rugbyskier
Ted Thorn (20)
. . . and the ball carrier roots the ground for five seconds, then gets up and plays the ball.
Herald Sun Article - Rugby boring
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. . . and the ball carrier roots the ground for five seconds, then gets up and plays the ball.
rugbysmartarse
Alan Cameron (40)
my father in law is your typical aussie sports fan. Grew up on league but will watch pretty much any sport on TV. My mother in law has zero interest in sport, but lets her husband watch whatever is on and sits and reads the paper.
My wife asked them if they watched the final Bledisloe, and they indeed did (thanks to Ch9 FTA coverage). She asked is they enjoyed the game, as relative outsiders to Rugby, and both said they very much enjoyed the game. In fact, my mother in law apparently put the paper down at the start of the second half, and watched intently as the tension built, and was even describing plays to my wife 2 days later (oh when that Dan Carter tried for a drop goal I thought "Oh NO!")
If Rugby, and we as it's fans, want to regain some popularity with Australian supporters (big IF, but that's another thread), then it's people like my in laws who are the main cross over targets. I found it interesting that a game described as boring by so many had them captivated.
So in short, its not about the tries
My wife asked them if they watched the final Bledisloe, and they indeed did (thanks to Ch9 FTA coverage). She asked is they enjoyed the game, as relative outsiders to Rugby, and both said they very much enjoyed the game. In fact, my mother in law apparently put the paper down at the start of the second half, and watched intently as the tension built, and was even describing plays to my wife 2 days later (oh when that Dan Carter tried for a drop goal I thought "Oh NO!")
If Rugby, and we as it's fans, want to regain some popularity with Australian supporters (big IF, but that's another thread), then it's people like my in laws who are the main cross over targets. I found it interesting that a game described as boring by so many had them captivated.
So in short, its not about the tries
Bruwheresmycar
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
I'm sick of this attitude that every game needs to have tries. If you have some games that are decided on penalties every so often, then it makes the games with tries more exciting, in the sense that you aren't predicting tries. I found it quite interesting to see a team's defense STOP NZ FROM SCORING A TRY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS. You wont see that mentioned in these terminally stupid articles.
I don't have time for these journalists. If you want to see constant tries, then watch rugby league. What is the point of changing the laws of rugby union to turn it into a game more like league? You don't even have to reach the end of that sentence to realize how silly it is asking that.
Rugby is a technical game for those who enjoy the contest, it doesn't need to be full of tries. Why do you think rugby 7s is much more boring?
I don't have time for these journalists. If you want to see constant tries, then watch rugby league. What is the point of changing the laws of rugby union to turn it into a game more like league? You don't even have to reach the end of that sentence to realize how silly it is asking that.
Rugby is a technical game for those who enjoy the contest, it doesn't need to be full of tries. Why do you think rugby 7s is much more boring?
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Like it or not, the AFL and NRL set the agenda when it comes to defining what is "boring", and what is not, in Australia.
Those two codes, one totally home-grown and locally run, the other now virtually locally run (the NRL seems to have carte blanche to change its rules at will), both have the huge advantage of designing their games totally to suit the local audience.
Rugby, on the other hand, is a game that is administered elsewhere, whose rules are set by others (with some input by us), and which is facing some very tough decisions to maintain its attractiveness as a product.
Look back at some the rugby that was played in the early days of professionalism. As the game has become more and more professional, the size, strength, aerobic fitness, and defensive systems are now much more advanced, so attacking play is generally at a premium, with defense usually on top.
Not sure what the answer is, although obviously the attractiveness of the game is enhanced when your own side is winning. And of course, when your own side is not making egregious errors.
We must concentrate on playing to our strengths, which is to attack judiciously, using our backs creatively and cleverly. We must do what we can to keep our best players on the field for the optimal number of key games each season, and if that means some restrictions on Super rugby appearances, so be it. We must have a national coaching manual, and we must aim to reduce handling and other errors.
