. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Star Players</u></b><br />
The greatest hookers in the world have become known for their dynamic ball carrying skills and accurate lineout out throwing such as <b>Bismarck du Plessis</b> and <b>Schalk Brits</b> (video below) of South Africa, <b>Keven Mealamu</b> of New Zealand, <b>Mathew Rees</b> of Wales and <b>Jerry Flannery</b> of Ireland. Other great hookers such as <b>William Servat</b> of France (picture above) and <b>Steve Thompson</b> of England are also renowned for their powerful scrummaging ability. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IkWWsda67AM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-78162742075831246702011-05-27T08:12:00.000-07:002011-06-03T04:33:05.821-07:00Player Positions - No.1 Loosehead Prop<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDKJiKrYu7M/Td-tPF7zo0I/AAAAAAAAAGw/AXzgjYDjsfU/s1600/Tonga%2527uiha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDKJiKrYu7M/Td-tPF7zo0I/AAAAAAAAAGw/AXzgjYDjsfU/s400/Tonga%2527uiha.jpg" width="400" /></a> There are two props in every <i>rugby union</i> team. The No.1 on a rugby team-sheet is called the <b>Loosehead Prop</b>.They together with the Tighthead Prop and the Hooker make up the front row of the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/scrum.html">scrum</a> and have to have certain physical attributes and skills to perform in this position. They are called the loosehead prop as the only opposition player they bind to in the scrum are the tighthead prop, leaving one side of their face visible during the scrum. This is not the case for tighthead props who bind against the opposition Loosehead prop and the Hooker.<br />
<br />
<u>Roles within the team</u><br />
The primary roles of props are scrummaging and lineout lifting. They are bound to their Hooker on the left side of the scrum and scrummage against the Tighthead Prop of the opposing team. In the lineout, their strength makes them the chief lineout lifters, which means they lift either Locks or backrow forwards into the air to receive the ball during the lineout. In general play they are used as tacklers at the sides of <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul">rucks</a> and are usually not found in midfield. Props are also used as <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Ball-carrying">ball-carriers</a> close to rucks. They often do not gain much ground as a result of a lack of speed but rather suck in defenders, as they require a number of tacklers to bring them down. Modern day professional props are fitter and faster than before with Loosehead Props such as <b>Cian Healy</b> becoming very effective ball-carriers as well as being able to do their primary role of scrummaging.<br />
<br />
<u>Physique</u><br />
Props have to be very powerful players as they take the most force from the scrum impact. Often not that tall, as they need to crouch as low as possible to get a better scrummaging position in the scrum. Instead they are generally stocky players with very powerful neck and shoulder muscles. Loosehead Props tend to be slighlty smaller in build than their tighthead counterparts as they only have to scrummage against one opponent in the scrum but are still very strongly built players. Loosehead props who play professional rugby tend to weigh between 18 and 24 stone. This extra weight helps when scrummaging.<br />
<br />
<u>Star Players</u><br />
Some of the best loosehead props include <b>Gethin Jenkins</b> of Wales, <b>Tony Woodcock</b> of New Zealand, <b>Thomas Domingo</b> of France, <b>Soanne Tonga'uiha</b> of Tonga (Pictured above) and <b>Gurthro Steenkamp</b> of South Africa.PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-38991007470138301792011-05-26T11:45:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:10:33.304-07:00The Scrum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxhQrGehcm4/Td52tv2rFBI/AAAAAAAAAGo/irP52IdsCCo/s1600/scrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxhQrGehcm4/Td52tv2rFBI/AAAAAAAAAGo/irP52IdsCCo/s640/scrum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the main facets of <b>rugby union</b> is the <b>scrum</b>. It is a great attacking weapon as it sucks in 8 defenders into one area of the pitch allowing space out wide for the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Backs">backs</a> to exploit.It is made up of all 8 <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">forwards</a> on both teams who bind with each other over the ball. Both teams then <i>scrummage</i> to gain possession of the ball by trying to shove the opposing team away from the ball and towards the opposing teams goal-line. A 9th player the scrumhalf feeds the ball into the middle of the scrum. The scrum is over when the ball is moved away from the scrum. This happens when either the scrumhalf or No. 8 take the ball from the back of the scrum or the ball is kicked out of the scrum. <br />
<br />
<b>Players in the scrum </b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTeVmGAXcD8/Td6OOhMmdLI/AAAAAAAAAGs/EB2EwgMYNNU/s1600/Tight+five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTeVmGAXcD8/Td6OOhMmdLI/AAAAAAAAAGs/EB2EwgMYNNU/s320/Tight+five.jpg" width="320" /></a>Each side of the scrum is made up of three rows of forwards. The front row is the row of the scrum that meets the others teams scrum head on. It is made up of the two props, the tighthead prop and <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no1-loosehead-prop.html">loosehead prop</a> and the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no-2-hooker.html">hooker</a>. The hooker is in the middle of the frontrow and is called a hooker because it is their job to hook (kick backwards) the ball to the back of their side of the scrum. They have to have very powerful necks and shoulders to take the impact of the initial hit of the scrum.<br />
<br />
The second row is made up of <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Second%20Row%2FLock%20Forward" target="_blank">two locks</a>. They 'lock' the scrum together by binding into the props in front of them. Together with the front row they are known as the 'tight five' (Picture above). Most of the power in the scrum comes from the 'tight five'.<br />
<br />
The backrow in the scrum is made up of two flankers and the no. 8. The flankers flank either side of the scrum and the no. 8 binds to the very back of the scrum. It is also the no. 8's job to control the ball at the back of the scrum when the scrum is in action.. <br />
<br />
<b>Rules of the scrum</b> <br />
There are many rules governing the scrum.<br />
<br />
<u>Setting of the scrum:</u> The referee will set the scrum in a four step procedure which occurs when he calls crouch, touch, pause, engage. When the referee calls crouch the front rows on both sides must crouch down and get ready for the scrum engage. They are told 'touch', resulting in the props touching each other on the shoulder to show that they are at the correct distance from each other. They are told to pause and then engage. Both teams must engage at the same time or a free-kick will be awarded against the team who engaged too early. Once the scrum is set the scrumhalf feeds the ball into the scrum, the teams cannot start puching until this occurs. <br />
