The rugby

[AndyRM]

England might as well not bother turning up.
It’s embarrassing how such a rich nation can be so poor.

More registered professionals than any other country in the world against a team who routinely have their best players nicked off them. I've always had a soft spot for the Pacific Nations, particularly their prowess at 7s.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Couple of reviews of "Concussed: Sport's Uncomfortable Truth" by Sam Peters

https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v45/n19/gavin-francis/who-scored-last
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...table-truth-by-sam-peters-review-rugbys-shame

I've only read the second review, the first one is a bit long so I'll get to it later.

Seems to be a book concentrating on the period following professionalism. The authorities seem to be taking things a bit more seriously now (possibly mainly because of the threat of class actions).

 

[Rusty Nails]

Couple of reviews of "Concussed: Sport's Uncomfortable Truth" by Sam Peters

https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v45/n19/gavin-francis/who-scored-last
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...table-truth-by-sam-peters-review-rugbys-shame

I've only read the second review, the first one is a bit long so I'll get to it later.

Seems to be a book concentrating on the period following professionalism. The authorities seem to be taking things a bit more seriously now (possibly mainly because of the threat of class actions).

An interesting point out of that was that the average weight of players in the first world cup in 1987 has increased from 14st 7lb to 16st 12lb in the latest world cup, and tackling is now seen as much as an attacking opportunity as it is defensive. A recipe for danger to players.

 

[AndyRM]

An interesting point out of that was that the average weight of players in the first world cup in 1987 has increased from 14st 7lb to 16st 12lb in the latest world cup, and tackling is now seen as much as an attacking opportunity as it is defensive. A recipe for danger to players.

I'm genuinely surprised it's not more than that!

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Last week i was browsing all the tv channels and there was nothing on but rugby league between England and Tonga.I've gotta say i really enjoyed it.So much that i watched the second test on saturday.
I remember i used to watch it years ago when Eddie "up n under" Waring was commentating but hadn't seen it for ages.
With the RU world cup being on i could see how league was more flowing,had less interruptions and obviously no really big players(weight not height)because of having no scrums but i suppose they both have there pros and cons and I like both codes.

 

[matticus]

I'm genuinely surprised it's not more than that!

Yeah, I know what you mean! My theory is that (almost) all of the little guys have got quite a lot bigger (with wingers especially tending towards more height and more muscle), but a lot of the pack used to be pretty flabby; so as they've shed those excess pounds, that's helped keep the average mass down a little. IYSWIM ...

 

[matticus]

... the average weight of players in the first world cup in 1987 has increased from 14st 7lb to 16st 12lb

Give them a break! they haven't played for 30 years - who hasn't put 2st on in that time?!?

 

[AndyRM]

Yeah, I know what you mean! My theory is that (almost) all of the little guys have got quite a lot bigger (with wingers especially tending towards more height and more muscle), but a lot of the pack used to be pretty flabby; so as they've shed those excess pounds, that's helped keep the average mass down a little. IYSWIM ...

Yep, I'd agree with that. The big boys have definitely trimmed down with a few notable exceptions, Atonio off the top off my head. No doubt they're still fit fellas, but there's no way they're lugging that much bulk around for much more than 55 minutes.

Some of the guys I grew up watching would get killed these days.

 

[T4tomo]

An interesting point out of that was that the average weight of players in the first world cup in 1987 has increased from 14st 7lb to 16st 12lb in the latest world cup, and tackling is now seen as much as an attacking opportunity as it is defensive. A recipe for danger to players.

I reckon the increase will be even bigger in the amateur game too. Pumping iron down the gym wasn't so much of a thing back then. I remember at Uni I generally played as a winger, but I play the odd game for the 2's at open side flanker and didnt feel out of my depth size and strength-wise at 11 1/2 stone. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near a rugby pitch now!!!

 

[Alex321]

I'm genuinely surprised it's not more than that!

Yeah, I know what you mean! My theory is that (almost) all of the little guys have got quite a lot bigger (with wingers especially tending towards more height and more muscle), but a lot of the pack used to be pretty flabby; so as they've shed those excess pounds, that's helped keep the average mass down a little. IYSWIM ...

It is a 14% increase in average body weight. That is a lot.

 

[AndyRM]

It is a 14% increase in average body weight. That is a lot.

It's an average though, and as @matticus pointed out spread across the team it doesn't really give much of an indication about who's actually changed, and how. It'd be interesting to see a breakdown between forwards and backs.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Rob Baxter on scrums and law changes

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...or-genuine-scrums-to-make-rugby-more-exciting

I’m going to introduce a new law: We’re not going to change the laws of rugby union for 10 years … all we keep doing is talking about changing the laws and it’s driving me crazy.”​

 

[Chromatic]

Rob Baxter on scrums and law changes

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...or-genuine-scrums-to-make-rugby-more-exciting

I’m going to introduce a new law: We’re not going to change the laws of rugby union for 10 years … all we keep doing is talking about changing the laws and it’s driving me crazy.”​

He's right.

 

[Beebo]

Rob Baxter on scrums and law changes

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...or-genuine-scrums-to-make-rugby-more-exciting

I’m going to introduce a new law: We’re not going to change the laws of rugby union for 10 years … all we keep doing is talking about changing the laws and it’s driving me crazy.”​

He doesn’t actually say how he will make it happen. Teams will always look to exploit the scrum for penalties if the ref lets them.

I’d rather letting the ref look to get teams to play the ball away from the scrum as a first resort, and as a second resort all scrum infringements are free kicks.

 

[Chromatic]

He doesn’t actually say how he will make it happen. Teams will always look to exploit the scrum for penalties if the ref lets them.

I’d rather letting the ref look to get teams to play the ball away from the scrum as a first resort, and as a second resort all scrum infringements are free kicks.

I agree with this, have thought it for a while. Something needs to be done about the scrums,

Another thing that needs to stop is the ridiculous number of phases of play that are allowed for penalty advantage, the advantage goes on far too long.

I'd also reduce the time allowed for penalty kicks and conversions too.