All stakeholders, at all levels of the game, must understand the environment in which we operate. It used to be a pretty friendly environment, back a few years ago the Wobbs were the best known, best loved, sporting team in the nation. Those days have gone, and only selfless, dedicated, work will bring the blue skies once again.
We are really up against it, as I have said elsewhere, I am less optimistic about the game's future now than I ever have been, because I think we lack the guts and willpower to do what we can, and must, to safeguard our futures.
Those two codes, one totally home-grown and locally run, the other now virtually locally run (the NRL seems to have carte blanche to change its rules at will), both have the huge advantage of designing their games totally to suit the local audience.
Rugby, on the other hand, is a game that is administered elsewhere, whose rules are set by others (with some input by us), and which is facing some very tough decisions to maintain its attractiveness as a product.
Look back at some the rugby that was played in the early days of professionalism. As the game has become more and more professional, the size, strength, aerobic fitness, and defensive systems are now much more advanced, so attacking play is generally at a premium, with defense usually on top.
Not sure what the answer is, although obviously the attractiveness of the game is enhanced when your own side is winning. And of course, when your own side is not making egregious errors.
We must concentrate on playing to our strengths, which is to attack judiciously, using our backs creatively and cleverly. We must do what we can to keep our best players on the field for the optimal number of key games each season, and if that means some restrictions on Super rugby appearances, so be it. We must have a national coaching manual, and we must aim to reduce handling and other errors.
All stakeholders, at all levels of the game, must understand the environment in which we operate. It used to be a pretty friendly environment, back a few years ago the Wobbs were the best known, best loved, sporting team in the nation. Those days have gone, and only selfless, dedicated, work will bring the blue skies once again.
We are really up against it, as I have said elsewhere, I am less optimistic about the game's future now than I ever have been, because I think we lack the guts and willpower to do what we can, and must, to safeguard our futures.
rugbyskier
Ted Thorn (20)
I went up to Brisbane to see the game live and I've said that it was worth every cent. I don't care that there were no tries, it was an absorbing contest between two teams that fought for 85 minutes. Everyone around me was on the edge of their seats as the Wallabies edged towards the line and then when the All Blacks got the penalty and broke the line. The sense of relief was palpable amongst Wallabies supporters when Dan Carter missed the field goal. If leaguies can't understand that this was a great game it's their loss.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Fair points, but it's not about seeing constant tries. I'd settle for *some* tries as a Wallaby fan! Hell, I'd settle for some well worked backline moves or even a pass that doesn't go to ground.
I can't remember a time when we looked so inept in attack.
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
If the world game can revel in a nil all draw 18-all should have them enthralled.
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Blue
Andrew Slack (58)
The problem is that if the Wallabies lose and they play what can best be described as conservative there will always be plenty to feed the league obsessed media and hence the hearts and minds of those supporters not committed to the game no matter what.
It really is no different to the same idiots bagging soccer because it surely has to be boring unless its' six goals to nil.
It really is no different to the same idiots bagging soccer because it surely has to be boring unless its' six goals to nil.
Antony
Alex Ross (28)
Right now is probably the most I've ever agreed with anything.
Scoey
Tony Shaw (54)
I was at the game also and will echo your comments above. It was an enthralling contest. I'm not certain if it was just my section but the attitude of the fans on both sides was something I have never experienced before. There was about the usual 50/50 AUS/NZ split of fans but there seemed to be next to no animosity between them. I was chatting to a Kiwi next to me all game and both of us were praising the good play and languishing the poor play of both teams regardless of allegiances. I don't want to get too romantic or poetic or whatever you would call it, but it was if everyone could sense that a fairly special game was unfolding in front of us.
On the topic of the score going up in 3's I had this thought. Is scoring with penalties only "boring" when the other team is scoring a few tries?
U
Utility Back
Guest
I think I find myself disagreeing with quite a few on here.
