Wow, who would have thought? Another Big upset, Australia losing 32-23 to Samoa at the Olympic Stadium over the weekend. I'm sure no one saw this coming especially after the Super Rugby win by the Reds, we all thought that they were unstoppable.
To think that a few years ago, in the same game, the Wallabies won 74-7 and were expected to double the dose this time. Everyone thought how could Samoa, who've lost five of their last six Tests, possibly compete against a two-time world champion team of Australians? I guess the Wallabies were just as surprised as everyone is and a lot of people lost a lot of bets.
Samoa fielded a completely new team to the on that finished last in the recent Pacific Nations Cup tournament, while Australia had frontline players on the bench or out injured only a week after Queensland wrapped up the Super 15 title.
Renowned for heavy defense, but often inclined to fade at the end of matches against the top nations, Samoa held it together throughout the 80 minutes against the Wallabies only a week out from the Tri-Nations and just months before the World Cup kicks off in New Zealand.
This just shows that anything is possible, all the rugby games this year are full of surprises and its only just begun.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
New Zealands big wake up call before the World Cup
As everyone knows that New Zealand has the best rugby players, not the same can be said about the coaches. The All mighty All Blacks are now seeing flames after the Super Rugby final, losing to the no so
threatening Reds who seemed to be on a roll this season. The Reds' Super Rugby win was a sign that Australia is a major World Cup threat. New Zealand desperate and under pressure to win the September-October tournament on home soil.
Comments from major publications and the coaches were:
"It's Rugby World Cup year and cue the awakening of that great slumbering giant called Australian rugby," Marshall wrote in the Dominion Post.
The New Zealand Herald said the Reds' win was a “wake-up call to the home side”, who will enter the World Cup as favourites.
"The All Blacks will lose the World Cup -- that's the subtext to the Super 15 grand final," columnist Chris Rattue said.
"Victory will create a Wallaby-wide good vibe about the World Cup, the cheerleaders in the fourth estate will go up a gear and (coach) Robbie Deans will be urging caution," he wrote.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said he believed Australia were "always going to be a potent threat in the Ruby World Cup, and that hasn't changed".
But he said there were threats from other nations.
"South Africa have got a history of playing well at Rugby World Cups," he told Radio New Zealand.
"They play a very narrow style without making mistakes, kick a lot of ball, drive a lot of line-outs etc, so they'll be difficult."
Players from the Reds dominated Australia's Tri-Nations 40-man squad named Sunday, with 15 selections, while the All Blacks 34-man squad has 11 Crusaders. Neither squad is expected to undergo major changes
for the World Cup.
I think the fact that the Aussies are playing well is very good for South Africa because the more pressure the All Blacks are under it could be anyones game. With all this drama from the Super Rugby and now the Tri nations, this years World Cup is going to be very interesting to watch, not going to miss a thing, every country upped their game play. I predict a lot of upsets but I hope our boys the Boks go all the way.
threatening Reds who seemed to be on a roll this season. The Reds' Super Rugby win was a sign that Australia is a major World Cup threat. New Zealand desperate and under pressure to win the September-October tournament on home soil.
Comments from major publications and the coaches were:
"It's Rugby World Cup year and cue the awakening of that great slumbering giant called Australian rugby," Marshall wrote in the Dominion Post.
The New Zealand Herald said the Reds' win was a “wake-up call to the home side”, who will enter the World Cup as favourites.
"The All Blacks will lose the World Cup -- that's the subtext to the Super 15 grand final," columnist Chris Rattue said.
"Victory will create a Wallaby-wide good vibe about the World Cup, the cheerleaders in the fourth estate will go up a gear and (coach) Robbie Deans will be urging caution," he wrote.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said he believed Australia were "always going to be a potent threat in the Ruby World Cup, and that hasn't changed".
But he said there were threats from other nations.
"South Africa have got a history of playing well at Rugby World Cups," he told Radio New Zealand.
"They play a very narrow style without making mistakes, kick a lot of ball, drive a lot of line-outs etc, so they'll be difficult."