<br />
<u>Binding:</u> All forwards have to remain bound in the scrum and cannot detach until the scrum is over.The props must bind the oppositions props on their upper arm/shoulder and must not collapse the scrum. They have to engage straight and not bore into the opposing props or try and force them upwards. Props often pop up dew to the pressure being exerted upon them by the other teams scrum which results in a penalty for the team applying the pressure.<br />
<br />
<u>The Scrumhalf:</u> The feed must be straight from the scrumhalf to give both teams the opportunity to play the ball but this rule is rarely implemented properly. The opposition scrumhalf can follow the play as long he does not go in front of the ball or interfere with the other scrumhalf. <br />
<br />
<u>Backs:</u> All remaining players who are not involved in the scrum, besides the scrumhalf, have to remain onside. <br />
<br />
<b>The awarding of a scrum</b><br />
A scrum is awarded to a team for many reasons.<br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand"><u>Forward pass:</u></a> When a player knocks-on the ball or throws a forward pass the other team are awarded a scrum if there is no advantage to that team in playing on.<br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand"><u>Kicking:</u></a> A team is also awarded a scrum if the opposing team kicks the ball over the dead-ball line or kicks the ball straight out from a kick-off.<br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul"><u>Maul:</u></a> A team may also have a scrum awarded against them if they carry a ball into a maul and do not use the ball.<br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Breakdown"><u>Breakdown:</u></a> If the play becomes unplayable at the breakdown the referee will award a scrum to the side going forward.<br />
<u>Penalty:</u> A team when awarded a penalty can also choose to take a scrum rather than a kick at goal or a kick to touch.<br />
<br />
<b>The scrum in practice </b><br />
As stated above the scrum is a very powerful attacking weapon but it can also be a signal of intent from a forward pack that they are going to dominate the match. It is the part of the game that front rows pride themselves on, as it shows the power of each pack of forwards. Winning the scrum battle can give the whole team a physiological advantage over the opposition team and put the team on the front foot. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hIyQTGbSfEc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
To learn more about the rules and gameplay rugby union, click one of the links below:<br />
<br />
<b>Ruby Union Gameplay and Rules</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tackling" target="_blank">Tackling</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank">The Breakdown</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">The Ruck and Maul</a></li>
<li>The Scrum</li>
<li>The Lineout</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">Ball-carrying</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Kicking</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Passing from hand</a></li>
</ul>
<br />PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-26669760554586934822011-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:05:20.884-07:00Rugby Union Rules - The Breakdown<b>The breakdown</b> happens when there is a breakdown in play as a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Tackling">tackle</a> occurs or the ball is free to be competed for up to and including the formation of a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/rugby-union-gameplay-ruck-and-maul.html">ruck</a>. There are many <b>rules</b> that define the breakdown area. The main ones are below.<br />
<br />
<b>Tackle </b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTtfYUQ5a_8/UUm-QGlqP1I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/PZupzVizwss/s1600/Rugby+Breakdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTtfYUQ5a_8/UUm-QGlqP1I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/PZupzVizwss/s320/Rugby+Breakdown.jpg" width="320" /></a>When a player completes the tackle he must release the tackled player, and must move himself away from the ball, failure to do so will result in a penalty to the opposing team. Likewise the tackled player must release the ball and allow players from both teams compete for the ball. A player competing for the ball must be on their feet while doing so. If a player from the other team is on his feet trying to win the ball with his hands before a ruck is formed and the tackled player will not release the ball the referee will award a penalty against the tackled player. If the player competing for the ball manages to get the ball this is called a 'turn over'.<br />
<br />
<b>Ruck</b><br />
Once a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/rugby-union-gameplay-ruck-and-maul.html">ruck</a> is formed neither player is allowed to play the ball with their hands on the ground but instead have to drive the opposing player away from the ball and free the ball by 'rucking' the ball with their feet. A player has to join the ruck from the hindmost foot of the last team-mate in the ruck. This is called 'arriving through the gate'. If a player arrives into a ruck from the side of the ruck a penalty is awarded to the opposite team.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the rules and gameplay rugby union, click one of the links below:<br />
<br />
<b>Ruby Union Gameplay and Rules</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tackling" target="_blank">Tackling</a></li>
<li>The Breakdown</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">The Ruck and Maul</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">The Scrum</a></li>
<li>The Lineout</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">Ball-carrying</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Kicking</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Passing from hand</a></li>
</ul>
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-74708788018764216852011-05-16T17:27:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:08:04.339-07:00Rugby Union Gameplay - The Ruck and Maul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzInDeEKwMA/TdG1WSd5_zI/AAAAAAAAAGc/ftq_UJ67Peo/s1600/rugby%2Bunion%2Bruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzInDeEKwMA/TdG1WSd5_zI/AAAAAAAAAGc/ftq_UJ67Peo/s400/rugby%2Bunion%2Bruck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Ruck</b><br />
The ruck is a fundamental part of rugby union and it is where <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">flankers</a> earn their crust. A ruck occurs after a player is <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Tackling">tackled</a> and at least one player from each team make contact with one another in order to shove the opposing player away from the ball. Once a ruck is formed neither player is allowed to play the ball with their hands on the ground but instead have to drive the opposing player away from the ball and and free the ball by 'rucking' the ball with their feet. It is the job of the flankers to follow play and compete for the ball at rucks. Other players can join the ruck to help force the other players away from the ball. A player has to join the ruck from the hindmost foot of the last team-mate in the ruck. This is called 'arriving through the gate'. If a player arrives into a ruck from the side of the ruck a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Scoring">penalty</a> is awarded to the opposite team.<br />