I love Union, absolute fanatic, loved the game on the weekend and appreciate it for the brutal slug-fest it was. However I found myself pretty frustrated with most games this year (and the world cup) due to, perhaps the lack of tries, but more so the problem I feel is the lack of an attacking mentality. Attacking play does happen in the game and its bloody fantastic to watch, however that's what should be encouraged to occur more often. Instead as soon as a penalty is called within pretty much 55 metres these days they stop for a kick at goal. Terrific skill to have, however penalty kicks are pretty standard to watch when they dominate the game. I can appreciate the forward power required to attain the penalty, however I would rather see them kick for the corner and keep applying that pressure than kick for goal each time.
I'll come and say I am definitely one of those who think penalty goals should be worth two points (drop goals as well for that matter). They definitely have a place in the game, however I think their worth is disproportionate as it stands. I believe lowering their value will discourage kicks at goal, encourage more attacking raids at the tryline, and I disagree it will result in a gigantic rise in number of penalties (if not that's what yellow cards are for, and the powers that be will need to instruct Referee's as such). I also disagree it will de-power dominant forwards, they will still dominate, and put themselves in a more attacking position for backs to work.
I DO want to see more tries. And that has got fuck-all to do with Rugby League. I don't want to watch Rugby League, and those arguing I should go watch that (or 7's) are missing the point. I love rucks, scrums and line outs absolutely. I also, however, love seeing cut passes, wraps and set moves and as it stands games are missing this part, or not being encouraged enough.
Some will disagree that what I see as exciting isn't the same for them. My opinion has nothing to do with the state of the Australian teams. I've held this opinion when the Reds sucked and when they won the championship. It has to do with the fact I know what game got me more excited, Bledisloe 1 2008/Bledisloe 4 2010 or the Weekends match. As I said the game had me on the edge of my seat, but mainly towards the end of the match as it was so in the balance. There were attacking raids, but as soon as a penalty was awarded, it was a shot at goal. I felt this halted momentum over and over again. I don't blame them for taking the shot, I understand why, 3 easy points over the all blacks, you take them when on offer.
Just my opinion, however I feel most of it is what resonates with many Aussies who see the game as boring. I'll always watch it, I just know (i think) attacking runs are more exciting than kicks at goal, so I'd like to see a better balance.
I love Union, absolute fanatic, loved the game on the weekend and appreciate it for the brutal slug-fest it was. However I found myself pretty frustrated with most games this year (and the world cup) due to, perhaps the lack of tries, but more so the problem I feel is the lack of an attacking mentality. Attacking play does happen in the game and its bloody fantastic to watch, however that's what should be encouraged to occur more often. Instead as soon as a penalty is called within pretty much 55 metres these days they stop for a kick at goal. Terrific skill to have, however penalty kicks are pretty standard to watch when they dominate the game. I can appreciate the forward power required to attain the penalty, however I would rather see them kick for the corner and keep applying that pressure than kick for goal each time.
I'll come and say I am definitely one of those who think penalty goals should be worth two points (drop goals as well for that matter). They definitely have a place in the game, however I think their worth is disproportionate as it stands. I believe lowering their value will discourage kicks at goal, encourage more attacking raids at the tryline, and I disagree it will result in a gigantic rise in number of penalties (if not that's what yellow cards are for, and the powers that be will need to instruct Referee's as such). I also disagree it will de-power dominant forwards, they will still dominate, and put themselves in a more attacking position for backs to work.
I DO want to see more tries. And that has got fuck-all to do with Rugby League. I don't want to watch Rugby League, and those arguing I should go watch that (or 7's) are missing the point. I love rucks, scrums and line outs absolutely. I also, however, love seeing cut passes, wraps and set moves and as it stands games are missing this part, or not being encouraged enough.
Some will disagree that what I see as exciting isn't the same for them. My opinion has nothing to do with the state of the Australian teams. I've held this opinion when the Reds sucked and when they won the championship. It has to do with the fact I know what game got me more excited, Bledisloe 1 2008/Bledisloe 4 2010 or the Weekends match. As I said the game had me on the edge of my seat, but mainly towards the end of the match as it was so in the balance. There were attacking raids, but as soon as a penalty was awarded, it was a shot at goal. I felt this halted momentum over and over again. I don't blame them for taking the shot, I understand why, 3 easy points over the all blacks, you take them when on offer.
