Rugby is not a cross between American (USA) football and soccer. It came before American football, so Americam football is a cross between Rugby and Soccer.
It came about when a chap called Webb Ellis picked up the ball in a football match and ran with it . There wasn't a rule then to prevent it . I prefer league rugby myself. Fewer players.
These American padded up so called hard guys of the NFL are nothing more than whimps, Rugby Union and League are proper hard guys, they make NFL players look like a bunch soft headed idiots.
Greetings from South Africa ! Answering some of your questions : What you (Gridiron) call the 'end zone', is what's called the 'in-goal area' in rugby. You can just run into the end zone to get a 'touchdown' - the rugby equivalent is scoring a try (5 points), by actually touching the ball to the ground with downward pressure on or behind the try-line. Why the sliding ? There are of course times where the ball can just be touched to the ground, and the slide/dive is for show. However, not always - firstly, it's considered the safest way, to ensure the ball isn't dropped in the process, to fall on the ball, and if you cross the try-line at speed, trust me, you will slide !. Sometimes a slide/dive is necessary when crossing the try-line at great speed (the in-goal area isn't all that big), and or you're about to be tackled, or you have just a little space before going out of bounds. There can be 3 types of kicks to get points : A conversion is kicked after a try is scored, for two points (ball is placed on a tee) ; The opposing team broke a rule and the other team gets awarded a penalty kick, also from a tee placed ball, for 3 points, and lastly at any time a player can do a drop-goal (kicking out of hand through the poles, but the ball must be 'dropped' to the ground and in the same motion it is kicked as it bounces up from the ground) - this gets you three points as well. The 'formation' you referred to is called a scrum (loosely your gridiron equivalent would be the scrimmage, but of course the two is very different) - this happens for a minor infringement by the opposing team, and the ball gets "put in" by the team's scrumhalf, from the left side (more advantageous due to how the scrum is set). Aside from halftime, hat's one of only 6 occasions when play is stopped, these being : said scrum, a line-out (after the ball has touched or went over one of the 2 side-lines of the field), a try-line dropkick restart, a 22m dropkick restart (these last 2 after the ball has gone over the in-goal area without a try being scored, depending on who last touched the ball before it went out of bounds), a 'short arm free kick' (for some "less' minor transgressions given instead of a scrum), and lastly of course after a try has been scored and the conversion kick is done. Passing may only be done backwards (at most straight, as long as it's not forward), but you can kick the ball forward and any player, as long as he was behind the kicker when the ball was kicked, can catch the ball and continue.
And Larry, I like your no fuss approach. No constantly pausing, this is a true reaction channel. I feel some pause too much and comment too much to elevate themselves and it draws away from the video. Good job mate.
Hey man, I'm here in Charlotte if you are keen on asking questions, I am a South African and played back in the day. Reach out if you want to know more or want to watch the game, I am watching each of the games leading up to the springboks getting to finals after this Saturday hopefully haha. @Average Larry
you dont have to slide but you do have to touch the ball to the ground inside the end zone to scorer a try (equivalent to a touchdown). Where you do that touch also affects the angle the resulting field goal attempt (conversion in rugby) is taken from, so players under no pressure will try to get it as central as possible before touching the ball to the ground to make it easier for the kicker. Note that until they touch the ball to the ground, no points are scored, so trying to get it central comes with some risk as a defender can still kock you out of play as long as the ball doesn't hit the ground or is knocked out of possession
So I’ve seen comments talking about how you need to put the ball down in a controlled fashion, but it needs to be pointed out that if the other team can get under the ball, they can skunk the points. So when you’ve got a lot of people around you, you’re gonna want to get the ball down as quickly as possible, so jumping into a slide is a pretty good tactic.
I reckon you'd enjoy watching more rugby. I love how you said you thought American Football was tough. Yet these guys hit harder with no helmets or armour. Rugby World Cup is on at the moment. If you read this beforehand be worth you watching the England/South Africa semifinal on 21st October 8pm (3pm EST/12pm PST)
Most importantly, NO COMMERCIALS EVERY 28 SECONDS. Really, hand-egg has 85% of the "match time" as commercials. It's not a sport, it's a promotional tool.
The scrum formation is used when there has been a minor i fringement, the team with the put in get the opportunity to try and drive with forwards and then bring it out to the backs to attack
The reason they usually dive is that there's usually a defender right on top of you, so to dive is the surest way of getting the ball down before the defender makes you spill it. They don't HAVE to dive and often don't.
Before the late great Jonah Lomu (NZ All Black 1994 - 2002) came on the international scene and broke the mould, the disparity between backs and forwards was pretty apparent. Backs were smaller, faster, more agile, while the forwards provided the strength and muscle. Lomu was a back (winger) but stood at 6'4" and 265lb, but could run a 100m in 11.2 seconds, meaning he had the physique of a forward, but the attributes of a back. Now forwards are still huge, but many of them are fast and agile, while the backs are bigger and stronger, which has changed the sport completely. If it wasn't clear in the video, many top level players are not only massive, but are incredible athletes.
Rugby is a game of territory and possession. The Boks have always excelled at aggression. This Boks team has evolved from pure power to be able to really shift the ball around. I say that as an England fan.
Just finished about a month ago watching the world championship for Rugby. The team that won was the Springboks, again. They are from South Africa and 4 times now world champions. I live in France and this year it was held in France.
That formation is a set piece play. It’s called a Scrum and is usually awarded when a knock on has occurred ( fumble forwards, straight down or backwards is fine) and it’s to reset play. The team that fumbled, loose possession and the scrum is formed. The opposing team gets to feed the ball into the scrum ( supposed to go in the middle of the two packs, giving both teams a chance to contest for the ball in a show of power if you will lol) They are also awarded for a few other things, most basic one other than fumble, is when the teams in open play come to a grinding halt and the ball pretty much stuck and not getting out of the forward pack after a Maul or a Ruck ( more on that in a sec) The team going forward, usually gets the ball back to feed into the scrum, but if the defending team had the upper hand before halt, then they get to feed it in In rugby, you’ll always notice two things in open play.. they are Rucks and Mauls. a Maul is when the a tackled player isn’t brought down to ground, and his team mates bind to him and give momentum forward to help gain meters as a unit. As a defending team, you can not bring the maul down to ground, meaning, you can’t collapse it or it’s a penalty against your team. Mauls can be very effective. a Ruck happens when a player is tackled and he is brought to ground, and players from both sides arrive to bind to the break down. That’s a ruck The tackled player must release the ball ( can not hold onto it, or it’s a penalty) and the tackler must immediately release the tackled player, before being able to contest for the ball, as the tackler and the immediate first defender, are allowed to use their hands to retrieve the ball. But if they don’t release the tackled player, or roll away, so the ball isn’t obstructed, they give a penalty away to the attacking team. You are not allowed to to play at the ball or opposition when you are on the ground. ( knees and hands count as on the ground, must be able to support yourself to contest) The next players to join the ruck, in defence or attack, are not allowed to use their hands, but can push over the ball to regain it or steal it. That is probably the most common one that you’ll see when there is a break down in open play. There is also a thing called a Line-Out, which is a set play that happens when a ball has gone out of bounce on the sidelines. If the ball touches or crosses the line, it’s called ‘in touch’ rather than out of bounds. The two teams opposing forwards, line up in a line, about a meter apart. The ball is thrown from outside the out of bounds line, straight down the middle of the two teams, and the two teams can then contest to win the ball, by picking a team mate up to win it in the air. You’ll see that a lot too. Both Scrums and Line-outs are basically to reset play after a mistake that is not penalty worthy, or the ball being out of play I hope that clarifies some of the questions you had in regards to the ‘formation’ you asked about. That was a great reaction and I hope you are soaking up the Rugby World Cup. PS - Rule number 1 about Rugby is that there are No Rules They are called Laws. It’s called the Laws of Rugby. Now you’ll always know that hahaha Thank you and keep up the great work
@@JustAverageLarry .. you’re welcome mate.. You’re like Aladdin, it’s a whole new world for you. I totally get your excitement lol As for me, this World Cup had aged me a year, and I feel it will get age me more tomorrow Up the Bokke
Hi from South Africa - the home of the Rugby World Champs! The formation you asked about - it's a scrum. It's a way for a team to get the ball on their side to defend it. A player from one team has to place the ball on the ground within the scrum. The teams are allowed to push backwards and forwards to get the ball on their side. Once in the possession of a team, the ball is moved towards the back of the players in the scrum and players standing on the outside are able to retrieve it and kick it towards the try their line for a line up, or if already close to the line, run for a try. Hope that makes sense! I'm woman-splaining, so any gents willing to help with a better explanation, please go ahead!