<br />
For safety reasons and to allow play to flow faster players have to try to remain standing in a ruck. If players go off their feet or dive into a ruck the referee can award a penalty to the other team. The scrumhalf is usually the player to play the ball from the ruck and has to be allowed to do so by the other team. to pull the scrumhalf into the ruck, this action would also result in a penalty to the other team.<br />
<br />
<b>The Maul </b><br />
A maul is formed when the player that was tackled is held up and players from both teams come in to shove the tackled player and the tackler to gain as much <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand">territory</a> for their team as possible. The ball remains in the players hands and is a very powerful offensive move. It can take a lot of defenders to stop a maul advancing leaving the defensive teams defence short on numbers in the wider channels. The maul follows similar principles to the ruck. Players have to enter the maul from the hindmost foot of their last team-mate already in the maul. Once a maul is formed the defending team cannot drag down the maul but can gain a turnover if the attacking team fail to use the possession.<br />
<br />
A maul can be formed off a ruck when the player that is ball-carrying is supported by his team-mates shoving him from behind is meet by a group of opposition tacklers resulting in a maul. This is called a 'ruck and maul.'<br />
The most common formation of the maul is off lineout ball. Below is a maul in action.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWkk80vcSCo/TdHAM1q1j-I/AAAAAAAAAGk/umgeXv0V9jM/s1600/Rugby+union+maul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OWkk80vcSCo/TdHAM1q1j-I/AAAAAAAAAGk/umgeXv0V9jM/s400/Rugby+union+maul.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To learn more about the rules and gameplay rugby union, click one of the links below:<br />
<br />
<b>Ruby Union Gameplay and Rules</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tackling" target="_blank">Tackling</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank">The Breakdown</a></li>
<li>The Ruck and Maul</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">The Scrum</a></li>
<li>The Lineout</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">Ball-carrying</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Kicking</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Passing from hand</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-10789840857483351542011-05-16T10:54:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:08:58.371-07:00Rugby Union Gameplay - Tackling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6zzJEQbObs/TdFglZmLuzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Wyrmu_3rLW0/s1600/tackle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6zzJEQbObs/TdFglZmLuzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Wyrmu_3rLW0/s400/tackle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Tackling</b> is a major part of <b>rugby union</b>. To stop an opposition player <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Ball-carrying">ball-carrying</a> towards their <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Pitch">in-goal area</a>, a player will tackle their opponent to the ground. A <i>tackle</i> is completed by wrapping the arms around the opponent to bring them to the ground. A player can only be tackled when they are in possession of the rugby ball. A good tackle is a mixture of aggression, physicality, positioning and technique. There are a number of ways a player can tackle a player depending on the size of their opponent and the size of the player making the tackle.<br />
<br />
<b>Low tackle</b> <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJGRKIRUujc/TdFnV6CBByI/AAAAAAAAAGY/cTyKbXMNTmA/s1600/rugby+tackle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJGRKIRUujc/TdFnV6CBByI/AAAAAAAAAGY/cTyKbXMNTmA/s320/rugby+tackle.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is the most technical tackle. It requires good positioning and technique and if performed correctly even the biggest ball-carriers can be brought down. It requires the tackler to position their body low and tackle the ball-carrier around their legs. This is the preferred type of tackled for players attempting to bring down a player of greater physicality.<br />
<br />
<b>Body tackle</b><br />
A body tackle is performed when the tackle is made below the neck and above the mid-rift of the tackled player. This tackle is performed close to rucks and other areas a player cannot position themselves to make a low tackle.<br />
<br />
<b>Crash tackle </b><br />
A crash tackle is a type of body tackle. The tackling player runs at full speed at the player he wishes to tackle and crashes into them usually in full flight. It brings the tackled player to ground much quicker than a normal body tackle. It is performed when the player wants to force the player backwards towards their own in-goal area. This tackle is mainly performed by backrow <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">forwards</a> and the outside <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Backs">backs</a> on a player who is smaller or of similar size to them. <br />
<br />
<b>Holding Tackle</b><br />
This is a body tackle but the tackle those not want to bring the player to the ground. Instead the tackler holds up the tackled player, waits for support of his team-mates to form a maul. If the ball becomes not playable in the maul the team of the tackler is awarded a scrum.<br />
<br />
<b>Ankle tap</b><br />
An ankle tap is performed when a player running after an opponent who is in possession of the ball, dives and taps the players ankles together tripping the player in the process. This is usually performed when the tackling player is unlikely to be able to catch the tackled player.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Lift tackle</b><br />
The lift tackle is when the tackling player lifts the tackled player and drives them backwards in the direction of their in-goal area.This tackle can be very dangerous if it is not performed properly.<br />
<br />
<b>Spear Tackle</b><br />
The spear tackle is an illegal type of lift tackle where the tackled player is lifted up by one or more players and driven down on their shoulder or head. This is an extremely dangerous type of tackle that has caused controversy<b> </b>in recent years years. The most infamous spear tackle was performed on British and Irish Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll during the Lions tour to New Zealand in 2007, dislocating the player's shoulders.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the rules and gameplay rugby union, click one of the links below:<br />
<br />