Just my opinion, however I feel most of it is what resonates with many Aussies who see the game as boring. I'll always watch it, I just know (i think) attacking runs are more exciting than kicks at goal, so I'd like to see a better balance.
The Red Baron
Chilla Wilson (44)
I firmly believe there is no need for mining companies to spend millions of dollars on drilling equipment, when there are so many rugby league players getting their end away with the ground. At least they would be sorted for a career after their mungo days are over! Although would it be classified as prostitution? Or would they be considered a capital investment, like a drilling rig would be?
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Excellent post, completely agree.
Of the 2 codes 1 is a sport that not only caters for all body types in terms of participation but has so many varying elements that there's something for everyone in terms of the viewer. It has a global reach and is growing in important markets such as the US, Russia & across Asia. It's introduced a whole raft of trials of laws in a number of competitions to try to improve their game for that global audience. The other is limited to 3 main countries where ppl are even aware the sport exists and I sometimes wonder why player positions have names as they all look the same body shape. One code certainly needs to take some pointers from the other but it's not the one that Aus League fans would have people believe.
Sort of related to this, the #1 annoyance I have at the moment is the distinct lack of pro-rugby voices in the mainstream media. Sure we have rugby journos but none really have any profile (and this isn't intended as a shot at them at all, they are just doing their job).
The 'all sports' journos like Paul Kent, Danny Weidler, etc. all seem to hate rugby with a passion. Same with the guys on 'the Back Page', the only all-sports show on Fox. The only rugby guy they ever have on is Marto who has no spine at all and generally agrees the game is boring and shit and never fights back.
It's really only Peter Fitzsimmons. Even though he's a pompous jerk he is out there fighting the good fight. I just wish he had more allies. Not sure how we find them though.
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The 'all sports' journos like Paul Kent, Danny Weidler, etc. all seem to hate rugby with a passion. Same with the guys on 'the Back Page', the only all-sports show on Fox. The only rugby guy they ever have on is Marto who has no spine at all and generally agrees the game is boring and shit and never fights back.
It's really only Peter Fitzsimmons. Even though he's a pompous jerk he is out there fighting the good fight. I just wish he had more allies. Not sure how we find them though.
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liquor box
Peter Sullivan (51)
yes, but I would extend it to more penalties, or reduce the options availiable when a penalty is given.
Wasn't there a different set of rules in place under the ELV's? I think it extends the amount of what I remember as short arm penalties??? I am a little hazy of the exact implication
D
daz
Guest
I have read a few people on these pages over the years that could do the business if any paper has a vacancy and the balls.
gel
Ken Catchpole (46)
I honestly dont get why some people feel the need to explain why I should watch one and not the other with articles like this. Both games have their own attractions, and tbh I don't really mind watching both.
However, leagues attachment to tries has yielded a hollow outcome - the "benefit of the doubt" try. I loathe it, as it reeks of artificially increasing the number of tries as well as being only slightly better than awarding a try for effort only.
Tries, in context of the match and earned against well structured defences are grand to watch and truly rewarding regardless of the code. Tries awarded just because of a perceived need is just a bit blah.
A great game of union is (for me) waaaay better to watch than a great game of league. A terrible game of league is (for me) slightly better to watch than a terrible game of union, but still worse than stepping barefoot onto a Lego.
However, leagues attachment to tries has yielded a hollow outcome - the "benefit of the doubt" try. I loathe it, as it reeks of artificially increasing the number of tries as well as being only slightly better than awarding a try for effort only.
Tries, in context of the match and earned against well structured defences are grand to watch and truly rewarding regardless of the code. Tries awarded just because of a perceived need is just a bit blah.