Players from the Reds dominated Australia's Tri-Nations 40-man squad named Sunday, with 15 selections, while the All Blacks 34-man squad has 11 Crusaders. Neither squad is expected to undergo major changes
for the World Cup.
I think the fact that the Aussies are playing well is very good for South Africa because the more pressure the All Blacks are under it could be anyones game. With all this drama from the Super Rugby and now the Tri nations, this years World Cup is going to be very interesting to watch, not going to miss a thing, every country upped their game play. I predict a lot of upsets but I hope our boys the Boks go all the way.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Some facts of the Currie Cup teams - taken from rugby365.com
Sharks:
Last years Currie Cup champs severely hampered by international call-ups. 16 players are unavailable for selection - 15 due to their Springbok commitments and one Steven Sykes has left for Irish club Leinster - so it will be a almost completely different side from the one that recently played in the Super Rugby competition.
Newly appointed captain Keegan Daniel is the only forward from last years team that won 30-10 final victory over Western Province in Durban. Among the backs, only Stefan Terblanche and Louis Ludik remain. The latest additions are centre Marius Joubert, who joins from Clermont Auvergne in France, and French flyhalf Frederic Michalak.
Among those to watch out for in the new season are hookers Kyle Cooper and Craig Burden, No.8 Marcell Coetzee and fetcher Francois Kleinhans.
Blue Bulls:
The Bulls will, once again in a World Cup year, have to call on their rookies and fringe players.
The side is without 16 regular starters, who are part of the Springbok group, but this number could decrease by the time the World Cup squad is named.
They still have Springboks Akona Ndungane, Gary Botha, Dewald Potgieter and Jaco Pretorius available.
The side also boasts new talent will now have the opportunity to stake their claim in the absence of Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Wynand Olivier.
They have a new coach Pine Pienaar , rookies like fullback Jurgen Visser, loosehead prop Corné Fourie and centre Francois Venter expected to play in the top-flight competition for the first time. They have also secured the services of former Lions hooker Willie Wepener who will add to the team's depth at hooker.
Their success will depend on how well the youngsters make the step up from the junior structures to senior level.
Western Province:
While most other sides do not have their Springbok players, Western Province have to make do without a host of injured squad members.
Eighthman Duane Vermeulen, scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage, lock Reinhart Elstadt, flank Pieter Louw, prop JC Kritzinger and flyhalf Lionel Cronje are all nursing injuries.
Young Nick Koster will be one of the key men to watch while a lot of responsibility rests on the shoulders of flyhalf Gary van Aswegen who showed great promise at Super Rugby level before his injury.
Province should again have the hungriest players in the competition and if they continue to defend like they have over the past two seasons, a Currie Cup title is well within their reach.
Lions:
It has been 12 years since the Lions last lifted the title, and as the union's president said at the team's season launch, they are going through "adverse" times.
Elton Jantjies and Butch James, who are part of the Springboks' Tri-Nations and World Cup plans, will both be unavailable, but they are nonetheless the top-flight team with the least disruptions.
In their absence, a lot will be expected from Burton Francis who is one of the better kicking flyhalves in the competition.
Key players to watch for this season are flanker Derick Minnie and scrumhalf Jano Vermaak.
Cheetahs:
They never seem to run out of world class forwards, and phenomenal flyhalf Sias Ebersohn will make them even more dangerous this year.
Ebersohn is a match winner and the fact that he only needs to skip pass his inside centre to find his twin brother Robert - who is just as talented - could make the lives of opposing defenders very difficult.
Having bid farewell to hooker and captain Adriaan Strauss, Heinrich Brussow, loosehead prop Coenie Oosthuizen and eighthman Ashley Johnson, who will be away on Tri-Nations duty, it will be interesting to see how the men selected in their places face up to the challenge.
On the up-side, centre Andries Strauss will make his return from injury and will also take over the captaincy.
One of the men to watch this season will be Springbok Sevens star Boom Prinsloo who will play at eighthman where he made a name for himself in the Varsity Cup for Shimlas.