<b>Ruby Union Gameplay and Rules</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Tackling</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank">The Breakdown</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">The Ruck and Maul</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">The Scrum</a></li>
<li>The Lineout</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">Ball-carrying</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Kicking</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Passing from hand</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-13272780812387453982011-05-15T17:30:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:09:39.928-07:00Understanding rugby union - Kicking out of handIn <b>rugby union</b>, outside of <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Ball-carrying">ball-carrying </a>and <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand">passing</a> the ball, the third main option when in possession is for the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Player%20Positions">player</a> to <b>kick</b> the ball out of their hands. When the kicker kicks the ball, all the kickers team-mates who are chasing the ball, must have been behind the kicker when the kick took place. The main tactical kickers in the team are usually the outhalf, scrumhalf and the fullback, but most of the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Backs">backs</a> will <b>kick the ball</b> at some stage during a match. A player may choose to kick the ball for a variety of reasons.<br />
<br />
1.They may have become isolated from the rest of their team-mates and need to kick to avoid loosing possession.<br />
2. They may kick to gain 'territory'. This means kicking the ball into the oppositions half of the field in the hope they will regain possession further down the field from where the kick took place.<br />
3. A player may kick the ball to regather it himself further towards the oppositions <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Pitch">in-goal area</a>. <br />
4. A confident <i>kicker</i> of the ball may kick the ball as a pass to a team-mate in a better position.<br />
<br />
There are a number of different methods of kicking the ball, some are listed below.<br />
<br />
<b>Punt to touch</b><br />
This is a long kick out over the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Pitch">touch line</a>, taken usually as a defensive option. The objective of this kick is to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Kicking-Skills-Youth-Football/dp/B0030AEB16?ie=UTF8&tag=scru0d-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"></a><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=scru0d-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0030AEB16&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scru0d-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0030AEB16" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />gain territory over the touch line in the direction of the other teams <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Pitch">in-goal area</a>. If this kick is performed in open play or from a free kick the resulting lineout will go to the opposition. If this kick is performed when the team has been awarded a penalty the resulting will be awarded to the kickers team. There are two types of punt kicks the spiral kick and the 'on end kick'.<br />
<br />
<u><i>Spiral Kick</i></u><br />
The spiral kick is still the best option to achieve maximum distance. This is when the kicker puts a spin on the ball by kicking through the ball at a 30 degree angle to give the ball better aerodynamics. <br />
<br />
<u><i>On End Kick</i></u><br />
The on end kick has become increasingly popular in rugby because of its greater accuracy. It is performed by kicking the ball on one of it's ends rather than kicking the ball on it's side.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Up-and-Under/Garryowen</b><br />
An up-and-under kick is a long high kick in the middle in the hope one of the kickers team-mates will win the chase for the ball. It is a risky kick as the ball could bounce anywhere if it hits the ground due to the shape of the ball. It's main aim is to cause uncertainty among the oppositions defence and is likely to be performed when a team is desperate for a try and their other options do not seem to be working. <br />
<br />
<b>Grubber Kick</b><br />
A grubber kick is usually executed close to the oppositions in-goal area. It is a kick along the ground with the hope that the kicker or one of his team-mates regathers the ball in order to score a try. A grubber kick will roll and bounce along the ground making it difficult for the opposition to gather. It also turns the oppositions defence giving the kickers team-mates running from deep a good chance to gather the possession. <br />
<br />
<b>Kick Pass</b><br />
Kicking can also be used as a means of passing the ball from one player to another. This offensive kick is usually performed cross-field when the opposition defensive line is narrow in the hope the intended receiver would gather the ball and score a try.<br />
<br />
<b>Drop Kick </b><br />
A drop is a kicked when the ball is dropped towards the ground and the kicker kicks the ball just after it impacts with the ground. This kick has to be performed from the halfway line in order to start the match at the beginning of the match and after half time. It is also performed after the opposition team has scored and when a player ground the ball in his own <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Pitch">'22'</a> resulting in a '22' drop out. A <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Scoring">drop kick</a> can also be performed to score a drop at goal to gain 3 points for the team. This is a drop kick between the opposing teams <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Pitch">goalposts</a> and which goes over the crossbar.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the rules and gameplay rugby union, click one of the links below:<br />
<br />
<b>Ruby Union Gameplay and Rules</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tackling" target="_blank">Tackling</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank">The Breakdown</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">The Ruck and Maul</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">The Scrum</a></li>
<li>The Lineout</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">Ball-carrying</a></li>
<li>Kicking </li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Passing from hand</a></li>
</ul>