The scoring system explained. When a player carries the ball past the line (your end zone or whatever you call it) and grounds the ball its called a Try worth 5 points. Straight after a Try you kick the ball between the posts for a Conversion which is an additional 2 points. The angle you kick is how far from the side line (side of the pitch) the Try was grounded. If during gameplay you manage to kick the ball between the posts its called a Drop Goal for 3 points. A penalty kicked between the posts is 3 points too.
Rules: you can only pass backwards but allowed to kick forwards. It’s called a SCRUM when the front 8 from each team go into a collision huddle The “end zone” is known as the try line area and the ball has to make contact with the ground with downward pressure
You just need to touch the 'end zone', but it's less trauma on your body to 'slide' since a tackle or sudden shift when you're upright could be more traumatic. It also helps carry the momentum forward. When no one is chasing you, you'd generally just slow down and place the ball near the goal post.
And then you are considered a late starter..got my first Super Springbok(made out of leather back ten)rugby ball at age two..played in the garden with brothers and friends at age four or five...went on to play rugby for the next 25 years..and today I can feel every game in my body..but wouldn't change a thing...
They usually dive for style, I would say they are not the most feared but are part of a feared group of teams to play. Tonga, Samoa, Fiji , New Zealand and South Africa hit you pretty much with Physicality.
It's not always for style. It's a taught method to ensure you are not caught off guard when you are not completely aware of the other side's players. Notice how the ball is secured under the chest by the hands prior to every try. The other side can still deny a try over the try line. It's just good discipline and procedure. You'll see at about 9 minutes the South African player "rolls" the other player to attempt to deny the try.
It’s a scrum. As American Football is a direct descendant from Rugby you’ll know this from the way it has developed in NFL…….the line of scrimmage. No binding but developing into direct face off in your NFL. Crossing the line (the try line) isn’t enough to score, the ball must be touched down (recognise that term?) so the most secure way to do so, because your opponent can try to dislodge the ball etc, is often to dive down. The headgear is a scrum cap which is basically a cloth covering to protect the ears and help avoid cauliflower ears, or even having them ripped off. It’s personal choice to wear one or not.
@KR-jg7gc yes there are but look at the players when they exchange shirts after a game and you'll see very few do. Also look at the film of the changing room beforehand and again a few but that is it. It's choice as you say and the pads aren't exactly like American Football pads
They slide because ball security is #1, the ball is almost always tucked tight to the body with the forearm covering the length of it so it can't come loose in a tackle. Transferring it to a hand grip while moving at pace risks dropping the ball so they slide regardless of whether or not they are breaking through the defence. The ball, while held, must touch the ground on or past the try line to score.
Yep, the key bit is the ball has to touch the ground 'in control' to score a try. The slide makes it almost impossible for last second shenanigans or loss of control. When you see them simply place the ball on the ground it is when there is no danger whatsoever of tackle.
Great reaction video! I am proudly South African and can't wait for the semi final game against England tonight. If we win we will face New Zealand in the finals and that would make for an AMAZING final!
The conversion (field goal) is taken anywhere on a line back from the point the ball touches down. That is why it's kicked at an angle, and why players try to touch it down between the posts, for a simple kick. If it's touched down in the corner, you have to go much further back to widen the relative distance between the uprights.
Great reaction vid, Larry. I've subscribed. You know here in the UK we don't get to see enough Basketball and Baseball - those are two American sports I'd like to start watching. I'm not too bothered about American football because I think the Rugby is much more entertaining. Next time I'm in the States though, I definitely wouldn't mind going to see a big football game.
@@JustAverageLarry I have to ask you. Do you have any sports that are tough...??? Motorsports as an exsample. Europeans have Le Mans (with right turns 🤣) We have more and faster supercars. We have almost everything better in Europe 🤣🤣🤣
@@hushus10021971 yeah I don’t think any sport that originated in America would be considered tough.. but we do however have some of the best competitors at certain tough sports like Boxing and MMA and Wrestling.
Please google Siya Kolisi the Springbok captain. A titan and leader who came from the most abject poverty to achieve and even unite all colours of South Africa behind him. Also Mampimpi - the poor guy has no family, and everyone has adopted him
You dont have to slide but you do have to touch the ball down behind the try line. As for passing, you can pass using your hand but only backwards but you can kick forwards.
From SA here. You will enjoy rugby 7s (since the USA are in it and they are pretty good). The sport is growing slowly. I started learning some NFL and baseball on discord from US friends and vice versa.
sliding/diving is the best way to touch the ball to the ground without losing control over it. they also often touch the ball down with both hands but that is usually done if not being pursued by a defender because that is difficult to do while running
Another great team are the All Blacks (New Zealand) look up All Blacks Rugby Haka. Its like a traditional war cry or a way of showing respect. Im a Scot so im not completly versed in Haka's but its something id love to see. France and Ireland are also good Main big tournements are 6 Nations and World Cup
You can kick the ball forward, but you can only throw/pass it sideways or behind you, that and the lack of padding/protective clothing is the main difference from American football
You kick the "field goal" as you say from the angle you touch down the try. That's why they try to touch it down in the centre when they score to make the kick straight.
Where you score a try, you then get a free kick for an additional point. Where you touch the ball down in the "end zone" when scoring a try dictates where on the pitch you will get to kick from. The further out at the sides of the pitch the harder it will be to score the conversion kick. Thats why we saw the guy run to the centre before touching the ball to the ground. This would only happen when you have the time and space to do it, normally you are diving to get the try or being tackled to the ground. Its only for the fast guys!
Hi there. You can Also check Eben Etzebeth biggest hits, he plays for the springboks from south africa. The team you just checked is also the sringboks.
He headgear is a scrum cap to protect your ears from getting ripped off lol😅😂but it's optional you can choose. The only other protection is a mouth guard
Kicking at an angle. They kick the extra point from the same point the ball was touched down. That’s why the player scoring the “Try” (touchdown in American football) tries to touch the ball down in the center of the goal area. The closer to the middle, the straighter the kick angle. Try’s are 5 points, the kick after is 2.
Fun fact, if you have the ball in your hands you're only allowed to pass backwards. If you're gonna kick the ball you can kick it in any direction you want, back or forward. Your team loses possession and a penalty is given to the other team if you make the mistake of passing forward when the ball is in hand.
OK there have been quite a lot of answers already but the first thing you need to know is that modern Rugby and American Football are descended from the same route, the game of rugby football that started to be played in the mid-19th century by British public (ie private-don’t ask it’s a long story) schools. The first game in the US was in 1875 between Harvard and Yale. Although a governing body had been formed in 1871this only governed the English game. In the US the Intercollegiate Football Association was formed in 1879 and although initially it stuck the rules of Rugby Football it fairly quickly started to evolve as a separate branch of the game. In 1880 the number of players was reduced from 15 to 11 and putting the ball into the scrummage (still the line of scrimmage in US football) was replaced by the snap, the downs in 1882, and the forward pass in 1906 making the two sports effectively separate. You can still hear echoes of US football’s rugby origins though, the field goal (known as a drop goal in rugby) still exists in US football though is seldom used, and yes you have to touch the ball down in rugby to score a touch down even though this has been abandoned in US Football.