So despite the disruptions in personnel, they should still be favourites to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
Leopards:
A new coach, a new team and a few reinforcements should make the Potchefstroom-based team far more threatening than they were last year.
The Leopards survived last season's relegation play-offs and will consider themselves fortunate to have another crack at it with the big guns.
Few members of last year's team have stayed on as many have been lured to the First Division.
Underestimating this team, especially when they play at home, could damage the hopes of some of the title holders.
Griquas:
The dangerous Griquas have shown over the last two years that they can no longer be considered minnows.
They will be boosted by a host of players who featured in this year's Super Rugby season as part of the Cheetahs franchise.
Players like fullback Riaan Viljoen, scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius and loose forward Davon Raubenheimer have been instrumental in the Cheetahs' achievements this season. Barry Geel, Martin Muller, Ryno Barnes and Lourens Adriaanse also gained Super Rugby experience at the Cheetahs.
Griquas' lack of depth has been their Achilles heel in the Currie Cup as they have suffered many injuries midway through the season.
Most teams, however, have found the going tough in Kimberley and Griquas will hope to use the tough conditions at home to their advantage.
Pumas:
With the possibility of the Currie Cup being reduced by two teams next year, the Pumas are hell-bent on finishing sixth in the 2011 edition of the Premier Division.
They were the surprise package of the 2010 Currie Cup as they caused upsets against two of the big unions in their debut year, narrowly beating the Blue Bulls in Nelspruit and defeating the Lions in Johannesburg. The Pumas' potent pack of forwards will now be complimented with a versatile backline with the inclusion of four Springbok Sevens players.
Key players to watch out for among the forwards are flanker Corne Steenkamp and eighthman Doppies le Roux.
The Pumas have the ability to cause an upset or two, but a lack of depth will ultimately provide a stumbling block in securing that targeted sixth place.
Last years Currie Cup champs severely hampered by international call-ups. 16 players are unavailable for selection - 15 due to their Springbok commitments and one Steven Sykes has left for Irish club Leinster - so it will be a almost completely different side from the one that recently played in the Super Rugby competition.
Newly appointed captain Keegan Daniel is the only forward from last years team that won 30-10 final victory over Western Province in Durban. Among the backs, only Stefan Terblanche and Louis Ludik remain. The latest additions are centre Marius Joubert, who joins from Clermont Auvergne in France, and French flyhalf Frederic Michalak.
Among those to watch out for in the new season are hookers Kyle Cooper and Craig Burden, No.8 Marcell Coetzee and fetcher Francois Kleinhans.
Blue Bulls:
The Bulls will, once again in a World Cup year, have to call on their rookies and fringe players.
The side is without 16 regular starters, who are part of the Springbok group, but this number could decrease by the time the World Cup squad is named.
They still have Springboks Akona Ndungane, Gary Botha, Dewald Potgieter and Jaco Pretorius available.
The side also boasts new talent will now have the opportunity to stake their claim in the absence of Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Wynand Olivier.
They have a new coach Pine Pienaar , rookies like fullback Jurgen Visser, loosehead prop Corné Fourie and centre Francois Venter expected to play in the top-flight competition for the first time. They have also secured the services of former Lions hooker Willie Wepener who will add to the team's depth at hooker.
Their success will depend on how well the youngsters make the step up from the junior structures to senior level.
Western Province:
While most other sides do not have their Springbok players, Western Province have to make do without a host of injured squad members.
Eighthman Duane Vermeulen, scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage, lock Reinhart Elstadt, flank Pieter Louw, prop JC Kritzinger and flyhalf Lionel Cronje are all nursing injuries.
Young Nick Koster will be one of the key men to watch while a lot of responsibility rests on the shoulders of flyhalf Gary van Aswegen who showed great promise at Super Rugby level before his injury.
Province should again have the hungriest players in the competition and if they continue to defend like they have over the past two seasons, a Currie Cup title is well within their reach.
Lions:
It has been 12 years since the Lions last lifted the title, and as the union's president said at the team's season launch, they are going through "adverse" times.
Elton Jantjies and Butch James, who are part of the Springboks' Tri-Nations and World Cup plans, will both be unavailable, but they are nonetheless the top-flight team with the least disruptions.