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-25674172853416577422011-05-15T15:31:00.000-07:002011-05-15T15:33:24.305-07:00Scoring<span lang="EN-IE"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The objective in <b>rugby union</b> is to score more points than the opposing team. There are four ways for <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Player%20Positions">players</a> to score points in rugby union, these are pointed out below. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">Penalty Kick at Goal</span></b><span lang="EN-IE"><b> </b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">Firstly a <i>team</i> can score 3 points for a penalty kick at goal. A penalty kick at goal can only be taken when the referee awards a penalty against the opposing team for breaking a rule of the game. The ball </span><span lang="EN-IE">must also go between the goalpost and over the crossbar that links the goalposts. </span><span lang="EN-IE">The outhalf is the player who usually takes the kicks at goal but any player can take on the responsibility.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><b>Drop Goal</b> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">A team can also score 3 points by taking a drop goal. A drop goal is when a player kicks the ball between the goal posts by dropping the ball towards the ground and kicking the ball at the same time the ball impacts with the ground. For the points to stand the ball must also go over the crossbar that links the goalposts. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><b>Try</b> </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asgh_mYH0rA/TdBT0Gu4FpI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Cs14k_pWptE/s1600/try.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asgh_mYH0rA/TdBT0Gu4FpI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Cs14k_pWptE/s320/try.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-IE">Another way to score is by grounding the ball in the other team’s in-goal area. This score is called a try and the team is awarded 5 points for this type of score.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><b>Conversion</b> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"> After a try is scored the team that scored the try gets an opportunity to convert two further points with a bonus shot at goal for scoring a try. Unlike with a penalty kick the opposition can charge to block down the kicker.</span>PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-26692169961117021802011-05-15T14:45:00.000-07:002011-05-15T14:45:41.400-07:00The Pitch<span lang="EN-IE">The <b>pitch</b> in <b><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Basics">Rugby Union</a></b> is about 100 metres in length from goal to goal and is about 70 metres wide. In addition to this there are in-goal areas behind each goal measuring anywhere between 10 metres to 22 metres at each end at the largest stadiums. If any of you are familiar with <i>American Football</i> the pitch layout for rugby is very similar to that of an American Football pitch. There are many terms for the di<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=scru0d-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000T9WBHM&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>fferent areas and lines on the field which are shown below. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">The Touchlines</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The touchlines are at either side of the pitch. On or outside this lines are out of play.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><b>The Field of Play</b> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The field of play is the area between the try lines and inside the touchlines. The lines themselves are not part of the field of play. So if the ball touches the touchline it is out of play. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">In-Goal Area</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The in-goal area is the area behind the try line and inside the deadball line. It is where a player has to ground the ball in order to ground the ball. The try line itself is part of the in-goal area so if a player grounds the ball on the oppositions try line it is a try. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">The '22'</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The '22' is the area between the try line and the '22' yard line. It does not include the try line. The '22' yard line is a line parallel to the try line 22 yards out from the try line.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">The Deadball line</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The deadball line is the line that marks the the part of the pitch that is in play. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">The Halfway line</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The halfway line is the line the is halfway between the two try lines.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">The 10 metre line</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The ten metre line is a line that is parallel to the try line. It is called the 10 metre line because it is 10 metres from the halfway line.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE">The Goalposts</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-IE">The goalposts are positioned halfway between the touchlines on the try line. The distance between the goalposts is 5.6 metres and the crossbar is 3 metres in height.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNSH4oWt8m4/TdBINgSErYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/6UfVMyw__JQ/s1600/pitch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNSH4oWt8m4/TdBINgSErYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/6UfVMyw__JQ/s640/pitch+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><br />
</span>PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-71504840031207836902011-05-15T10:19:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:11:20.882-07:00Passing from hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ar1gVf7FtmE/TdAKMkCfuBI/AAAAAAAAAGI/tmmF9-KsAQo/s1600/pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ar1gVf7FtmE/TdAKMkCfuBI/AAAAAAAAAGI/tmmF9-KsAQo/s400/pass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Passing</b> the <b>rugby</b> ball from one player to another by hand is a fundamental skill in rugby union. No matter if the player is the biggest <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">forward</a> on the pitch or the smallest <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">back</a> at some stage in their playing career, they will be required to pass the ball from hand, to another player on their team. In rugby union the playing of a forward pass from hand is not allowed. A forward pass means playing a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand">pass from hand</a> that goes closer to the oppositions try line than from where the pass was given.The exception is when the player plays a legitimate pass but when it hits the ground it goes forward. This is not deemed a forward pass. If the referee deems a player plays a forward pass it results in a scrum to the opposing team. <br />
<br />
A player chooses to pass the ball for a number of reasons. The <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Ball-carrying">ball-carrying</a> options in front of them might be blocked, they may have become isolated, they may see a gap available for another player or it might be part of a rehearsed move looking to unlocked the oppositions defence. There are a few different types of passing from the hand, below is a list of the main ones.<br />
<br />
<b>Lob Pass</b><br />
A lob pass is given when the player passing the ball only wants it to go a short distance to one of his team-mates. It is the pass of choice when play is happening among the forwards close to the ruck. If this pass was to be performed in open field there would be a high chance of the other team intercepting the ball. <br />
