I sure hope there isn't a copyright on this!
It's crunch time!
Rugby is probably one of the most misunderstood sports around. To the unaccustomed eye, it looks as though the players are perpetually banging into and wrestling each other for the ball.
However, you cannot be further from the truth if you have the notion that the sport is for brutes. Rugby is such a thinking man's game that it has been likened to "chess played on a field". Hugely exciting, rugby demands supreme fitness, a cunning mind to strategise, tear open the defence or smother the attack, and a lot of skill in running, ball handling, kicking and tackling.
The rugby player is thus, quite the complete athlete.
Rugby's roots
You can almost say that rugby was born in a moment of mischief. The time was 1823, the setting was an afternoon of soccer in England's Rugby School, and the character was 17-year old student William Webb Ellis. No, he did not conjure up the game or invent its rules. Rather, according to rugby beliefs, what he did was he picked up the ball and ran.
In those days when football rules were still solidifying, Ellis' eccentric actions became accepted as part of a new game, which came to be named "Rugby Football".
Its appeal spread widely across campuses in England, and in 1846, the first set of rules was established at the Rugby School. The sport reached the shores of places with strong English influences like Wales, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Today, rugby is played extensively in all continents, with the top 20 nations qualifying for the 4-yearly Rugby World Cup. The last one was held in Australia in 2003, and England lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy for the first time after a nail-biting final with Australia.
Rugby rules
Admittedly, rugby is not the easiest of games, so let's take some time out to understand what exactly is going on at the field.
International games are played in two 40-minute halves, with the aim of scoring more points by:
a. A try worth 5 points. This is akin to a "touchdown", when a player crosses the white line with ball in hand
b. After a successful try, the team is allowed to attempt a conversion (a goal when the ball sails over the crossbar and between the two vertical posts) worth 2 points
c. A drop goal - a goal scored during open play. Worth 3 points
d. A penalty goal - worth 3 points
Players can move the ball by running with it, kicking it and passing it backwards. When the ball goes out of bounds, a line-out occurs. Two to eight players from each team form two straight lines; a player from the non-offending team throws the ball in and any member can attempt to win possession.
To resume open play after an infringement, the big guys huddle together in a scrum. The scrum-half puts the ball into the scrum, then runs to the back of the pack. The hooker (stay with me) tries to win possession by "hooking" the ball backwards with his legs; the ball reaches the waiting scrum-half, who then make the best possible pass to get the game going.
And who are the people doing all these? Well, the team has 15 players divided into two groups of eight forwards and seven backs, with each position demanding different responsibilities, physical attributes and skills.
The forwards are usually the strongest members, for they are the ones battling to get the ball in the scrum. Likely to be also the tallest, they are charged with winning the ball in line-outs. After laying their hands on the precious ball, they then try to pass to the backs. These are the Speedy Gonzales of the team, with the ability to launch attacks and counter attacks from the smallest of loopholes. Fully capable of making defence-splitting passes (whether by hand or through kicking) while running at full speed, they are also *gasp* responsible for defence by virtue of their position at the back!
The thinking man's game
If you have seen the tremendous pace of the game, you will think the players are ready to set the field on fire. This makes it heart pounding for both players and spectators.
As a result, rugby does wonders in building up both physical and mental strength. The more you play, the better your speed, agility and overall fitness will get.
Never about one-man-shows, rugby demands teamwork and co-ordination every minute the team is on the field. Requiring discipline and commitment from the player, rugby is definitely a sport that builds character. The strong emphasis on loyalty means that team members often bring the camaraderie off the field into firm friendships.
And of course, the most important spirit of rugby is that - it must be enjoyed! The games’ friendly and boisterous atmosphere is infectious, and the get-togethers after matches are almost as important. Lauded as a game played by gentlemen, the athletes typically compete fiercely on the field, but show lots of respect for each other off it.
Let's get touchy
You may find the body contact in rugby pretty intimidating. But still, it does seem like a lot of fun, doesn’t it? Well, there is a way to enjoy the thrills sans the pain. It's called Touch Rugby.
Also known as "Touch" for short, it began as a warm-up routine for traditional rugby players. But now, Touch has come into its own by gaining a big international following. And it is so easy because all the beginner needs to do is:
- Pass the ball
- Catch it
- And run for his life
Touch is somewhat like a game of "catching". The player with the ball is "It". The attacking side tries to score a try by holding the ball to touch the ground after the baseline. If you're defending, you chase the opposition to give him a tap on the body. There is a turnover once the attacking side gets touched 6 times, upon which the other team gets the ball. The ball is not kicked, and there are no tackling, scrums or physical ruckus.
You can have a Touch game on any court surface. Play on a grass field, basketball court, indoors or outdoors, as long as you have enough space to sprint. The number of team members is up to you too. Although a full team consists of six-a-side, you can have as much fun in a three-on-three.
If you think this is a simple game you'll soon get bored of, you ain't played nothing yet. Years of training are necessary to fully master the silky moves of side-stepping, swerving, bluffing your opponents, plus attack and defence formations. A good Touch player is the one with fine fitness, a quick mind, strong determination and great team spirit.
It's very violent
Do you know that contact rugby players are actually intensely drilled in safety before they even get into a match proper? They learn the correct ways of breaking a fall, tackling and other techniques strictly put into place to reduce the chances of injury, especially to young players.
Touch is also an excellent way of introducing players young and old, male and female, to rugby. With contact taken out of the equation, this is a fun and thrilling way to pick up moves, condition your body and enjoy an exciting game.
It's only for the big and strong
The beauty of rugby lies in the fact that player of every size and shape has a role to play. The big and imposing ones serve as forwards, while smaller and nippy players have their niche as scrum-halves and flankers, where speed and agility are much valued.
That's why, if you look at any good rugby team, you will see an astonishing range in height and weight between players. It's amazing that they are all playing the same game!
Gearing up
Other than comfortable clothing and a good pair of sports shoes (soccer boots are popular for their grip on the grass), all you need to start is a size-4 Touch ball or size-5 ball contact rugby ball. Costing an average of $30, the ball can last years of handling.
Other than that, just arm yourself with truckloads of enthusiasm! Inquire if your school has a contact or Touch rugby team. You can also call the SRU at 6467 4038 or visit www.sru.org.sg. They can assist in placing you in the junior / beginner team at a suitable sports centre or club.
Box Story
World-class action - right here
Rugby is played internationally in teams of 15, 10 and 7 players. The International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens Series is highly regarded for providing entertaining and flowing rugby charged with an electrifying pace.
As one of 11 official stops across five continents, we play host to some superb rugby action in the Singapore Sevens on 3rd and 4th April at the National Stadium. For two days, there will be lots of action from world-class teams and every excuse to have a party. Visit the official website at www.singaporesevens.com to know how you can soak up the atmosphere!
The writer thanks the Singapore Rugby Union for their wonderful assistance.
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I took out the bits I found boring. And um, un-necessary to our understanding of the Rugby Finals 2005. hope we get there.
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