Not sure if I would call them the most feared team, but they do have a reputation for borderline/ dirty play. Not taking anything away from how good they are because they are good, but they do do a lot of late tackles, no arms, headbutts etc
They have to ground the ball affirmatively with downward force to ensure beyond reasonable doubt that they scored the try, it could be done by tapping the ball on the try line, but also momentum from running and to avoid being tackled out of line also contributes to the sliding. Rugby is a very physical game, no body pads, purely physical and a very beautiful game. Watch more games and hopefully you become a follower of the best game in the world.
Rugby is a bit like American football but about ten million times better. American football has a thing called a "touch down", in which the ball is seldom actually touched down. In rugby, it's called a "try" and the ball must be actually touched down (with downward pressure by hand, arm or front of torso). Those "push off" things are "scrums". Light headgear is optional for players in any position though generally worn by forwards (the big guys who form scrums and lineouts). No helmets.
Watch a video explaining the rules, methods of play and history of the game - there is a very good one by an American. The ball has to be literally 'touched down' and a leap is often the best way to make the last few yards. The formation is a 'scrum'. The players can kick forward but can only throw/pass laterally or behind, not forward. The headgear is to protect existing injuries or concussions. Not a field goal, it's a penalty kick or a conversion from a try to a goal. A football, by the way, is a sphere, American footballs are egg shaped like Rugby balls. There are two rugby codes you watched Rugby Union and there is also Rugby League.
The headgear pictured in the video is colloquially known as a "scrum hat" this is why you see some players with it on and others not. The main purpose of the scrum hat is to protect your head when you're in the scrum. But it does also help protect you in other areas of the game.
Formations called a scrum, no you don't have to slide but ball has to be placed by hand against ground so sliding generally quickest way. Pass backwards if u didn't notice also. Its essentially American football for men 😂
There is a substantial difference in the size and mass of these two balls - gridiron ball can be thrown way further than a rugby ball, it's to accommodate the long forward throw in NFL, which doesn't exist in rugby. If I'm correct, the NFL ball can also be kicked much further.@@JustAverageLarry
I struggle to imagine not knowing about rugby as a sport. Grew up with it my earliest memories was the 1995 rugby world cup. We've all been waiting for a USA Rugby team....would love to see another nation added to the tournament. Thanks for the content. Rugby world cup in progress at the moment. South Africa vs England in the Semifinals. New Zealand won their Semifinals against Argentina last night so its probably going to be a SA vs NZ Final next weekend.
Rugby is a very physical sport, but it's also extremely technical. You can run with or kick the ball forward (chasers of a kick have to be behind the kicker when the ball is kicked, if the player is in front of the kicker they are inelligible to chase the kick or tackle the player that receieves the kick until the kicker themselves have caught up to the ball), but you may only pass the ball backwards or "flat" (in line). If the ball goes forward from a players hands, no matter with it was intentional or not, no matter if it was actually a pass or not and no matter if the balleven goes to a team mate or not, it does not matter, this is called a knock-on. It's actively the same as a blatant forward pass and will be penalised immediately, referee's will play advantage for up to 10 phases after an infraction but usually less than 5 phases. You can only tackle the player that has the ball in their possession, no one else, you can't bump others (off the ball incidents), get in any one else's way (that's called interference and is penalised immediately). Almost every rule in rugby is similar to the compexity of the offside rule is footbal (soccer), all the rules are there to prevent obvious issues coming up that can result in predictably one sided play and to prevent/avoid injuries to players. Rugby players are often very big, very powerful guys so it's important to make sure they don't rip each other's heads off and play safely. The "formation" at 05:11 is called a scrum, it's an organised "tussle" for the ball where one side gets the "put in" (they roll the ball sideways into the gap between the two sets of players) this particular scrum develops into a rolling maul (when the whole one team pushes the whole other team backwards, notice how the scrum half (the guy at the back of the scrum) "ushers" the ball forward, he has to keep it their between his legs and under control to maintain a rolling maul, otherwise he must "use it" as the ref will tell him, by picking it up and either passing (backwards or flat) of kick it to a team mate. A scrum is like a formal break-down, not to be confused with a ruck (a similar sort of thing to a scrum) which is spontaneously created when the ball is on the ground an opposing players are fighting for it. A ruck is also not to be confused with a maul, or rolling maul, which is basically a ruck that is moving, normally in the direction the stronger team wants it to go. The validity is tackles is dictated by very specific rules, like entering a ruck/maul "through the gate" which means to cant just come flying into a tackle out of left field, you have to enter a tackle from your side's side, if you know what I mean (so like from the back of the forward moving group of players that are contesting the ball). You'll also notice in rugby that the referee's word is the law, end of story, there is no discussion here, do what the ref says or leave the field of play. Players DO NOT backchat the referee, they do not question the referee, they do as the ref says, if a player so much as looks at the ref funny he can be sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes (yellow card) of for 20 minutes (red card) . This being said you will also hear the referee constantly throughout the 80 minute game, always letting players know if the can legally engage in tackles, if they're off-side, if the ball is deemed to be playable or available, etc. The ref talks a lot during the game. This is to avoid unnecessary penalisation of players doing things they thought they were allowed to but aren't, like releasing after a tackle 6:59, the attacking player must fully release the tackled player BEFORE attempting to play the ball (that's why the springbok player throws his hands in the air quickly to show he's released the tackle and can legally now play the ball). Also tackler must roll away from the break-down once they're on the ground, they may not continue to attempt to play the ball they must roll away first to allow new tacklers to enter the break-down through the gate. 08:53 it's a conversion. After a team scores a try (5 points) they get a kick at the poles. The kick must be in line with where the try was scored (touched down behind the line) the kicker can choose how far back to place the ball so he can dictate the angle, this is why they always prefer to score a try between the posts, so the kick is directly in front of the poles and the angle is irrelevant basically. The main team you were watching here is the Springboks, the national rugby team of South Africa. 4 time world cup winners (bearing in mind we were not allowed to play any officially sanctioned matches internationally throughout Apartheid) Ranked World #1 The only team that comes close to the Springboks is New Zealand, the team that wears wears all black kits (hence their nickname, the All Blacks)
Unlike American football where you just cross the line - in rugby the ball MUST be grounded to score. If the ball doesn't touch the ground the try isn't awarded, hence the final actions to stop somebody getting between the ball and the ground.
You have to put the ball down with pressure, like you used to have to with a touchdown (hence the name) - the PAT (or conversion in rugby) is kicked from in line with wherever the ball is put down so you’ll see them trying to run behind the posts if they can. You put it down just inside the sideline then basically you’re kicking from the sideline for the conversion / PAT. It’s the one rule in Rugby I’d love to see back in American Football. Coincidentally Canadian Football does retain a bit more of its Rugby heritage than American Football (they both evolved from it) especially when it comes to kicks, there’s a lot more freedom to kick in the CFL
Bizarre that in Rugby you HAVE to touch the ball down in the end zone to score a try but in American football you only have to get into the endzone to score but call it a Touchdown!!
Yeah I thought so too! Somebody in the comments said that also used to be the case in American Football which is why they called it a touchdown. 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
@@JustAverageLarrythe reason you have to touch down the ball (score a try, win points) on the grass, is because the distance from the poles determines your angle of position to try kick between the pole (called converting a try and it earns you further points). If you score a try right in the middle of the poles then you can basically kick your conversion straight down the middle. The further away from the poles when you score a try, the wider the angle to kick the conversion. Whilst playing, you are also allowed to attempt a drop kick through the poles but you need to be a really good kicker and be in just the right position with no one trying to tackle you in the moment. When it happens, it's a thing of beauty. Lastly you can score point via penalty kicks through the poles if the other team makes certain errors. Though, you only get the points if you make the kick.