<br />
<b>Spiral Pass </b> <br />
Similar to the <b>spiral</b> pass in <i>American Football</i>, the spiral pass in rugby makes the ball go straighter and faster from the player passing the ball to the receiver of the pass. This pass is preformed mainly when the player receiving the ball is a good distance away from the player giving the pass.<br />
<br />
<b>Lateral Pass</b><br />
A lateral or flat pass is a pass that is brings the receiver right up to the gain-line. It is not a forward or backwards pass but one that is parallel with the try-line. It is usually a spiral pass and is given when the receiver spots a gap in the oppositions defence to go through. <br />
<br />
<b>Skip Pass</b><br />
The skip pass is performed when a player wants to skip the nearest receiver and pass to a team-mate further in open-field. This is done by giving a flat spiral pass beyond the reach of the nearest receiver to a player further away. This pass is performed when the player nearest the ball-carrier is not the best option to receive the ball. There however is a greater risk that a skipped pass will be intercepted as its in the air for a longer period than a pass to the nearest receiver.<br />
<br />
<b>Offloading in the tackle</b><br />
An offload is undertaken when the ball-carrier is in the process of being tackled. They give a pass to a team-mate to keep the ball moving and the team going forward. It also prevents the other team competing for the ball at ruck time.<br />
<br />
<b>Reverse/Switch pass</b><br />
The reverse pass is given when the ball-carrier wants to pass it to a player who is running at an angel that is opposite to the direction the play is going, reversing the direction the team is attacking from. Example if the team was attacking by passing the ball right, the ball carrier would pass the ball to a receiver running left. <br />
<br />
<b>Flip Pass</b><br />
A flip pass is performed pass the ball in one hand in a flipping motion. It can be done to surprise the defence or to speed up the process of passing the ball to a player in close proximity. The picture below is an example of a flip pass just about to be executed. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWLrq1JIMEM/TdAHbVb3c7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/uNsWunMiuSU/s1600/flip+pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWLrq1JIMEM/TdAHbVb3c7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/uNsWunMiuSU/s400/flip+pass.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
To learn more about the rules and gameplay rugby union, click one of the links below:<br />
<br />
<b>Ruby Union Gameplay and Rules</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tackling" target="_blank">Tackling</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank">The Breakdown</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">The Ruck and Maul</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">The Scrum</a></li>
<li>The Lineout</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank">Ball-carrying</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Kicking</a> </li>
<li>Passing from hand</li>
</ul>
<br />PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-55311420964054398542011-05-15T08:47:00.000-07:002013-07-07T07:01:09.796-07:00Ball-Carrying<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WIME_FF46Q/Tc_0RGhY3sI/AAAAAAAAAF8/OThj9x5REHc/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WIME_FF46Q/Tc_0RGhY3sI/AAAAAAAAAF8/OThj9x5REHc/s320/running.jpg" width="320" /></a>The main <i>game-play</i> of <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Basics"><b>Rugby Union</b></a> is running with the ball in hand towards the opposition team's in-goal area, which is called <b>ball-carrying</b>. Any <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1899886717">rugby player</a><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Player%20Positions"> </a>on the team can take on the responsibility to run with the ball and when they do so they are referred to as the ball-carrier. <b>Running with the ball in hand</b> can take place anywhere on the pitch but it can be a risky tactic running with the ball from inside your own 22 yard line. Player's can hold the ball in one or two hands when running with the ball, depending on the options around them. If the player is aiming to <i>offload</i> the ball out of the tackle they may hold the ball in one hand to lob a pass out to a player running beside them while fending the tackler off with the other hand. This might not always be an option, so a player may hold the ball in two hands while running to make sure they do not drop the ball in contact.<br />
<br />
When in close to a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul">ruck</a> one of the best ways to run with the ball can be to position the body low, charge at the defender and leg drive to gain territory, 'sucking in defenders' at the same time. When further out in open field a player's best option might be to sprint as hard as they can towards the opposition's try line, avoiding would be <i>tacklers</i>. In the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">forwards</a> the leading ball-carriers are usually the <i>No. 8</i>, the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%206%20-%20Blindside%20Flanker" target="_blank"><i>blindside</i> flanker</a> and the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no-2-hooker.html">hooker</a> but this can vary depending on the attributes of each forward pack. In the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Backs">backs</a> most players are comfortable running with the ball in hand. Sometimes the <i>outhalf</i> or <i>scrumhalf </i>tend to be not as physical as the rest of the team so may choose not to run with the ball. <br />
<br />
Not all players choose to run with the ball as it may not be their best attribute or they might not be in the best position to do so. If they do not want to run with the ball they can choose to either pass or kick the ball instead.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the rules and gameplay rugby union, click one of the links below:<br />
<br />
<b>Ruby Union Gameplay and Rules</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tackling" target="_blank">Tackling</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank">The Breakdown</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank">The Ruck and Maul</a></li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">The Scrum</a></li>
<li>The Lineout</li>
<li>Ball-carrying</li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Kicking</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand" target="_blank">Passing from hand</a></li>
</ul>
