re: Anyone know anything about Rugby?

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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?

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

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

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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.