Bizarre that you call american "football" when you play with hands, bizarre that you stop the game everytime someone touch your dancers. In rugby we don’t play we go to war. Nothing comparable with your game please, that why it’s played everywhere in the world and nobody give a fuck of your tv dancing game except for the concert at superbowl
Sliding is a good way to ensure a try. If you look at the field, notice the narrow strip behind the posts. A player with momentum can go too fast and if the ball is not brought to ground in time, the try might be missed by going over the last line on the field, which is where the ball is dead/unplayable. The formation you ask about is called a scrum. It is a fixed formation where the forward players (generally most powerful), control the ball with the foot. In the case of the one you question the ball was "put into the scrum" by the opposing team and then control of the ball is won by the green team, who pushes as one towards the goal or try line, for the try. This game is not for wimps. And it is played by literally most schoolboys from an early age. Definitely a game to love, is rugby! Watch more of it. You will get to understand it, and learn to love it for what it is. Tough, physical and not for the meek.
It’s called a scrum when they form a tight circle and when they form two lines and jump for the ball it’s called a line up the end zone is the goal line
The field goal as u call it is a conversion u get one after every try the tryvis worth 5 points n a conversion is worth 2 but a penalty kick is worth 3 points n the conversion is taken from where the try is scored so if its by the side lines it makes a harder conversion kick
@JustAverageLarry, exactly. The perfect spot to score a try is right between the posts. Even an average kicker couldn't miss a conversion right in front of the posts. Regarding the diving tries, many a try has been scored by a player with ball in hand diving OVER the defenders to dot the ball down. If you want to see one springbok scoring in style watch Bryan Habana. That guy was a bullet on the field. Retired now sadly, but Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie are also fast as hell.
You only have to make a controlled force on the ball with the hands over the touch line to score a try. The slides are usually just theatrics. although, often diving or sliding can have their benefits.
I'm not an avid rugby watcher, but definitely prefer it to NFL because it's far more fast-paced and continuous vs the stop-start style of NFL. And you are right, rugby is far more intense than NFL, 40 minutes per half and as you could see, play doesn't stop when the ball holder is tackled, it forms a new phase for the other players to come in and get the ball back in play. Rugby players are also some of the fittest professional sportsmen because they need to have a combination of strength, power and endurance. All in all, not my game per se, but certainly do appreciate it for the level of physical prowess and skill required to play at that level.
I''d say the three toughest teams (arguably) currently are the Springboks, the All Blacks (these two are very old foes !) and in recent years also Ireland. France joins them at nr 4 imo. When any of these 4 teams play each other, they won't necessarily 'fear' the other team, but they will for sure be lifting their game and do some serious prep !
Highly recommend Sports Explained - he did a video called Rugby Explained for American Football fans (he’s American and does the best videos explaining sports, his Cricket ones are amazing).
Snatching this tip for the cricket series. The IPL has come into my house and now I’ve shown interest it’s been assumed I will sit through test cricket 😂😂😂 and it’s World Cup season now 🥲
For y'all americans, google Buck Shelford from the All Blacks. Torn one of his scrotum - with one testicles dangling for its dear life - and still able to finish the game. Sorry to say that rugby is like american football but for real man.
Yes, I do think that rugby is way tougher than gridiron, but make no mistake, gridiron does have some heavy hits as well, it's not a game for pussies either !@@JustAverageLarry
When a try is scored - getting into the end zone, the ball has to be placed. Often times the safest way is to slide as the defensive team is closing in to make a tackle. After the try is scored you can convert the try with a place kick for an extra 2 points.
No they don't have to slide they can do whatever they want, as long as the ball hits the ground with a players contact. This is called a try and the end zone is the try zone. The line before the try zone is called a try line, a successful try is awarded 5 game points sometimes with a conversion(an attempt made to kick the ball between two posts)of 2 points which shifts the points from 5 to 7 if the kick is successful. A try is usually successful by touchdown, or sliding in the try zone with the ball.
The 'field goal' is called a conversion and you get one after scoring a try and has to be kicked from in line with where the try was touched down in the end zone
in the "end zone" the ball actually has to be pushed onto the ground it cant just be caught while stood in the "end zone". So you'll see people push the ball down with their hands or run and slide and push the ball down to the ground
You dont have to slide to score but u do need to touch the ball to the ground so sliding is often the safest way to do so. But is also shown as a celebration itself if you’re open. Thats why the Fijians are known as the Flying Fijians as the do exaggerated jumps and slides
@@JustAverageLarry In the NFL where to score a touchdown you dont actually have to touch the ball down lol in Rugby you have to touch the ball to the ground in the "end zone" to score a try which is worth 5 points.
Basic rules- you can only pass the ball backwards, if the ball is knocked forward then "it's a knock on" there is a scrum to introduce the ball back into the game. You can kick the ball forward but only you and team mates behind you can play it.
Rugby is not a cross between American (USA) football and soccer. It came before American football, so Americam football is a cross between Rugby and Soccer.
It came about when a chap called Webb Ellis picked up the ball in a football match and ran with it . There wasn't a rule then to prevent it . I prefer league rugby myself. Fewer players.
These American padded up so called hard guys of the NFL are nothing more than whimps, Rugby Union and League are proper hard guys, they make NFL players look like a bunch soft headed idiots.
It's great to see new people getting introduced to the beautiful game of rugby.
SA are the world champions again. 4 times. ❤❤🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
6:48 you don't need to slide, you can just place the ball, but with the pent up energy you just gotta dive... 😂
Greetings from South Africa ! Answering some of your questions :
What you (Gridiron) call the 'end zone', is what's called the 'in-goal area' in rugby. You can just run into the end zone to get a 'touchdown' - the rugby equivalent is scoring a try (5 points), by actually touching the ball to the ground with downward pressure on or behind the try-line. Why the sliding ? There are of course times where the ball can just be touched to the ground, and the slide/dive is for show. However, not always - firstly, it's considered the safest way, to ensure the ball isn't dropped in the process, to fall on the ball, and if you cross the try-line at speed, trust me, you will slide !. Sometimes a slide/dive is necessary when crossing the try-line at great speed (the in-goal area isn't all that big), and or you're about to be tackled, or you have just a little space before going out of bounds.
There can be 3 types of kicks to get points :
A conversion is kicked after a try is scored, for two points (ball is placed on a tee) ;
The opposing team broke a rule and the other team gets awarded a penalty kick, also from a tee placed ball, for 3 points,
and lastly at any time a player can do a drop-goal (kicking out of hand through the poles, but the ball must be 'dropped' to the ground and in the same motion it is kicked as it bounces up from the ground) - this gets you three points as well.
The 'formation' you referred to is called a scrum (loosely your gridiron equivalent would be the scrimmage, but of course the two is very different) - this happens for a minor infringement by the opposing team, and the ball gets "put in" by the team's scrumhalf, from the left side (more advantageous due to how the scrum is set).
Aside from halftime, hat's one of only 6 occasions when play is stopped, these being :
said scrum,
a line-out (after the ball has touched or went over one of the 2 side-lines of the field),
a try-line dropkick restart,
a 22m dropkick restart (these last 2 after the ball has gone over the in-goal area without a try being scored, depending on who last touched the ball before it went out of bounds),
a 'short arm free kick' (for some "less' minor transgressions given instead of a scrum),
and lastly of course after a try has been scored and the conversion kick is done.
Passing may only be done backwards (at most straight, as long as it's not forward),
but you can kick the ball forward and any player, as long as he was behind the kicker when the ball was kicked, can catch the ball and continue.
Some of us still call it the 25 yard line. 😁
You're not alone - in Afrikaans we all still call it "die kwartlyn (the quarterline)"@@Hertog_von_Berkshire
Perfect time for it Larry rugby World Cup on right now. You gotta watch it
And Larry, I like your no fuss approach. No constantly pausing, this is a true reaction channel. I feel some pause too much and comment too much to elevate themselves and it draws away from the video. Good job mate.