<br />PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-79101264312794663582011-05-15T04:37:00.001-07:002011-05-15T04:59:02.706-07:00understand Rugby Union - The Backs<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_14428830"><div class="txtd" id="txtd_14428830">The backs in <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Basics">rugby union</a> are the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Player%20Positions">players</a> who line up 9 to 15. They line up further back from the opposing team’s in-goal area than the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">forwards</a> do. They run from deep with the ball in hand when the opposing team defence seems stretched. The backs are used in attack to run hard and fast at the opposing team to gain territory. They try and find gaps in the other teams defence by running different attacking lines and using creative back moves to unlock the defence. Backs are generally not as powerful as forwards but are usually much quicker and agile as they have to cover more ground in attack and defence.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bduvXOEldyY/Tc2nWfS-E5I/AAAAAAAAAEY/cggerpNmgqg/s1600/Positions.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bduvXOEldyY/Tc2nWfS-E5I/AAAAAAAAAEY/cggerpNmgqg/s1600/Positions.jpg" /></a>The 9 and 10 are called the half-backs and they are the chief playmakers in the team. They decide when to keep the ball with the forwards, when to kick and when to bring their outside backs into the game. They keep their forwards moving forward either by kicking for territory or bringing in big ball-carriers to make ground. The number 9 is the scrumhalf. He is usually the best passer of the ball in the team as his chief role is to pass the ball from the ruck. The outhalf plays outside of the scrumhalf and his primary roles are kicking for territory and bringing his outside backs into play.<br />
<br />
<br />
The outside backs are made up of the centres, the wingers and the fullback. The centres attack and defend the area in the middle of the field away from the ruck and wear the number 12 and 13 jerseys. They are usually the best all-round players who have good distribution of the ball and have a good mix of physicality and speed. They usually have a very good sidestep. The players numbered 11 and 14 are the wingers. They line up deeper than the centres do and attack and defend the channels closest to the touchline. They are usually the fastest players on the team there primary role is to score tries. The fullback is the player furthest away from the opposition’s in-goal area and they are the last line of defence. They have to be good fielders and kickers of the rugby ball. Most fullbacks in the professional game are great counter attackers with the ball who run with the ball from very deep.<br />
<br />
<br />
These are generalisations though as some teams include fast powerful players in their backline instead especially in the centre to ‘bash up the middle’ which means to run hard straight lines in the midfield. <br />
In the next article we will be looking at some of the basic rules of the game and what happens when a team break these rules.</div></div>PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-42169943987105721262011-05-15T04:26:00.000-07:002013-03-06T15:42:50.355-08:00Understand Rugby Union - The ForwardsIn <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Basics">Rugby Union</a>, the forwards are the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Player%20Positions">players</a> who line up with the numbers 1-8 on their backs. They are called forwards as they play more forward towards the opponent’s in-goal area than the backs on their team. The image below of the rugby pitch, shows the line up of two teams if there was a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Scrum">scrum</a> on the have way line. As you can see the players numbered 1-8 are the closest to their opponent’s in-goal area.<br />
<br />
Forwards are generally a lot bigger than the backs and <i>physically stronger</i>. If you look at the pitch again the players 1 to 3 are the front row. They are called the front row as they take their place as the front row in the scrum. They are generally stocky built players with very strong muscles in their neck and shoulders to take the force of the scrum. Numbers 4 and 5 are the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Lock" target="_blank">locks or the second row</a>. They are usually very tall as their primary function is gathering position in the <i>lineout</i>. The font row and the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Lock" target="_blank">locks</a> together are known as the ‘tight 5’. The <i>backrow</i> of the <i>scrum</i>, players 6 to 8 are usually the most athletic players on the team. They are physically very strong but they are also fast as they are ‘loose forwards’. This means they play further away from the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul">ruck</a> than the ‘<b>tight five</b>’ when they want to ball-carry. It is also the forwards job to protect the return of the ball after one of their players is tackled. This means preventing the other team’s players from robbing the ball form them.<br />
<br />
In attack the forwards are used to make ‘<b>the hard yards</b>’ towards the opponent’s in-goal area. This involves using big powerful ball-carriers to charge at the opposition around the ruck to gain territory (this means gaining yards towards the opposing team’s in-goal area). Often these ball-carriers are not the fastest but are used to ‘suck in defenders’, as it takes a number of tacklers to bring them down. This makes it easier for the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Backs">backs</a> when the ball is spread away from the ruck as the opposing team will have fewer defenders free to defend their try-line. The forwards main role in defence is to defend the set pieces, the scrum and line out, and also defend around the rucks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6u8cFHA_xyM/Tc-57jMdIdI/AAAAAAAAAF0/7Tjl_88JkEk/s1600/Team+positions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6u8cFHA_xyM/Tc-57jMdIdI/AAAAAAAAAF0/7Tjl_88JkEk/s640/Team+positions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bduvXOEldyY/Tc2nWfS-E5I/AAAAAAAAAEY/cggerpNmgqg/s1600/Positions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-8639069146320231782011-05-13T14:52:00.000-07:002013-07-07T07:00:23.182-07:00Understand Rugby Union - Player positions<div class="txtd" id="txtd_14428762">
One of the great facets of <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Basics">rugby union</a> is that it caters for players of <i>all shapes and sizes</i>. If your fast, agile and like to run your likely to become a winger, while on the other hand if you’re a stocky (well built) type of player, but lacks a bit of speed there is a place in the team designed for your attributes. If you are new to rugby and have already watched a few matches on television, you have probably heard players being referred to by the position they play, such as a prop, lock, full back etc. So what do these positions mean and what roles do the players in each position have? This article will give you a general awareness of the player’s positions on the field and what their roles are. At a later date we will be looking at player positions row by row to give a deeper understanding of their roles.<br />
<br />
<b>Player positions</b> on the pitch can be categorized under two separate categories <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">forwards</a> and <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Backs">backs</a>. There are eight forwards and seven backs. The forwards are the players who line up on the field in positions 1 to 8, with the backs lining up in positions 9 to 15.<br />
