Introduction
For many South Africans, understanding rugby is vital because the game is not just a sport, it is a way of life. Whether you are in a packed stadium in Cape Town, or with friends at a shebeen in Soweto, rugby has the power to unite our beautiful and diverse nation. But for those unfamiliar with this exhilarating game, understanding the rules can be daunting.
With the Springboks playing on Saturday, in one of the biggest Rugby World Cup finals of all time, it is best to be familiar with the game so you can be truly united with die-hard fans. This article will be your open door to understanding rugby. Do not be caught off like Kylian Mbappe, let us break it down for you!
Understanding Rugby: The Basics
Understanding rugby begins here: Rugby is a team sport where two teams, each consisting of 15 players, compete to score points by carrying, passing, kicking, and grounding the ball. The team with the most points at the end of the match wins. Matches consist of two 40-minute halves.
The Field
The rugby field, or pitch, is a grassy rectangle, approximately 100 metres long and 70 metres wide. The field is marked with lines, including the halfway line, 22-metre lines, and the try lines (goal lines). On each try line, there is a set of goalposts shaped like an H.
Scoring
There are four ways to score in rugby:
- Try (5 points): This is scored when a player grounds the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area, between the try line and the dead-ball line.
- Conversion (2 points): After scoring a try, the team has an opportunity to kick the ball between the goalposts for an additional 2 points.
- Penalty Kick (3 points): Awarded after certain infringements. The team can opt to kick the ball between the goalposts.
- Drop Goal (3 points): Players can drop-kick the ball between the goalposts during open play.
Position and Roles
Rugby players are broadly classified into forwards and backs.
Forwards (Players 1-8): The big boys. They are involved in the scrum (a set piece where players pack together), lineouts (where the ball is thrown back into play), and often carry the ball in close contact situations.
Backs (Players 9-15): Generally swifter and more active, backs handle a lot of the running and passing in open play.
Rules and Play
Some basic rules to understand:
- Passing: The ball can only be passed backward or laterally. No forward passes are allowed!
- Tackling: Players can be tackled by opponents to stop their progress. Once tackled, a player must release the ball.
- Ruck: After a tackle, players from both teams can compete for the ball by driving over it.
- Maul: Occurs when a ball carrier is held up by one or more opponents and one or more of the ball carrier’s teammates bind onto the ball carrier.
Offside and Infringements
Players are offside if they are ahead of a teammate carrying, kicking, or last touching the ball. Being offside restricts certain actions. Other common infringements include forward passes, knock-ons (accidentally hitting the ball forward with the hand or arm), and various types of foul play.
In Conclusion
Rugby is a beautiful game that combines strength, speed, strategy, and skill. While it might seem complex at first glance, once you get the hang of the basics, understanding rugby will be a breeze. You will be shouting “Go Bokke!” with the best of them. With the Springboks setting up to win one of the biggest matches in South Africa’s history, it would be a shame if you missed out on prime entertainment because you spent the game in confusion. So, now that you are all caught up, grab a cold beer, put on your green and gold, and dive into the world of rugby.
In the lead-up to the big game, go to RugbyPass for up-to-date news on all things rugby. Cheers!