The Rugby Thread

[PeteC]

Just FYI....TRUE now has "Rugby Pass TV" on channel 669 instead of Setanta. Many more matches and more diversified. To include Super Rugby, 6 Nations, and all the UK matches at present.

[dtaai-maai]

Watching the last 15 mins of Wales v France, but a quick observation while I think of it. There's a lot more gamesmanship in the game than there ever used to be.

[dtaai-maai]

Well, I had no horse in this race, but I'm knackered. Cracking game for the neutral, but I think on balance France just deserved to edge it. 2 key periods, the final 10 minutes of each half during which the French defence was really solid. I've been a bit skeptical about the "Edwards effect" on France, but it seemed pretty clear today.

Biggar needs to get a grip when things don't go his way. And even when they do.

[pharvey]

Cracking game for the neutral, but I think on balance France just deserved to edge it. 2 key periods, the final 10 minutes of each half during which the French defence was really solid. I've been a bit skeptical about the "Edwards effect" on France, but it seemed pretty clear today.

Biggar needs to get a grip when things don't go his way. And even when they do.

Well, yes I'd tend to agree, however would add that the French as usual are cheating barstewards, the refereering again below par as it has been throughout the tournament so far.... And how the hell can Wayne Barnes still get across the bridge? My God, the man gives Wales cr@p even from the touchline!!

WRU 0 vs FRU 1 - Wales gave away the best defence coach in the world.... Fecking muppets!!
Pivac Poor, poor tactics, too few players at the breakdown leading to too many turnovers. Refused to change tactics in the 2nd half. Headless chickens at times throwing the ball around. Wales are going backwards......

As for Dan Biggar - sorry, but he's a hell of a competitive player - fair play to him.

[oakdale160]

Interesting how the rules in Rugby slowly evolve. For instance knock-on hardly ever called and i dont miss it. But how about "Not in straight" the SH just feed the ball to their own tight head prop, never called for N in S.

[dtaai-maai]

Interesting how the rules in Rugby slowly evolve. For instance knock-on hardly ever called and i dont miss it.

Well, you certainly missed a fair few in yesterday's Wales game - especially the "accidental" one that stopped a Welsh try!

[pharvey]

Interesting how the rules in Rugby slowly evolve. For instance knock-on hardly ever called and i dont miss it.

Well, you certainly missed a fair few in yesterday's Wales game - especially the "accidental" one that stopped a Welsh try!

Yes, quite!! Should have been a penalty try and a yellow card - outstanding by the ref/video ref.... NOT!!

[PeteC]

Coronavirus: Ireland v Italy Six Nations games postponed over health concerns

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/51641149

[PeteC]

Here's one for you Pharvey, or anyone. There are still times I don't understand what I'm seeing.

A red player receives a pass and he bobbles it forward and it's caught in the air by a blue player, who for a second controls it and begins to run forward when he loses the ball forward. Whistle blows and the scrum is given to the blue side. Why? Blue had control last and he lost control forward. I would think the scrum would go to the red side.

[pharvey]

Here's one for you Pharvey, or anyone. There are still times I don't understand what I'm seeing.

A red player receives a pass and he bobbles it forward and it's caught in the air by a blue player, who for a second controls it and begins to run forward when he loses the ball forward. Whistle blows and the scrum is given to the blue side. Why? Blue had control last and he lost control forward. I would think the scrum would go to the red side.

It's taken from the first "offence" - i.e. the ball has gone forward from the Red player. Blue is initially given advantage, but he also loses the ball forward. No advantage, therefore we go back to the initial "offence" - scrum to Blue.

Hope that makes sense.

[PeteC]

Yes, got it. Not sure I agree with it though. If blue runs half way up the field and then loses it forward, the same applies and blue still gets the scrum?

[pharvey]

If blue runs half way up the field and then loses it forward, the same applies and blue still gets the scrum?

In that case no. Advantage would be over and Red would get the scrum as Blue lost the ball forward.

[dtaai-maai]

Yes, your question is all about the advantage law. With a knock on, forward pass or any other 'scrum' offence it's quite straightforward and advantage won't last long, but with a 'penalty' offence it can go on for ages, particularly when a side is attacking the opposition's try line.

[Big Boy]

advantage won't last long,

Is there a set duration for this period, or simply the ref's decision? Something I've often thought about.

[pharvey]

Yes, your question is all about the advantage law. With a knock on, forward pass or any other 'scrum' offence it's quite straightforward and advantage won't last long, but with a 'penalty' offence it can go on for ages, particularly when a side is attacking the opposition's try line.

The advantage can go on for too long at times IMO - just doesn't seem to be refereed consistently (much like some other facets of the game....).