In their absence, a lot will be expected from Burton Francis who is one of the better kicking flyhalves in the competition.
Key players to watch for this season are flanker Derick Minnie and scrumhalf Jano Vermaak.
Cheetahs:
They never seem to run out of world class forwards, and phenomenal flyhalf Sias Ebersohn will make them even more dangerous this year.
Ebersohn is a match winner and the fact that he only needs to skip pass his inside centre to find his twin brother Robert - who is just as talented - could make the lives of opposing defenders very difficult.
Having bid farewell to hooker and captain Adriaan Strauss, Heinrich Brussow, loosehead prop Coenie Oosthuizen and eighthman Ashley Johnson, who will be away on Tri-Nations duty, it will be interesting to see how the men selected in their places face up to the challenge.
On the up-side, centre Andries Strauss will make his return from injury and will also take over the captaincy.
One of the men to watch this season will be Springbok Sevens star Boom Prinsloo who will play at eighthman where he made a name for himself in the Varsity Cup for Shimlas.
So despite the disruptions in personnel, they should still be favourites to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
Leopards:
A new coach, a new team and a few reinforcements should make the Potchefstroom-based team far more threatening than they were last year.
The Leopards survived last season's relegation play-offs and will consider themselves fortunate to have another crack at it with the big guns.
Few members of last year's team have stayed on as many have been lured to the First Division.
Underestimating this team, especially when they play at home, could damage the hopes of some of the title holders.
Griquas:
The dangerous Griquas have shown over the last two years that they can no longer be considered minnows.
They will be boosted by a host of players who featured in this year's Super Rugby season as part of the Cheetahs franchise.
Players like fullback Riaan Viljoen, scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius and loose forward Davon Raubenheimer have been instrumental in the Cheetahs' achievements this season. Barry Geel, Martin Muller, Ryno Barnes and Lourens Adriaanse also gained Super Rugby experience at the Cheetahs.
Griquas' lack of depth has been their Achilles heel in the Currie Cup as they have suffered many injuries midway through the season.
Most teams, however, have found the going tough in Kimberley and Griquas will hope to use the tough conditions at home to their advantage.
Pumas:
With the possibility of the Currie Cup being reduced by two teams next year, the Pumas are hell-bent on finishing sixth in the 2011 edition of the Premier Division.
They were the surprise package of the 2010 Currie Cup as they caused upsets against two of the big unions in their debut year, narrowly beating the Blue Bulls in Nelspruit and defeating the Lions in Johannesburg. The Pumas' potent pack of forwards will now be complimented with a versatile backline with the inclusion of four Springbok Sevens players.
Key players to watch out for among the forwards are flanker Corne Steenkamp and eighthman Doppies le Roux.
The Pumas have the ability to cause an upset or two, but a lack of depth will ultimately provide a stumbling block in securing that targeted sixth place.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Rugby Positions explained
Rugby Positions explained
Rugby teams are known as "15s" because they consist of two groups of players: 8 forwards and 7 backs. Each position has specific responsibilities during the match and the numbers 1-15 on the players’ jersey refer to the position they play, rather than a personal squad number.
The Forwards "the pack":
The main role of the 8 forwards, who play in the first 3 rows , is to gain and retain possession of the ball and play in the scrum. They are usually larger and stronger but slower and less agile than the backs.
They essentially do everything that is meaningful in the game.
Front Row:
The front row is noted for their power and good looks, like no necks, battered ears, and S-shaped noses. They are without a doubt the manliest men on the pitch. Large (Units), often hairy and will smash anything in their path. They are rarely considered "nice"people, and in fact to some they aren't even considered humans at all. Accused by some of simply being dumb, I prefer to think of this group as "open to unconventionalways of thinking". They are made up of the hooker and the 2 props;the first rows meet in the scrum and try to prevent the opponent from moving the ball forward.
1 Loose head prop Forward position to the Left of the hooker; in ascrum, this player supports the hooker and pushes the opponent forward to gain field advantage.