Thanks! I just try to feel it out! I think I do have some videos when I pause more and some where I barely ever pause lol
South Africa is playing England in the semi finals of the Rugby World Cup tomorrow. Some INSANE games from this world cup so far
Gonna be a good one!!
Gutted for England - it was so close
Great win for my bokkes
Final coming up
In the future England play way better but South Africa win on a wrong call where it should’ve been an England penalty to win the game
Thanks, been having a terrible day. But watching our boys brought a smile to my face🇿🇦
The Green & Gold just won their fourth World Cup last night, second one in a row. A historical win! #springboks #rwc2023
Hey man, I'm here in Charlotte if you are keen on asking questions, I am a South African and played back in the day. Reach out if you want to know more or want to watch the game, I am watching each of the games leading up to the springboks getting to finals after this Saturday hopefully haha.
@Average Larry
you dont have to slide but you do have to touch the ball to the ground inside the end zone to scorer a try (equivalent to a touchdown). Where you do that touch also affects the angle the resulting field goal attempt (conversion in rugby) is taken from, so players under no pressure will try to get it as central as possible before touching the ball to the ground to make it easier for the kicker. Note that until they touch the ball to the ground, no points are scored, so trying to get it central comes with some risk as a defender can still kock you out of play as long as the ball doesn't hit the ground or is knocked out of possession
So I’ve seen comments talking about how you need to put the ball down in a controlled fashion, but it needs to be pointed out that if the other team can get under the ball, they can skunk the points. So when you’ve got a lot of people around you, you’re gonna want to get the ball down as quickly as possible, so jumping into a slide is a pretty good tactic.
Ahhh that’s some great context to add!
I reckon you'd enjoy watching more rugby. I love how you said you thought American Football was tough. Yet these guys hit harder with no helmets or armour.
Rugby World Cup is on at the moment. If you read this beforehand be worth you watching the England/South Africa semifinal on 21st October 8pm (3pm EST/12pm PST)
I’m definitely gonna try and tune in
This is a game for real, tough men. It'll never take off in America. No shoulder pads, no crash helmets, no funny pants.
The USA played in the world cup in Japan a few year back and where very impressive for a team that doesn't have many resources or followers.
Most importantly, NO COMMERCIALS EVERY 28 SECONDS.
Really, hand-egg has 85% of the "match time" as commercials.
It's not a sport, it's a promotional tool.
Win or lose i will always support the bokke
The scrum formation is used when there has been a minor i fringement, the team with the put in get the opportunity to try and drive with forwards and then bring it out to the backs to attack
Also south Africa are beasts 😂
Ahh ok! Thank you!
The reason they usually dive is that there's usually a defender right on top of you, so to dive is the surest way of getting the ball down before the defender makes you spill it. They don't HAVE to dive and often don't.
Before the late great Jonah Lomu (NZ All Black 1994 - 2002) came on the international scene and broke the mould, the disparity between backs and forwards was pretty apparent.
Backs were smaller, faster, more agile, while the forwards provided the strength and muscle.
Lomu was a back (winger) but stood at 6'4" and 265lb, but could run a 100m in 11.2 seconds, meaning he had the physique of a forward, but the attributes of a back.
Now forwards are still huge, but many of them are fast and agile, while the backs are bigger and stronger, which has changed the sport completely.
If it wasn't clear in the video, many top level players are not only massive, but are incredible athletes.
Oh it was clear! Lol
Rugby is a game of territory and possession. The Boks have always excelled at aggression.
This Boks team has evolved from pure power to be able to really shift the ball around.
I say that as an England fan.
Just finished about a month ago watching the world championship for Rugby. The team that won was the Springboks, again. They are from South Africa and 4 times now world champions. I live in France and this year it was held in France.
That was like 2 weeks ago but yea. Very exciting win for them.
That formation is a set piece play. It’s called a Scrum and is usually awarded when a knock on has occurred ( fumble forwards, straight down or backwards is fine) and it’s to reset play.
The team that fumbled, loose possession and the scrum is formed. The opposing team gets to feed the ball into the scrum ( supposed to go in the middle of the two packs, giving both teams a chance to contest for the ball in a show of power if you will lol)
They are also awarded for a few other things, most basic one other than fumble, is when the teams in open play come to a grinding halt and the ball pretty much stuck and not getting out of the forward pack after a Maul or a Ruck ( more on that in a sec)
The team going forward, usually gets the ball back to feed into the scrum, but if the defending team had the upper hand before halt, then they get to feed it in
In rugby, you’ll always notice two things in open play.. they are Rucks and Mauls.
a Maul is when the a tackled player isn’t brought down to ground, and his team mates bind to him and give momentum forward to help gain meters as a unit. As a defending team, you can not bring the maul down to ground, meaning, you can’t collapse it or it’s a penalty against your team. Mauls can be very effective.
a Ruck happens when a player is tackled and he is brought to ground, and players from both sides arrive to bind to the break down. That’s a ruck
The tackled player must release the ball ( can not hold onto it, or it’s a penalty) and the tackler must immediately release the tackled player, before being able to contest for the ball, as the tackler and the immediate first defender, are allowed to use their hands to retrieve the ball. But if they don’t release the tackled player, or roll away, so the ball isn’t obstructed, they give a penalty away to the attacking team. You are not allowed to to play at the ball or opposition when you are on the ground. ( knees and hands count as on the ground, must be able to support yourself to contest)
The next players to join the ruck, in defence or attack, are not allowed to use their hands, but can push over the ball to regain it or steal it. That is probably the most common one that you’ll see when there is a break down in open play.
There is also a thing called a Line-Out, which is a set play that happens when a ball has gone out of bounce on the sidelines.
If the ball touches or crosses the line, it’s called ‘in touch’ rather than out of bounds.
The two teams opposing forwards, line up in a line, about a meter apart. The ball is thrown from outside the out of bounds line, straight down the middle of the two teams, and the two teams can then contest to win the ball, by picking a team mate up to win it in the air. You’ll see that a lot too.
Both Scrums and Line-outs are basically to reset play after a mistake that is not penalty worthy, or the ball being out of play
I hope that clarifies some of the questions you had in regards to the ‘formation’ you asked about.
That was a great reaction and I hope you are soaking up the Rugby World Cup.
PS - Rule number 1 about Rugby is that there are No Rules
They are called Laws. It’s called the Laws of Rugby. Now you’ll always know that hahaha
Thank you and keep up the great work
Thank you for the breakdown. That definitely helps!! I’m excited for the match tomorrow!
@@JustAverageLarry .. you’re welcome mate.. You’re like Aladdin, it’s a whole new world for you. I totally get your excitement lol
As for me, this World Cup had aged me a year, and I feel it will get age me more tomorrow
Up the Bokke
Hi from South Africa - the home of the Rugby World Champs! The formation you asked about - it's a scrum. It's a way for a team to get the ball on their side to defend it. A player from one team has to place the ball on the ground within the scrum. The teams are allowed to push backwards and forwards to get the ball on their side. Once in the possession of a team, the ball is moved towards the back of the players in the scrum and players standing on the outside are able to retrieve it and kick it towards the try their line for a line up, or if already close to the line, run for a try. Hope that makes sense!
I'm woman-splaining, so any gents willing to help with a better explanation, please go ahead!
The scoring system explained. When a player carries the ball past the line (your end zone or whatever you call it) and grounds the ball its called a Try worth 5 points. Straight after a Try you kick the ball between the posts for a Conversion which is an additional 2 points. The angle you kick is how far from the side line (side of the pitch) the Try was grounded. If during gameplay you manage to kick the ball between the posts its called a Drop Goal for 3 points. A penalty kicked between the posts is 3 points too.
The strange position you mention is like a huddle except its called a SCRUM. The test is to push your opponents back to retain possession of the ball.
