Rugby jargon for chicks and their chums – Part 1
The Rugby World Cup is underway and the Absa Curry Cup final is looming. If there ever was a time that you needed to know the rules of the game, it is now.
This week the Oudtshoorn Courant publishes the first of a two part series of the ins and outs of the game of rugby. Cut it out, keep the article and give it to every rugby friend or foe you feel need a bit of rugby education.
Rugby can be a difficult game to understand, but and easy game to love. Know the game, love the game and impress your friends at the same time, especially as the enthralling Rugby World Cup plays out in September.
The basics
Think of rugby like a game of chess, with each piece/player in the appropriate position and moving in a particular way. The 15 players who start the game are divided into 8 forwards (also referred to as the pack), and 7 backs (commonly called the backline). The forwards are primarily responsible for winning the ball and the backs are charged with doing something positive when they get it. An old adage says the forwards decide who wins a match and the backs decide by how much.
Played in two 40-minute halves with a 10-minute half-time period in between, the team can be broken down into combinations: front row, back row (with the combination of these called the tight 5), loose forwards, the halves, centre-field, and the back three. These player groupings perform as units within the structured game of rugby, performing specialised roles, with specific skills and body shape.
Positions by the numbers
The 15 starters on a rugby side all wear specific numbers on their jerseys to designate their position.
The Front Row (1-3)
Loose-head prop (jersey number 1): A big, strong, bulky player, who is responsible for scrumming in the front row and lifting the jumpers in the line-out.
Hooker (jersey number 2): This front rower actually hooks the ball with his foot at scrum time, hence the name; plus he does the throwing at line-outs and is involved in loose play often referred to as the extra loose forward.
Tight-head prop (jersey number 3): The rock upon which the scrum is built, he has to be the strongest and most technically proficient player in the pack.
The Back Row (4-5)
Locks (jersey numbers 4 and 5): Locks form the second row in the scrum and are normally used as line-out jumpers and restart takers because of their superior height and reliable hands.
The Loose Forwards (6-8)
These players are the link between the tight 5 and the backline.
Blindside flanker (jersey number 6): This player must be powerful and make an impact in contact on offense and defence. He must have excellent ball-handling skills.
Open side flanker (jersey number 7): This is usually the most dynamic and best defensive player on the team, responsible for making critical tackles, creating turnovers, and ranging all over the pitch.
Number 8 (jersey number 8): The number 8 (or eightman) plays a crucial role on the team. This player directs and controls the scrum from the rear and is often a pivotal link between the forwards and the backs.
The Halves (9-10)
Scrumhalf (jersey number 9): Also known as the halfback, this player must be compact and quick, with excellent passing skills and the ability to operate in tight quarters. They also have a habit of being the feisty and can often be seen debating a ruling with the match officials.
Flyhalf (jersey number 10): This is the player who runs the show on the offense either by running, passing, or kicking the ball. He is the backline general, and is traditionally responsible for the team’s tactical and goal kicking.
Centre-field
Inside centre (jersey number 12): This is a player with quickness and a powerful running game, he often needs to quickly offload the ball. He has to be rock-solid in defence and have no fear when tackling.
Outside centre (jersey number 13): The outside centre is a creative runner and ball-handler with very good speed and defensive skills. He’s the player with the eye for the gap and his function is to break the opposition’s defensive line and release the wings to score a try.
The Back three
Wings (jersey numbers 11 and 14): Two of the fastest players on the pitch, they are the finishers with the lavish try celebrations. The wings must also be able to kick tactically and are instrumental in counter-attacking.
Fullback (jersey number 15): This is the backline general. This player must possess excellent tactical knowledge, have a strong leg for kicking, be an attack-oriented runner, and be the last line of defence.
Next week we publish all the ‘must know’ rugby terms in order to avoid looking like an idiot.
Source: The Knysna-Plett Herald