2 hooker Position between the two props; this player attempts to gain possession of the ball in a scrum and to kick it back to team mates.
3 Tight head prop positioned Right of the hooker; in a scrum,this player supports the hooker and pushes the opponent to gain field advantage.
The Second row:
Its the engine room where the power flows. They are appreciated by the front row for their power in the scrummage but they are generally not as good looking as the front row. They are made up of two lock forwards:
4 Lock on the Left of the field; one of this player’s roles is to recover the ball during line-outs, rucks and mauls.The one lock is tall, with plenty of leverage strength in the legs. He must be productive in the lineouts as a jumper or supporter. Mobility is an added plus.
5 Lock on the Right side of the field; this player’s main role is torecover the ball during line-outs, rucks and mauls.
The loose forwards include the #8 and the flankers.
They are respected by the front row for their mobility, fitness, defense and support work. The loosey must have tremendous fitness and ballfetching instincts which are not completely understood or trusted bythe props and hooker, who are perfectly content to scrummage all day for the ball.
6 Blind side Flanker to the left of the no. 8 forward; this playercombines power with speed to play offensive and defensive roles. Must be able to take tackles.
7 Blind side Flanker to the right of the no. 8 forward; this player uses power and speed to play offensive and defensive roles. Must beable to steal the ball no matter what.
no. 8 forward Third-row position between the two flank forwards; whenplay is in progress, this player relays the ball from the forwards to the halves.
The Backs:
The main role of the 7 backs positioned behind the forwards isto take the ball won by the forwards and score points, either by running or kicking the ball.
#Back Row: (Same as Loose Forwards)
These are fine, fit fellows linked to the forwards. Some will do anything to win the ball and there are others within will do anything to prance foolishly with the ball. Generally, these guys are not all bad, but I, personally, have to wonder about any forward who brings a hair brush and a change of clothes to a game.
9 Scrum Half - Position that acts as a link between the forwards and the backs; this player recovers the ball in a scrum and mounts the team’s attack. Some like to think of this back as an honorary forward. While the toughest back almost always fills this position, kind of like the hottest fat chick. The scrum half's presence is tolerated by the forwards because they know that he will spin the ball to the rest of the girls in the backline who will inevitably knock the ball on and allow them the pleasure of another scrum.
10 The Flyhalf - It is rumored that the Fly has the best vision,hands, kicking ability, and overall tactical decision making ability on the side. The forwards do not understand or trust this individual. His primary role is the leader of the backs - the fly half, like any good Broadway choreographer, is usually light on his feet. While some may argue that these girls must be protected, I find it hard to support anyone whose foot touches a rugby ball on purpose.
Centers:
The hard chargers who will announce their presence in a game with the authority rarely found above No.8. They are supposed to be deadly tacklers, with strong running instincts and good hands.
12 left center Back position near the left wing; Big fast guy and an excellent passer, this player challenges opposing centers and breaksdown the defense.
13 right center Back positioned near the right wing; Big fast guy and an excellent passer, this player challenges opposing centers and breaks down the defense.
Back 3 - The Fullback and 2 Wingers -
They are allegedly fast with excellent striking ability. They are supposed to score lots of trys, catch the high ball, and counter attack with flair. But the stark reality (well understood by the forwards) is that the fullback and wingers prance and preen more thanthe inside backs. They don't get dirty and are always playing with their hair and pulling on their collars. Some props think fullbacks and wingers are "real purdy."
11 Left wing - Back who covers the left side of the field; this playeris a fast runner and must be able to catch the ball no matter what.
14 Right wing - Back positioned on the right of the field; this playeris a fast runner and must be able to catch the ball no matter what.
15 Fullback positioned in front of the goal fast runner with catchingand kicking skills; this player is the last line of defense for an opponent attempting to score a try.
Reserves
16 Replacement Hooker
17 Replacement Prop
18 Replacement Flanker
19 Replacement Loose forward
20 Replacement Fly Half or Scrum half
21 Replacement Back
22 Replacement Back
Rugby teams are known as "15s" because they consist of two groups of players: 8 forwards and 7 backs. Each position has specific responsibilities during the match and the numbers 1-15 on the players’ jersey refer to the position they play, rather than a personal squad number.