Rules: you can only pass backwards but allowed to kick forwards.
It’s called a SCRUM when the front 8 from each team go into a collision huddle
The “end zone” is known as the try line area and the ball has to make contact with the ground with downward pressure
They are called Laws
You just need to touch the 'end zone', but it's less trauma on your body to 'slide' since a tackle or sudden shift when you're upright could be more traumatic. It also helps carry the momentum forward.
When no one is chasing you, you'd generally just slow down and place the ball near the goal post.
Interesting fact we started playing rugby in South Africa at the age of 6-7
geeeeeez thats tough!
And then you are considered a late starter..got my first Super Springbok(made out of leather back ten)rugby ball at age two..played in the garden with brothers and friends at age four or five...went on to play rugby for the next 25 years..and today I can feel every game in my body..but wouldn't change a thing...
As an islander I started in under 8s when I was 4. I still remember the first "big" shit I put on. 😂
Def most entertaining sport in the world to watch.
Its non stop action from kick off to the final whistle😅
They usually dive for style, I would say they are not the most feared but are part of a feared group of teams to play. Tonga, Samoa, Fiji , New Zealand and South Africa hit you pretty much with Physicality.
It's not always for style. It's a taught method to ensure you are not caught off guard when you are not completely aware of the other side's players. Notice how the ball is secured under the chest by the hands prior to every try. The other side can still deny a try over the try line. It's just good discipline and procedure. You'll see at about 9 minutes the South African player "rolls" the other player to attempt to deny the try.
You react to anything 🇿🇦I subscribe period ❤
Give me a suggestion! 🙏
number 1 ranking team in the world and world champions
It’s proper Union Rugby as well. Non of the namby pamby League game 😹
It’s a scrum. As American Football is a direct descendant from Rugby you’ll know this from the way it has developed in NFL…….the line of scrimmage. No binding but developing into direct face off in your NFL. Crossing the line (the try line) isn’t enough to score, the ball must be touched down (recognise that term?) so the most secure way to do so, because your opponent can try to dislodge the ball etc, is often to dive down. The headgear is a scrum cap which is basically a cloth covering to protect the ears and help avoid cauliflower ears, or even having them ripped off. It’s personal choice to wear one or not.
Ahh that makes sense! Thank you!
AND THERE'S SHOULDER PADS also worn by choice
@@KR-jg7gc thank you for clarifying.. didn’t seem to be many choosing to wear the shoulder pads from that video.
@KR-jg7gc yes there are but look at the players when they exchange shirts after a game and you'll see very few do. Also look at the film of the changing room beforehand and again a few but that is it. It's choice as you say and the pads aren't exactly like American Football pads
You don't need to slide, but the ball must be grounded in a controlled fashion, so you cannot spike it .
The rules of rugby are quite complicated, but once you know them it's a very entertaining to watch
They slide because ball security is #1, the ball is almost always tucked tight to the body with the forearm covering the length of it so it can't come loose in a tackle. Transferring it to a hand grip while moving at pace risks dropping the ball so they slide regardless of whether or not they are breaking through the defence. The ball, while held, must touch the ground on or past the try line to score.
Yep, the key bit is the ball has to touch the ground 'in control' to score a try. The slide makes it almost impossible for last second shenanigans or loss of control. When you see them simply place the ball on the ground it is when there is no danger whatsoever of tackle.
Great reaction video! I am proudly South African and can't wait for the semi final game against England tonight. If we win we will face New Zealand in the finals and that would make for an AMAZING final!
Yes! I’ve heard that would be the two best teams squaring off for the title!!
The conversion (field goal) is taken anywhere on a line back from the point the ball touches down. That is why it's kicked at an angle, and why players try to touch it down between the posts, for a simple kick. If it's touched down in the corner, you have to go much further back to widen the relative distance between the uprights.
gotta love etzabeth....
Height: 2.03 m (6ft7 almost)
Weight: 117 kg (257 pounds)
of pure muscle and aggression :)
VAT HOM FLUFFY!!!!
HUGE! lol
Great reaction vid, Larry. I've subscribed.
You know here in the UK we don't get to see enough Basketball and Baseball - those are two American sports I'd like to start watching. I'm not too bothered about American football because I think the Rugby is much more entertaining.
Next time I'm in the States though, I definitely wouldn't mind going to see a big football game.
Watch the quarter final match of the 2023 rugby world cup match between South africa and France. One of the best matches ive ever seen
As Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear said,
"Rugby is a little like american football, but for real men" 🤣
That’s fair 😂😭
@@JustAverageLarry I have to ask you. Do you have any sports that are tough...??? Motorsports as an exsample. Europeans have Le Mans (with right turns 🤣) We have more and faster supercars. We have almost everything better in Europe 🤣🤣🤣
The guy watches baseball! We call it 'rounders' in the UK, its a game for girls lol
Only kidding big man.
@@petergordon4525 American Football ain't the same and they still play longer than a player for "girls" with all the pads 😂
Jeremy ain't lying.
@@hushus10021971 yeah I don’t think any sport that originated in America would be considered tough.. but we do however have some of the best competitors at certain tough sports like Boxing and MMA and Wrestling.
Please google Siya Kolisi the Springbok captain. A titan and leader who came from the most abject poverty to achieve and even unite all colours of South Africa behind him. Also Mampimpi - the poor guy has no family, and everyone has adopted him
You dont have to slide but you do have to touch the ball down behind the try line. As for passing, you can pass using your hand but only backwards but you can kick forwards.
From SA here. You will enjoy rugby 7s (since the USA are in it and they are pretty good). The sport is growing slowly. I started learning some NFL and baseball on discord from US friends and vice versa.
Sweet! I’ll take a look at it my friend!
Love the video, thank you for sharing, you know it was the Rugby World Cup final
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!! And yes that final was crazy! Glad they won!
sliding/diving is the best way to touch the ball to the ground without losing control over it. they also often touch the ball down with both hands but that is usually done if not being pursued by a defender because that is difficult to do while running
you can pass by hands only to back, but you can pass by kicking forward
Another great team are the All Blacks (New Zealand) look up All Blacks Rugby Haka. Its like a traditional war cry or a way of showing respect. Im a Scot so im not completly versed in Haka's but its something id love to see. France and Ireland are also good
Main big tournements are 6 Nations and World Cup
Springboks the best defensive rugby team
You can kick the ball forward, but you can only throw/pass it sideways or behind you, that and the lack of padding/protective clothing is the main difference from American football
You kick the "field goal" as you say from the angle you touch down the try. That's why they try to touch it down in the centre when they score to make the kick straight.
Where you score a try, you then get a free kick for an additional point. Where you touch the ball down in the "end zone" when scoring a try dictates where on the pitch you will get to kick from. The further out at the sides of the pitch the harder it will be to score the conversion kick. Thats why we saw the guy run to the centre before touching the ball to the ground. This would only happen when you have the time and space to do it, normally you are diving to get the try or being tackled to the ground. Its only for the fast guys!
Hi there. You can Also check Eben Etzebeth biggest hits, he plays for the springboks from south africa. The team you just checked is also the sringboks.
They dive or slide as you say in celebration and no it's not part of the rules
He headgear is a scrum cap to protect your ears from getting ripped off lol😅😂but it's optional you can choose. The only other protection is a mouth guard
Kicking at an angle. They kick the extra point from the same point the ball was touched down. That’s why the player scoring the “Try” (touchdown in American football) tries to touch the ball down in the center of the goal area. The closer to the middle, the straighter the kick angle. Try’s are 5 points, the kick after is 2.
Catch the RWC final on Sat 28th of Oct 2023. For over 100years, SA vs NZ have been rivals. Rugby is a gladiator sport. #GoBokke
Fun fact, if you have the ball in your hands you're only allowed to pass backwards. If you're gonna kick the ball you can kick it in any direction you want, back or forward.
