On Friday the Rugby Union World Cup begins. It is in England. It is on terrestrial TV (no time issues) . It lasts for 6 weeks. It has the potential to lift the whole nation - or send it to an early sulk. It is going to be a fantastic spectacle I am sure. There is so much to look forward to. I have to admit I feel excited - yes really excited about what is to come. It brings a real smile - a grin based on the reality - England could win it - they are more likely not to (and that is sort of ok - depending on the manner of our loss if it happens) - there will be plenty of anguish, plenty of holding of breath - lots of cheering and maybe a few tears - joy or otherwise - what a prospect - it is going to be a great tournament - the rugby will be terrific - the coverage amazing and comprehensive.
For those that do not know much about rugby or for that matter about any sport here is a tip - the more you get to know about it - the more you stand to get out of it. If you know the names of the teams that will help. If you get to know individual players - a plus. Gradually you will build an insight. Things will become more meaningful. You will understand rivalries - things will become poignant at times - recognise the underdog - special efforts - courage - bad luck - you will form views about the play and the outcome. You might care! You might eventually feel passionate about your team - cheer - clap - dance (if we win the world cup again!) - get carried away immersed in something that is after all just sport - ha! and it does no one any harm - I could drone on!
As to Rugby Union itself it is both a simple and complex game at the same time. It could be a daunting watch for the newbie but don't let it be. Rugby can be great to watch even if you do not understand the finer points of the rules - because the majority don't - ha!
What you need to know -
You can only pass the ball backwards in rugby! You get 5 points for a try - 2 for a conversion and 3 for a penalty. You can't tackle someone in the air or around the head. You have to release the ball quickly when you go to ground - otherwise it is a penalty.
You will hear reference to rucks and mauls - What are they for? Teams use rucks and mauls to recycle the ball after a tackle. Basically, it all depends on whether the tackled player is held up by an opponent or goes to ground.
Scrum (and lineouts when the ball goes out of play) - a way of restarting the game. Rugby teams have forwards and backs. The forwards form the scrum. What happens in the scum is a mystery to the backs and some would say the referees. There are lots of rules - don't worry about them - just enjoy the spectacle and the excitement!
Offside - just listen to the commentary and the ref!
What else. The refs word is final. The rules of rugby are all about how the ref interprets them - you don't have to understand what happens in the maul (wait to you see the chaos and excitement of a sustained rolling maul - you will not understand what is happening - even where the ball is but it is a brilliant watch.)
Finally - points can be scored quickly in rugby. Momentum can swing momentum can build - you never know.
The great thing about this tournament is there are so many teams that can win it. New Zealand might be favourites but Australia, France, South Africa, Wales, Ireland and England of course can win it if they get their act together. There are many other good sides too including the Scots. England are in a very tough opening group with only the top 2 going forward to the quarter finals out of 3 world class teams. In addition England's opener is against Fiji - a big fast and powerful side. England are expected to win but it is a real potential banana skin - nervous already!
One final final thing for the newbie England supporter you must know Swing Low Sweet Chariot -
Chorus:
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
Chorus
Get the actions off You Tube
Have a great tournament and enjoy your sport!
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