The Forwards "the pack":
The main role of the 8 forwards, who play in the first 3 rows , is to gain and retain possession of the ball and play in the scrum. They are usually larger and stronger but slower and less agile than the backs.
They essentially do everything that is meaningful in the game.
Front Row:
The front row is noted for their power and good looks, like no necks, battered ears, and S-shaped noses. They are without a doubt the manliest men on the pitch. Large (Units), often hairy and will smash anything in their path. They are rarely considered "nice"people, and in fact to some they aren't even considered humans at all. Accused by some of simply being dumb, I prefer to think of this group as "open to unconventionalways of thinking". They are made up of the hooker and the 2 props;the first rows meet in the scrum and try to prevent the opponent from moving the ball forward.
1 Loose head prop Forward position to the Left of the hooker; in ascrum, this player supports the hooker and pushes the opponent forward to gain field advantage.
2 hooker Position between the two props; this player attempts to gain possession of the ball in a scrum and to kick it back to team mates.
3 Tight head prop positioned Right of the hooker; in a scrum,this player supports the hooker and pushes the opponent to gain field advantage.
The Second row:
Its the engine room where the power flows. They are appreciated by the front row for their power in the scrummage but they are generally not as good looking as the front row. They are made up of two lock forwards:
4 Lock on the Left of the field; one of this player’s roles is to recover the ball during line-outs, rucks and mauls.The one lock is tall, with plenty of leverage strength in the legs. He must be productive in the lineouts as a jumper or supporter. Mobility is an added plus.
5 Lock on the Right side of the field; this player’s main role is torecover the ball during line-outs, rucks and mauls.
The loose forwards include the #8 and the flankers.
They are respected by the front row for their mobility, fitness, defense and support work. The loosey must have tremendous fitness and ballfetching instincts which are not completely understood or trusted bythe props and hooker, who are perfectly content to scrummage all day for the ball.
6 Blind side Flanker to the left of the no. 8 forward; this playercombines power with speed to play offensive and defensive roles. Must be able to take tackles.
7 Blind side Flanker to the right of the no. 8 forward; this player uses power and speed to play offensive and defensive roles. Must beable to steal the ball no matter what.
no. 8 forward Third-row position between the two flank forwards; whenplay is in progress, this player relays the ball from the forwards to the halves.
The Backs:
The main role of the 7 backs positioned behind the forwards isto take the ball won by the forwards and score points, either by running or kicking the ball.
#Back Row: (Same as Loose Forwards)
These are fine, fit fellows linked to the forwards. Some will do anything to win the ball and there are others within will do anything to prance foolishly with the ball. Generally, these guys are not all bad, but I, personally, have to wonder about any forward who brings a hair brush and a change of clothes to a game.
9 Scrum Half - Position that acts as a link between the forwards and the backs; this player recovers the ball in a scrum and mounts the team’s attack. Some like to think of this back as an honorary forward. While the toughest back almost always fills this position, kind of like the hottest fat chick. The scrum half's presence is tolerated by the forwards because they know that he will spin the ball to the rest of the girls in the backline who will inevitably knock the ball on and allow them the pleasure of another scrum.
10 The Flyhalf - It is rumored that the Fly has the best vision,hands, kicking ability, and overall tactical decision making ability on the side. The forwards do not understand or trust this individual. His primary role is the leader of the backs - the fly half, like any good Broadway choreographer, is usually light on his feet. While some may argue that these girls must be protected, I find it hard to support anyone whose foot touches a rugby ball on purpose.
Centers:
The hard chargers who will announce their presence in a game with the authority rarely found above No.8. They are supposed to be deadly tacklers, with strong running instincts and good hands.
12 left center Back position near the left wing; Big fast guy and an excellent passer, this player challenges opposing centers and breaksdown the defense.
13 right center Back positioned near the right wing; Big fast guy and an excellent passer, this player challenges opposing centers and breaks down the defense.