Your team loses possession and a penalty is given to the other team if you make the mistake of passing forward when the ball is in hand.
Damn that can get tricky!
So!!! PROUD of OUR SPRINGBOKS World Cup WINNERS 2023
When in the "end zone" the ball has to touch the ground for the points to count, the dive n slide is just part of the celebration
OK there have been quite a lot of answers already but the first thing you need to know is that modern Rugby and American Football are descended from the same route, the game of rugby football that started to be played in the mid-19th century by British public (ie private-don’t ask it’s a long story) schools. The first game in the US was in 1875 between Harvard and Yale. Although a governing body had been formed in 1871this only governed the English game. In the US the Intercollegiate Football Association was formed in 1879 and although initially it stuck the rules of Rugby Football it fairly quickly started to evolve as a separate branch of the game. In 1880 the number of players was reduced from 15 to 11 and putting the ball into the scrummage (still the line of scrimmage in US football) was replaced by the snap, the downs in 1882, and the forward pass in 1906 making the two sports effectively separate. You can still hear echoes of US football’s rugby origins though, the field goal (known as a drop goal in rugby) still exists in US football though is seldom used, and yes you have to touch the ball down in rugby to score a touch down even though this has been abandoned in US Football.
Not sure if I would call them the most feared team, but they do have a reputation for borderline/ dirty play. Not taking anything away from how good they are because they are good, but they do do a lot of late tackles, no arms, headbutts etc
Fair enough! I’m not too hip on it yet so I can make no arguments
They have to ground the ball affirmatively with downward force to ensure beyond reasonable doubt that they scored the try, it could be done by tapping the ball on the try line, but also momentum from running and to avoid being tackled out of line also contributes to the sliding.
Rugby is a very physical game, no body pads, purely physical and a very beautiful game.
Watch more games and hopefully you become a follower of the best game in the world.
New sub from South Africa 🇿🇦
Heyyyyy! Thank you!
Rugby is a bit like American football but about ten million times better.
American football has a thing called a "touch down", in which the ball is seldom actually touched down. In rugby, it's called a "try" and the ball must be actually touched down (with downward pressure by hand, arm or front of torso).
Those "push off" things are "scrums".
Light headgear is optional for players in any position though generally worn by forwards (the big guys who form scrums and lineouts). No helmets.
Watch a video explaining the rules, methods of play and history of the game - there is a very good one by an American. The ball has to be literally 'touched down' and a leap is often the best way to make the last few yards. The formation is a 'scrum'. The players can kick forward but can only throw/pass laterally or behind, not forward. The headgear is to protect existing injuries or concussions. Not a field goal, it's a penalty kick or a conversion from a try to a goal. A football, by the way, is a sphere, American footballs are egg shaped like Rugby balls. There are two rugby codes you watched Rugby Union and there is also Rugby League.
The headgear pictured in the video is colloquially known as a "scrum hat" this is why you see some players with it on and others not.
The main purpose of the scrum hat is to protect your head when you're in the scrum. But it does also help protect you in other areas of the game.
As an American this is the only team sport i watch the rest is just kickboxing and muay thai
It’s definitely caught my attention now!
Formations called a scrum, no you don't have to slide but ball has to be placed by hand against ground so sliding generally quickest way. Pass backwards if u didn't notice also. Its essentially American football for men 😂
Those with headgear generally had head injuries in past
It does not look like an (American) Football ball. An American Football ball kinda looks like a Rugby ball.
Semantics lol
There is a substantial difference in the size and mass of these two balls - gridiron ball can be thrown way further than a rugby ball, it's to accommodate the long forward throw in NFL, which doesn't exist in rugby. If I'm correct, the NFL ball can also be kicked much further.@@JustAverageLarry
I struggle to imagine not knowing about rugby as a sport. Grew up with it my earliest memories was the 1995 rugby world cup. We've all been waiting for a USA Rugby team....would love to see another nation added to the tournament. Thanks for the content. Rugby world cup in progress at the moment. South Africa vs England in the Semifinals. New Zealand won their Semifinals against Argentina last night so its probably going to be a SA vs NZ Final next weekend.
That would be an epic final!
Rugby is a very physical sport, but it's also extremely technical. You can run with or kick the ball forward (chasers of a kick have to be behind the kicker when the ball is kicked, if the player is in front of the kicker they are inelligible to chase the kick or tackle the player that receieves the kick until the kicker themselves have caught up to the ball), but you may only pass the ball backwards or "flat" (in line).
If the ball goes forward from a players hands, no matter with it was intentional or not, no matter if it was actually a pass or not and no matter if the balleven goes to a team mate or not, it does not matter, this is called a knock-on. It's actively the same as a blatant forward pass and will be penalised immediately, referee's will play advantage for up to 10 phases after an infraction but usually less than 5 phases.
You can only tackle the player that has the ball in their possession, no one else, you can't bump others (off the ball incidents), get in any one else's way (that's called interference and is penalised immediately).
Almost every rule in rugby is similar to the compexity of the offside rule is footbal (soccer), all the rules are there to prevent obvious issues coming up that can result in predictably one sided play and to prevent/avoid injuries to players. Rugby players are often very big, very powerful guys so it's important to make sure they don't rip each other's heads off and play safely.
The "formation" at 05:11 is called a scrum, it's an organised "tussle" for the ball where one side gets the "put in" (they roll the ball sideways into the gap between the two sets of players) this particular scrum develops into a rolling maul (when the whole one team pushes the whole other team backwards, notice how the scrum half (the guy at the back of the scrum) "ushers" the ball forward, he has to keep it their between his legs and under control to maintain a rolling maul, otherwise he must "use it" as the ref will tell him, by picking it up and either passing (backwards or flat) of kick it to a team mate.
A scrum is like a formal break-down, not to be confused with a ruck (a similar sort of thing to a scrum) which is spontaneously created when the ball is on the ground an opposing players are fighting for it.
A ruck is also not to be confused with a maul, or rolling maul, which is basically a ruck that is moving, normally in the direction the stronger team wants it to go.
The validity is tackles is dictated by very specific rules, like entering a ruck/maul "through the gate" which means to cant just come flying into a tackle out of left field, you have to enter a tackle from your side's side, if you know what I mean (so like from the back of the forward moving group of players that are contesting the ball).
You'll also notice in rugby that the referee's word is the law, end of story, there is no discussion here, do what the ref says or leave the field of play.
Players DO NOT backchat the referee, they do not question the referee, they do as the ref says, if a player so much as looks at the ref funny he can be sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes (yellow card) of for 20 minutes (red card) .
This being said you will also hear the referee constantly throughout the 80 minute game, always letting players know if the can legally engage in tackles, if they're off-side, if the ball is deemed to be playable or available, etc. The ref talks a lot during the game. This is to avoid unnecessary penalisation of players doing things they thought they were allowed to but aren't, like releasing after a tackle 6:59, the attacking player must fully release the tackled player BEFORE attempting to play the ball (that's why the springbok player throws his hands in the air quickly to show he's released the tackle and can legally now play the ball). Also tackler must roll away from the break-down once they're on the ground, they may not continue to attempt to play the ball they must roll away first to allow new tacklers to enter the break-down through the gate.
08:53 it's a conversion. After a team scores a try (5 points) they get a kick at the poles. The kick must be in line with where the try was scored (touched down behind the line) the kicker can choose how far back to place the ball so he can dictate the angle, this is why they always prefer to score a try between the posts, so the kick is directly in front of the poles and the angle is irrelevant basically.
The main team you were watching here is the Springboks, the national rugby team of South Africa.
4 time world cup winners (bearing in mind we were not allowed to play any officially sanctioned matches internationally throughout Apartheid)
Ranked World #1
The only team that comes close to the Springboks is New Zealand, the team that wears wears all black kits (hence their nickname, the All Blacks)
Unlike American football where you just cross the line - in rugby the ball MUST be grounded to score. If the ball doesn't touch the ground the try isn't awarded, hence the final actions to stop somebody getting between the ball and the ground.