<br />
<u>The positions are as follows:</u><br />
<u><br />
</u><br />
1. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no1-loosehead-prop.html">The Loosehead Prop</a><br />
2. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no-2-hooker.html">The Hooker</a><br />
3. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%203%20-%20Tighthead%20Prop" target="_blank">The Tighthead Prop</a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Second%20Row%2FLock%20Forward" target="_blank">4. Lock/Second Row</a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Second%20Row%2FLock%20Forward" target="_blank">5. Lock/Second Row</a><br />
6. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%206%20-%20Blindside%20Flanker" target="_blank">Blindside Flanker</a><br />
7. Openside Flanker<br />
8. The No. 8<br />
9. Scrumhalf<br />
10. The Outhalf/Flyhalf<br />
11. Winger<br />
12. Inside Centre<br />
13. Outside Centre<br />
14. Winger<br />
15. The Fullback</div>
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357305285657454438.post-83546303288635014302011-05-13T13:01:00.000-07:002013-07-07T07:03:57.875-07:00Understand Rugby Union - The basics<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IE"><b>Rugby Union</b>’s popularity has grown immeasurably over the last decade with the continued growth in the number of new viewers taking an interest in the sport. Often new viewers are confused by the terminology in rugby matches such as rucks and mauls, and do not understand the difference between a prop and a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Lock" target="_blank"> lock</a>. Unlike other field sports like soccer and hockey some of the rules are difficult to understand and most rugby TV commentators are very poor at explaining these rules. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IE">Not to fear this blog's aim is to make it easier for new fans of the game by adding <i>descriptive articles</i> outlining all you need to know about the game of rugby union. These articles will start off very simple by giving a basic understanding of the game from the number of players on each team, to the <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/Player%20Positions">positions players</a> play on a rugby pitch. In time these articles will be expanded to include more in-depth analysis on subjects such as the rugby offside rule (not to be confused with the offside rule in soccer) and the laws at the breakdown.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fGrwWCwoLg/Tc1nkTUMRJI/AAAAAAAAADc/3i_3h_QnAKY/s1600/pitch+2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fGrwWCwoLg/Tc1nkTUMRJI/AAAAAAAAADc/3i_3h_QnAKY/s320/pitch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-IE">In today’s article we will start off simple by looking <b>basics of the game</b>. Firstly Rugby Union is a full contact team sport. This means players can get tackled when they have the ball in hand and is what makes the game great. It is played on a field about 100 metres in length from goal to goal and is about 70 metres wide. In addition to this there are in-goal areas behind each goal measuring anywhere between 10 metres at each end to 22 metres at each end at the largest stadiums. If any of you are familiar with American Football the pitch layout for rugby is very similar to that of an American Football pitch. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IE"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IE">The game is played by two teams of 15 players, made up of 8 <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Forwards">forwards</a> and 7 <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Backs"> backs</a>. Each team defends an in-goal area and tries to prevent the other team grounding the ball in their in-goal area. The game is based on running with the ball in hand towards the other team’s in-goal area, but the ball can only be kicked forward, as a forward pass from the hands results in a <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank">scrum</a> to the other team. The objective of the game is to <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Scoring" target="_blank">score</a> more points than the other team to win. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IE">For a more in-depth understanding of the game of Rugby Union click<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><b> </b></u></span>one the pages below:</span><br />
<br />
<b><span lang="EN-IE"><u>The Basics</u></span></b><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Pitch" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">The Pitch</span></a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Scoring" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">Scoring</span></a><br />
<br />
<b><u><span lang="EN-IE">Gameplay and Rules</span></u></b><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Breakdown" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">The Breakdown</span></a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Ruck%20and%20Maul" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">Ruck and Maul</span></a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tackling" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">Tackling</span></a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Scrum" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">The Scrum</span></a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Passing%20from%20hand" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">Passing from hand</span></a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Kicking%20from%20hand" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">Kicking</span></a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/Ball-carrying" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-IE">Ball-Carrying</span></a><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IE"><u><b>Playing Positions</b> </u></span><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Forwards" target="_blank">The Forwards</a> <br />
1. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no1-loosehead-prop.html">The Loosehead Prop</a><br />
2. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.com/2011/05/player-positions-no-2-hooker.html">The Hooker</a><br />
3. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%203%20-%20Tighthead%20Prop" target="_blank">The Tighthead Prop</a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Second%20Row%2FLock%20Forward" target="_blank">4. Lock/Second Row</a><br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%204%2FNo.%205%20-%20Second%20Row%2FLock%20Forward" target="_blank">5. Lock/Second Row</a><br />
6. <a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/No.%206%20-%20Blindside%20Flanker" target="_blank">Blindside Flanker</a><br />
7. Openside Flanker<br />
8. The No. 8<br />
<br />
<a href="http://understandrugbyunion.blogspot.ie/search/label/The%20Backs" target="_blank">The Backs</a><br />
9. Scrumhalf<br />
10. The Outhalf/Flyhalf<br />
11. Winger<br />
12. Inside Centre<br />
13. Outside Centre<br />
14. Winger<br />
15. The Fullback</div>
PChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07987302717153856356noreply@blogger.com