Back 3 - The Fullback and 2 Wingers -
They are allegedly fast with excellent striking ability. They are supposed to score lots of trys, catch the high ball, and counter attack with flair. But the stark reality (well understood by the forwards) is that the fullback and wingers prance and preen more thanthe inside backs. They don't get dirty and are always playing with their hair and pulling on their collars. Some props think fullbacks and wingers are "real purdy."
11 Left wing - Back who covers the left side of the field; this playeris a fast runner and must be able to catch the ball no matter what.
14 Right wing - Back positioned on the right of the field; this playeris a fast runner and must be able to catch the ball no matter what.
15 Fullback positioned in front of the goal fast runner with catchingand kicking skills; this player is the last line of defense for an opponent attempting to score a try.
Reserves
16 Replacement Hooker
17 Replacement Prop
18 Replacement Flanker
19 Replacement Loose forward
20 Replacement Fly Half or Scrum half
21 Replacement Back
22 Replacement Back
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Some Rugby Rules and Terms simplified
What is a Scrum:
It is a way of restarting the game, either after an accidental
infringement or (in rugby league only) when the ball has gone out of
play. Scrums occur more often, and are of greater importance, in union
than in league (explain to us what is union and what is league)
infringement or (in rugby league only) when the ball has gone out of
play. Scrums occur more often, and are of greater importance, in union
than in league (explain to us what is union and what is league)
In goal:
The zone in which a try is scored; worth five points, a try is
scored when the player grounds the ball in the opposing in goal.
What is a Ruck:
scored when the player grounds the ball in the opposing in goal.
What is a Ruck:
A play when the ball is on the ground and the players on both teams
pile on top of it to gain possession of it.
5 m line:
10 m line:![]()
Line parallel to the touch line and 15 m from it; a player
is not allowed to stand behind this line during a line-out.
22 m line:
team; the kickoff is held on the halfway line.
Goal line:
Line marking the start of the in-goal zone.
Dead ball line:
Line marking the end of the in-goal zone.
Goal Frame:
Posts consisting of two uprights and a crossbar; a team scores
points by kicking the ball between the uprights.
Touch line:
Line along the sides of the playing field; when the ball
crosses this line, it is thrown back into play by a line-out.
Touch judge:
Official whose role includes signalling when the ball
leaves the field of play and when a field goal is scored (the ball
passes between the goals posts and over the crossbar).
Referee:
Official responsible for applying the rules; this individual
keeps track of time, signals infractions and can expel a player from a
game.
pile on top of it to gain possession of it.
5 m line:
Line parallel to the touch line and 5 m from it; it marks the
position of the first player in a line-out formation.
position of the first player in a line-out formation.
10 m line:
Line parallel to the halfway line and 10 m from it; it marks
the minimum distance the ball must travel during the kickoff.
the minimum distance the ball must travel during the kickoff.
15 m line:
Line parallel to the touch line and 15 m from it; a playeris not allowed to stand behind this line during a line-out.
22 m line:
Line parallel to the goal line and 22 m from it; it is where
the ball is put back into play after a kickoff.
Halfway line: Line separating the field into two sides, one for eachthe ball is put back into play after a kickoff.
team; the kickoff is held on the halfway line.
Goal line:
Line marking the start of the in-goal zone.
Dead ball line:
Line marking the end of the in-goal zone.
Goal Frame:
Posts consisting of two uprights and a crossbar; a team scores
points by kicking the ball between the uprights.
Touch line:
Line along the sides of the playing field; when the ball
crosses this line, it is thrown back into play by a line-out.
Touch judge:
Official whose role includes signalling when the ball
leaves the field of play and when a field goal is scored (the ball
passes between the goals posts and over the crossbar).
Referee:
Official responsible for applying the rules; this individual
keeps track of time, signals infractions and can expel a player from a
game.
Tri-nations and its controversies part 1 – SA squad named
With the rugby world cup around the corner, the Tri-nations will be a good measure of the Springboks readiness for the auspicious tournament. The 27-man squad for the opening two Tri-Nations clashes against Australia and New Zealand
The coach, Peter De Villiers stated: "We've rewarded players who have performed outstandingly in Vodacom Super Rugby, although the injury situation has also been critical. But there is a backbone of experience and it means that all our leading players will receive Test exposure this year".
