Rugby
Rugby
**The Basics:**
* **Teams and Field:** Two teams of 15 players each battle it out on a rectangular
field roughly 100 meters long and 70 meters wide. There's also a dead ball area at
each end.
* **Objective:** Score more points than the opposing team within the playtime
(usually two 40-minute halves with a break).
**Scoring points:**
* **Try (5 points):** Ground the ball (similar to putting it down in the endzone in
American football) in the opponent's in-goal area (their try zone).
* **Conversion (2 points):** After a try, a successful kick at goal from a specific
spot on the field.
There's also a penalty kick (3 points) awarded for various rule infringements by
the opposing team.
* **Pass or Run:** You can run with the ball or pass it backwards to your
teammates. Forward passing with your hands is not allowed!
* **Kicking:** The only way to move the ball forward by foot is with a kick. This
is a crucial tactic to gain territory and pin your opponents back.
These are wrestling-like situations that form around the ball after a tackle.
* **Ruck:** When the ball gets stuck on the ground after a tackle, players from
both teams fight to push with their feet to win possession. They can't handle the
ball in the ruck, but they can try to steer it back to their teammates.
* **Maul:** Similar to a ruck, but one or both teams are upright and wrapped around
the ball carrier who is still on their feet. Again, players can't handle the ball
in the maul but can try to wrestle it free for their team.
* **Scrum:** A set-piece restart awarded for minor infringements. Eight players
from each team bind together in a shoving match to try and win possession of the
ball that's fed into their feet by the referee.
These contests are intense and require teamwork to win the ball back.
This is a basic rundown, but hopefully, it gives you a good idea of how rugby
works!