I'm guessing Union...i'm not really sure. dude in the pub was trying to explain the breakdown of it and it seemed to be a 2nd tier league IE not the Heineken cup?

I guess the things that really confuse me are why certain things happen, such as when a player gets tackled suddenly 5 guys from both teams are suddenly slammed up against each other scrum style. 90% of the time the team with the ball retains it but other times it gets stolen- how does that happen...i just kind of assumed that once tackled you retained the ball until a turnover/penalty/out of bounds etc.

One other thing that's been bugging me...to score a drop goal does the ball actually have to hit the ground or can it be punted football style? And why the frick does a penalty allow for a kick in to touch but the kicking team takes the lineout...?

2 ...

Report Post

Posted by Sophandros

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Member since Feb 2005

45218 posts

Posted on 10/29/12 at 11:35 am to Doldil

quote:
I guess the things that really confuse me are why certain things happen, such as when a player gets tackled suddenly 5 guys from both teams are suddenly slammed up against each other scrum style.

If the guy is taken to ground, that's called a ruck.

If the guy keeps his feet, that's called a maul.

When you're tackled, you're required to release the ball. Players from both sides can contest for the ball (which is when a ruck is formed) and then play continues.

If a player is tackled, but doesn't go to ground, then a maul can form. The attacking team tries to keep forward momentum while working the ball to the back of the maul, from where another player (usually the scrumhalf) will play the ball.

quote:
90% of the time the team with the ball retains it but other times it gets stolen- how does that happen...

It usually happens either when the defensive team counter-rucks, or the attacking player places the ball poorly, or if, in the tackle, the tackler gets on his feet and is able to steal the ball before the attacking side's players get there.

quote:
One other thing that's been bugging me...to score a drop goal does the ball actually have to hit the ground or can it be punted football style?

No. It has to be drop-kicked. hence the term "drop goal".

quote:
And why the frick does a penalty allow for a kick in to touch but the kicking team takes the lineout...?

Because in a penalty situation, you're given the opportunity to gain that much territory. Just like in American Football, field position is very important.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by carbola

Bloomington, IN

Member since Aug 2010

4308 posts

Posted on 10/29/12 at 11:36 am to Doldil

quote:
I guess the things that really confuse me are why certain things happen, such as when a player gets tackled suddenly 5 guys from both teams are suddenly slammed up against each other scrum style. 90% of the time the team with the ball retains it but other times it gets stolen- how does that happen...i just kind of assumed that once tackled you retained the ball until a turnover/penalty/out of bounds etc.

Well this is a ruck. You can get possession of the ball once a player is tackled you just have to "push" the other team off of the ball. So yeah a turnover can happen by loosing a ruck.

Yes to score a drop goal the ball must hit the ground prior to the kick. It can be punted, but you cannot score any points doing it this way.

If you are in front of the 22 then if the ball goes out of touch you get the line out. Don't know why it's just the rule. If I'm not mistaken, if it hits the ground prior to going into touch then the non kicking team gets the ball.

1 ...

Report Post

More Sports - Replies to Post

Return To Board

Page 1

Return To Board