The new-look squad resembles a certain experience meets inexperience, in that there are five previous Rugby World Cup winners as well as six uncapped players. This has been seen as a controversial selection and has been queried by the Australian Rugby Union (big surprise), due to a a host of experienced Springbok players including: vice-captain, Victor Matfield ( calf and neck injury), hooker- Bismarck du Plessis ( shoulder injury), fly-half- Butch James ( knee injury) and winger, Bryan Habana ( shoulder injury), sitting out the first two games of the campaign.
The South Africa
Forwards:
Heinrich Brüssow - Cheetahs flanker - voted best open-side flanker in the Super14 and Currie cup in 2008, missed most of the 2010 Super Rugby season due to a knee ligament injury. He is a strong and creative player in ‘rucks’, as he manages to turn over the ball like no other..
Jean Deysel - Sharks flanker - Big guy, impact player and intimidating
Dean Greyling - Blue Bulls prop - Uncapped .
Alistair Hargreaves - Sharks lock - is a good sub and about extra 2 years to gain experience.
Ryan Kankowski - Sharks 8th man - He has a natural flair on attack, breaking the line with powerful runs from the back of the scrum and is unrelenting on defense. He’s too good for Super Rugby but okay in Test Rugby.
Werner Kruger - Blue Bulls prop - Uncapped
Ashley Johnson - Cheetahs 8th man - Good player, explosive, needs more playing time to develop or a new team.
Johann Muller - Sharks lock - went to play for Ireland with Magners League side Ulster
Coenie Oosthuizen - Cheetahs Prop - The best prop in the country. He has surprising pace for a man of his colossal weight, a punisher at scrum time and a ferocious tackler with a high work rate.
Chiliboy Ralepelle - Blue Bulls Hooker - Has great presence in the team.
Danie Rossouw - Blue Bulls Lock – He’s a good player but should retire in 2years.
John Smit (captain) - Sharks Hooker/Prop - Great captain
Deon Stegmann - Blue Bulls Flank - He is a very strong player who is good in rucks and stealing the ball.
Adriaan Strauss - Cheetahs Hooker - He needs to gain more experience and in my opinion should try to move to a better team like the Sharks or Stormers.
Flip van der Merwe - Blue Bulls Lock - good sub, still stuck in Victor Matfields’ shadow
Backs:
Gio Aplon - Stormers Wing /Full back - He has blistering speed and is known as the "pocket dynamo". He has a natural flair, his speed and elusiveness causes the opposition much grief. He is known for his side steps and is a versatile backline player.
Bjorn Basson - Blue Bulls Wing - He is like Habana 6 years ago
Juan de Jongh - Stormers Centre – He’s an okay player, could be better.
Adrian Jacobs - Sharks Wing/Centre/Full back - He predominantly plays Centre but is a highly versatile backline player and is a "super-sub", though it is time he retires.
Elton Jantjies - Lions Flyhalf - An okay Flyhalf . He needs more discipline and a new team
Patrick Lambie - Sharks Fullback/Flyhalf/Centre - The total package, great at Flyhalf or fullback
Charl McLeod - Sharks Scrumhalf - uncapped replaces Stormers scrum-half, Ricky Januarie, who announced his retirement from international rugby
Lwazi Mvovo - Sharks Wing - The ultimate number 11. He is very quick on his feet and shows an excellent work rate
Odwa Ndungane - Sharks Wing - He is an okay Wing
Wynand Olivier - Blue Bulls Centre - He needs new moves, he's at his peak
Ruan Pienaar - Sharks Scrumhalf - An all round player, very versatile and can play either as a Scrumhalf or as a Flyhalf. He joined Ulster for the 2010/2011 Magners League campaign in Ireland
Morne Steyn - Blue Bulls Flyhalf - He is an okay Flyhalf
All in all this looks like a good team, lets hope our boys make us proud.
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