Rugby is a contact sport with several distinct phases. I'm going to explain the most important phases of the game for you to understand. I hope your neurons are switched on!
1. THE SCRUM
The scrum is the most legendary and impressive phase of rugby. It's played 8 against 8 with guys weighing over 100 kg each - impressive, isn't it? It's made up of three players in the front row, two in the second row and three in the third row - and that's a good count! The funny thing is that the ball is introduced by the smallest player in the team, the scrum-half (n°9). The aim is to push as hard as possible so that the ball arrives at the feet of No. 8, the player at the very back of the scrum.
BUT WHEN IS A SCRUM CALLED?
A scrum is called when a team commits a knock-on, when a ball is unplayable or when the ball comes out dead. Easy to understand, isn't it?
To make sure you understand, I'll show you a video. I know, I'm very nice.
2. THE LINE-OUT
Line-out is another key area of modern rugby. The hooker (n°2) sends the ball with both hands above his head to the jumpers, who are lifted by lifters. Yes, rugby is a difficult sport to understand, which is why we love it so much!
The ball must be thrown and must travel at least 5 metres before the jumper catches it.
WHEN DO PLAYERS TAKE A LINE-OUT?
The answer is very simple: a line-out is called when the ball goes out wide.
I'll show you what a line-out is.
3. THE RUCK
Unlike the scrum and the line-out, the ruck takes place in an accelerated, non-stopped phase. A ruck is formed when a player carrying the ball is tackled to the ground by an opponent, and the two teams fight over the ball on the ground.
In other words, it's a bunch of little pigs trying to get the ball off the ground.
BUT BEWARE, the referee is adamant about this kind of action.
The scrapper (the person trying to retrieve the ball) must never put his knees or hands on the grass, otherwise you'll be penalised. Isn't that right, Mr Ben O'Keeffe?
4. THE MAUL
A maul occurs when the ball carrier is surrounded by team-mates, and they move forward together while keeping the ball in the air.
The aim is the same as for a scrum: to push as hard as possible to gain ground.
Players from the defending team must try to stop the maul from advancing, but they are not allowed to collapse it, otherwise they are penalised.
These phases of rugby are essential to understanding how the game unfolds and evolves on the pitch. Each of these phases requires specific skills and team coordination to succeed.
RUGBY IS A TEAM SPORT, NOT AN INDIVIDUAL ONE
