Rugby is coming to the USA

Well that’s the Superbowl finished, and probably Christina Aguilera’s career as well. When will these “singers” realize that all people want is their National Anthem sung properly? No frills or warbles, but with simple feeling and respect.

However, what I want to discuss is Rugby.

Living in New Zealand, Rugby is not only the national sport, but almost the national religion. It’s discussed in detail at pubs, clubs and workplaces at every level of NZ society. A version of the full 15 aside game was developed in the Scottish Borders (Hawick, Jedburgh and Melrose) in the 1880s, with 7 players per side, but still using the main points of the 15 side game.

It is a very fast game, each half lasting only 7 minutes, with a 30 second half-time. It is played full-out, with all of the players requiring a very high level of fitness, and the speed and athleticism of these guys has to be seen to be believed.

I’ll explain the basics later, but having watched the lumbering giants playing in the Superbowl, I think Americans will be pleasantly surprised if they watch the 7s matches this weekend.

Before I start however, I must also ask who the hell designed the American Football Uniforms?  I don’t know of any other sport in the world where so much padding is used (except possibly the odds of a Pakistani Cricket Match), and why the Toreador pants? Do they just like showing off their calves? And why a bloody helmet for goodness sake? Are they riding about on motorbikes?

Rugby, especially 7s is much simpler, and makes an ideal game for partners to watch together.  No more dreading the “stupid” questions, like “Why did he hit that man”? or “Is he allowed to do that”? or “Why is everybody cheering”?.

When you watch this together, you’ll both be neophytes, and you can ask each other “stupid” questions when you’re watching this new game. “Why are they piling up on each other”? Or “Why are they lining up like that”? Or even “Dear me, how can anyone survive that”?

This is a game that builds family relationships and values. How much more American can it get?

Basic Rules:

The ball cannot be passed forward.
The ball can be kicked forward, but any player from the kicker’s side who wants to touch the ball, must be behind the kicker when the ball was kicked.
If the ball is accidently passed forward (a knock-on) a scrum is called, where two groups of players fight for the ball (punching and kicking is not allowed, but almost anything else goes)
If the ball passes out of play on the sidelines, a line-out is called. (Sort of a vertical scrum.)
A try is scored when the ball is grounded between the opponents try line and dead ball line. This is worth 5 points.
A conversion (2 points) can be kicked after a try, when the ball has to be kicked over the crossbar, and between the two uprights. (In 7s this is a drop-kick, in full 15 aside, it is a place kick)
A drop goal (3 points) can be attempted at any time.
A penalty goal can be kicked (3 points) after a full penalty has been awarded.
Tackling a player who is not in possession of the ball is not allowed.
A player carrying the ball must release the ball very quickly after he is tackled to the ground.
The tackler must release the player he has tackled after that player is on the ground.

No padding, metal/fiberglass helmets and no toreador pants are allowed. Simply shorts and a tee-shirt, bandages where required, and an optional cloth hat (a scrum-cap) are worn, together with socks and rugby boots.

American college rugby is becoming more popular and NBC has agreed, for the first time to screen the 7s matches on this Saturday and Sunday. See NBC schedules

I would recommend that you have a look at this game; I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, especially as with only 30 seconds for half-time, they don’t need an elaborate half-time entertainment, so there is no chance Christina Bloody Aguilera will be performing.

Mind you, sometimes even that abomination known as soccer can be quite entertaining as well.

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