Unlike a 'Touchdown' that doesn't...!!
You have to put the ball down with pressure, like you used to have to with a touchdown (hence the name) - the PAT (or conversion in rugby) is kicked from in line with wherever the ball is put down so you’ll see them trying to run behind the posts if they can. You put it down just inside the sideline then basically you’re kicking from the sideline for the conversion / PAT. It’s the one rule in Rugby I’d love to see back in American Football.
Coincidentally Canadian Football does retain a bit more of its Rugby heritage than American Football (they both evolved from it) especially when it comes to kicks, there’s a lot more freedom to kick in the CFL
Ahh I see. Thank you for breaking that down!
@@JustAverageLarry you’re welcome mate
The British Empire was won on the sports fields of Eton. Can't remember who said it but it's not difficult to make the correlation.
Ball is only allowed to be passed back, if you want the ball to go forward you kick it.
6:41 no you do not have to slide but it's Rugby swag
Bizarre that in Rugby you HAVE to touch the ball down in the end zone to score a try but in American football you only have to get into the endzone to score but call it a Touchdown!!
Yeah I thought so too! Somebody in the comments said that also used to be the case in American Football which is why they called it a touchdown. 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
Yes guess they are similar games that have diverged over the years to different rules. Keep up the good work.
@@wayneclark9435 will do my friend! Thank you!
@@JustAverageLarrythe reason you have to touch down the ball (score a try, win points) on the grass, is because the distance from the poles determines your angle of position to try kick between the pole (called converting a try and it earns you further points). If you score a try right in the middle of the poles then you can basically kick your conversion straight down the middle. The further away from the poles when you score a try, the wider the angle to kick the conversion. Whilst playing, you are also allowed to attempt a drop kick through the poles but you need to be a really good kicker and be in just the right position with no one trying to tackle you in the moment. When it happens, it's a thing of beauty. Lastly you can score point via penalty kicks through the poles if the other team makes certain errors. Though, you only get the points if you make the kick.
Bizarre that you call american "football" when you play with hands, bizarre that you stop the game everytime someone touch your dancers.
In rugby we don’t play we go to war. Nothing comparable with your game please, that why it’s played everywhere in the world and nobody give a fuck of your tv dancing game except for the concert at superbowl
Sliding is a good way to ensure a try. If you look at the field, notice the narrow strip behind the posts. A player with momentum can go too fast and if the ball is not brought to ground in time, the try might be missed by going over the last line on the field, which is where the ball is dead/unplayable.
The formation you ask about is called a scrum. It is a fixed formation where the forward players (generally most powerful), control the ball with the foot. In the case of the one you question the ball was "put into the scrum" by the opposing team and then control of the ball is won by the green team, who pushes as one towards the goal or try line, for the try.
This game is not for wimps. And it is played by literally most schoolboys from an early age. Definitely a game to love, is rugby!
Watch more of it. You will get to understand it, and learn to love it for what it is. Tough, physical and not for the meek.
We call it grounding the ball on the try line it's not sliding
It’s called a scrum when they form a tight circle and when they form two lines and jump for the ball it’s called a line up the end zone is the goal line
Line out
As a huge rugby fan, let me tell you this, if there's no blood it's a crap match 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Fair point!
Not a field goal but a conversion, and the angle and distance depends on where you got the try on the in goal area.
The field goal as u call it is a conversion u get one after every try the tryvis worth 5 points n a conversion is worth 2 but a penalty kick is worth 3 points n the conversion is taken from where the try is scored so if its by the side lines it makes a harder conversion kick
Oooooo I like they make it where the score was.. gives you more incentive to score from the middle!
@JustAverageLarry, exactly. The perfect spot to score a try is right between the posts. Even an average kicker couldn't miss a conversion right in front of the posts. Regarding the diving tries, many a try has been scored by a player with ball in hand diving OVER the defenders to dot the ball down. If you want to see one springbok scoring in style watch Bryan Habana. That guy was a bullet on the field. Retired now sadly, but Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie are also fast as hell.
You only have to make a controlled force on the ball with the hands over the touch line to score a try. The slides are usually just theatrics. although, often diving or sliding can have their benefits.
Yes Larry now you’re getting to the good stuff
I'm not an avid rugby watcher, but definitely prefer it to NFL because it's far more fast-paced and continuous vs the stop-start style of NFL. And you are right, rugby is far more intense than NFL, 40 minutes per half and as you could see, play doesn't stop when the ball holder is tackled, it forms a new phase for the other players to come in and get the ball back in play. Rugby players are also some of the fittest professional sportsmen because they need to have a combination of strength, power and endurance. All in all, not my game per se, but certainly do appreciate it for the level of physical prowess and skill required to play at that level.
I''d say the three toughest teams (arguably) currently are the Springboks, the All Blacks (these two are very old foes !) and in recent years also Ireland. France joins them at nr 4 imo. When any of these 4 teams play each other, they won't necessarily 'fear' the other team, but they will for sure be lifting their game and do some serious prep !
American football actually developed from rugby and association football (soccer).
Yeah for sure! It does seem like a cross between the two.
The ball has to be touched down so it’s best to slide across the line with the ball and when both teams form a circle it’s called a Scrum.
Highly recommend Sports Explained - he did a video called Rugby Explained for American Football fans (he’s American and does the best videos explaining sports, his Cricket ones are amazing).
I'll look into it!
Snatching this tip for the cricket series. The IPL has come into my house and now I’ve shown interest it’s been assumed I will sit through test cricket 😂😂😂 and it’s World Cup season now 🥲
For y'all americans, google Buck Shelford from the All Blacks. Torn one of his scrotum - with one testicles dangling for its dear life - and still able to finish the game. Sorry to say that rugby is like american football but for real man.
Dammmmmmmn… that’s a little too much!! 😭
Yes, I do think that rugby is way tougher than gridiron, but make no mistake, gridiron does have some heavy hits as well, it's not a game for pussies either !@@JustAverageLarry
When a try is scored - getting into the end zone, the ball has to be placed. Often times the safest way is to slide as the defensive team is closing in to make a tackle. After the try is scored you can convert the try with a place kick for an extra 2 points.
No they don't have to slide they can do whatever they want, as long as the ball hits the ground with a players contact. This is called a try and the end zone is the try zone.
The line before the try zone is called a try line, a successful try is awarded 5 game points sometimes with a conversion(an attempt made to kick the ball between two posts)of 2 points which shifts the points from 5 to 7 if the kick is successful. A try is usually successful by touchdown, or sliding in the try zone with the ball.
The 'field goal' is called a conversion and you get one after scoring a try and has to be kicked from in line with where the try was touched down in the end zone
in the "end zone" the ball actually has to be pushed onto the ground it cant just be caught while stood in the "end zone". So you'll see people push the ball down with their hands or run and slide and push the ball down to the ground
Thank you for breaking that down. I think someone mentioned that used to be the case in American Football as well.. weird I never knew that.
The sliding makes the scoring more stylish...
They don't have to slide though.
You dont have to slide to score but u do need to touch the ball to the ground so sliding is often the safest way to do so. But is also shown as a celebration itself if you’re open. Thats why the Fijians are known as the Flying Fijians as the do exaggerated jumps and slides
Nice!!
@@JustAverageLarry In the NFL where to score a touchdown you dont actually have to touch the ball down lol in Rugby you have to touch the ball to the ground in the "end zone" to score a try which is worth 5 points.
The head gear or scrum cap is purely optional. Protect the head (theoretically)
Basic rules- you can only pass the ball backwards, if the ball is knocked forward then "it's a knock on" there is a scrum to introduce the ball back into the game. You can kick the ball forward but only you and team mates behind you can play it.
Yeah, we all know that, it's the Yank you need to explain it to.