Also, some of those rugby tackles up there are obviously illegal. I saw at least one spear tackle - the last time I saw one of those in an actual game (at my brother's club), the guy who got dumped ended up with a broken clavicle.
But yeah, rugby is absolutely brutal as contact sports go. Nobody wants a hospital pass. When I was 15 I got mildly concussed after receiving a stupid pass right as the biggest guy on the other team was running at me. I got slammed into the floor, was too dazed to protect myself during the ruck, so one of their players fell on the side of my head as they were rucking over.
I decided I didn't want to play any more after that particular incident! Strangely though, I feel like I could play again today - I have some more weight behind me, I'm reasonably fit and I'm aggressive.
Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Feb 7 2011, 12:46 pm by CaptainWill.
@MA what game were you watching? What's a good game to you? That was the best superbowl since 2005.
Well it was a close game indeed, but to me it lacked one of those "memorable" moments or plays.
For instance, in the 2008 game there was the David Tyree helmet catch. One of the greatest upsets ever In the 2009 game there was Harrison's 100 yd pick six and Santonio Holmes tip toe game winner. Constant lead changes. In the 2010 game there was that Tracy Porter pick six to seal the game, emotional for a city/organization that's been through much.
I guess I'm remembering how terrible 2006 and 2007 were.
2008 was pretty low scoring, though not low enough for me to enjoy it. Everyone was expecting a high flying offense with the patriots scoring at least 3-4 touchdowns. Completely disappointing in every aspect, except that the patriots lost. It was a game of mistakes for both teams. 2009 was pretty good, though the cardinals only led during the 4th quarter, and the safety was BS. I'd give you this one.
"Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman - do we have to call the Gentleman a gentleman if he's not one?"
Two completely different games with different sets of skills required.
Rugby (Union): - Emphasis on aerobic fitness (no breaks). - Emphasis on general competency in game's core elements (tackling, passing, catching, being able to take multiple tackles). - Flexible approach to attacking moves/plays - more of a focus on individual and team initiative.
American Football: - Emphasis on anaerobic fitness - Emphasis on specialisation in a particular role. - Rigid tactical focus on "by the book" plays
I can't really state the second point enough. American Football is basically the most highly-specialised variant of Rugby Football. Not all players have to be fit - they just need to be outstanding at whatever their particularly specialised role is. Only a select few players need to have much initiative or ability to read the play (I'm thinking free/strong safety). American Football is like a turn based strategy game, and Rugby is a real-time strategy game. Which one you prefer is a matter of taste (and cultural upbringing).
Personally I prefer Association Football (soccer).
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