By Scott Lur
Did you know that the eighth Rugby World Cup is poised to begin on the 18th of September? Do you know the difference between a try and a conversion? Did you answer ‘no’ to both questions above? You’re probably as clueless as most Singaporeans are with regard to the Rugby World Cup. Don’t fret though, as we've compiled a list of facts, important dates and names you’ll need to know in order to survive this massive event. You’ll sound just like a pro after reading this article!
How is rugby played?
In its most common form, two teams of 15 face off against each other on a pitch, with a single ball in play. Points are scored by grounding the ball in the in-goal area (known as a try), converting a conversion kick, or scoring a penalty.
Forward passing is not allowed in rugby, the ball is only allowed to be passed sideways or backward. Any player may kick the ball forward, though, in an attempt to gain territory. The defending team has one aim — to stop the player with the ball.
Scrums and line-outs are common ways of restarting a match. Scrums occur when the ball has been knocked or passed forward, if a player takes the ball over his own try line and puts the ball down, when a player is accidentally offside or when the ball is trapped in a mess with no realistic chance of being retrieved.
A scrum is formed by the eight forwards from each team binding together in three rows. Once a scrum is formed, the scrum-half from the team awarded the scrum rolls the ball into the gap between the two front-rows known as the tunnel. Two players then compete for possession by hooking the ball backwards with their feet, while each pack tries to push the opposing pack backwards to help gain possession. Sound confusing? It’s basically two groups of men wrestling for the ball.
Line-outs are given whenever the ball leaves the side of the field. Forward players from each team line up a metre apart, perpendicular to the touchline and between 5 m and 15 m from the touchline. The ball is thrown from the touchline down the centre of the lines of forwards by a player from the team that did not play the ball into touch. Both sides compete for the ball and players may lift their teammates. Imagine grown men pulling off a cheerleading routine, and you’ve got the gist of how a line-out works.
What is the World Cup about?
Just like any other international sporting event, the Rugby World Cup is an international event that pits the best teams in the world against each other. It’s held once every four years, and this year’s iteration is taking place in England. The New Zealand squad, also known as the All Blacks, the defending champions, are looking to fend off the other 19 teams are taking part this year.
What’s all this chanting and shouting before the match actually begins?
Ah, you’ve stumbled across the haka! Traditionally performed by the All Blacks before any rugby match, this pre-match ritual is used to intimidate and challenge the opposing team.
Which teams should I be looking out for?
Well, the All Blacks are looking hot right now, and they’re the early favorites to retain their title. Teams such as South Africa and Australia are looking to knock them off their perch though, and you can’t ever count out England, with their home soil advantages.
Look out for one of the potential dark horses of the Cup, the Irish. They've got the quality to upset some of the big guns on their day.
Okay, you’ve got me convinced. Where can I catch the matches at?
Boomerang Bar’s broadcasting all matches at their respective outlets, while all matches will be shown LIVE, on FOX Sports 2. You can get their schedule right here!
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