A great game of union is (for me) waaaay better to watch than a great game of league. A terrible game of league is (for me) slightly better to watch than a terrible game of union, but still worse than stepping barefoot onto a Lego.
W
Waylon
Guest
Lest be honest, 2012 was not a great year for rugby in Australia. Our super teams were terrible to watch. I can't remember a year when Australian teams were so consistently bad and terrible to watch........apart from a few Reds games at the end of the season. The Reds v Chiefs game was one of the best I have ever seen....but the Force were an abortion, the Tahs were nearly as bad, the Rebels were largely rubbish. The Brumbies won a few games but were rubbish to watch. The Reds were disappointing cf 2011
The wallabies may have won some test matches but they were awful to watch. Tis better to go down swinging than die on your knees
It has been a terrible season for injuries. That has been a factor
The 2011 RWC wallabies were awaful to watch. The rugby was negative and dull.
The coaching at the national level is disappointing
The 3rd Bledisloe was noteable for the guts and courage displayed by a patched up team. The contest was absorbing but I tried to watch the game again and it was so bad to watch, I couldn't sit through it again.
With modern defences moving off the advantage line and hitting ball runners before they get to the advantage line, space/tries/gaps are hard to find
This is why rugby is the ultimate TEAM game. It is farking hard to consistently win your ball at the breakdown and to gain momentum and "go forward" to score tries. The different contests within the contest make the game consistently exciting to the initiated.
Rugby rocks. It is the ultimate team sport
The 2012 wallbies and Australian super rugby teams have been terrible to watch however. The core skills of the players and the fitness levels does appear to be far inferior to the mungoes..........and that is disappointing
The wallabies may have won some test matches but they were awful to watch. Tis better to go down swinging than die on your knees
It has been a terrible season for injuries. That has been a factor
The 2011 RWC wallabies were awaful to watch. The rugby was negative and dull.
The coaching at the national level is disappointing
The 3rd Bledisloe was noteable for the guts and courage displayed by a patched up team. The contest was absorbing but I tried to watch the game again and it was so bad to watch, I couldn't sit through it again.
With modern defences moving off the advantage line and hitting ball runners before they get to the advantage line, space/tries/gaps are hard to find
This is why rugby is the ultimate TEAM game. It is farking hard to consistently win your ball at the breakdown and to gain momentum and "go forward" to score tries. The different contests within the contest make the game consistently exciting to the initiated.
Rugby rocks. It is the ultimate team sport
The 2012 wallbies and Australian super rugby teams have been terrible to watch however. The core skills of the players and the fitness levels does appear to be far inferior to the mungoes..........and that is disappointing
biggsy
Chilla Wilson (44)
80 minutes, 50 stoppages, 12 penalty goals, 15 shots at goal and 0 tries - Is rugby boring itself to death.
This Bloke is a fuckhead and has no idea on both codes.
League STOPS every 5-10 seconds at each tackle if there not diving the tackle to kill play.And then they get up run sideways or backwards get tackled and that play is over "finished" and they do this all game. This hideous game is so boring and easy to play. Im no Maths expert, but my calculation of a 80min league game has 400 stoppages. Base on 1min plays and 5 tackles then a fucked kicked. They stop at every play the ball.
Then there is there scrum, what the fuck is that weak,gutless thing.
What a tosser.Since I found this forum, I dont read any Rugby Articles in the paper or on the net. I come to GNG and read the post from real fans that love the game.
And in League they don't even finish there games. There finished shaking hands before the siren even sounds. Fucken weak. Jeez I hate League.
This Bloke is a fuckhead and has no idea on both codes.
League STOPS every 5-10 seconds at each tackle if there not diving the tackle to kill play.And then they get up run sideways or backwards get tackled and that play is over "finished" and they do this all game. This hideous game is so boring and easy to play. Im no Maths expert, but my calculation of a 80min league game has 400 stoppages. Base on 1min plays and 5 tackles then a fucked kicked. They stop at every play the ball.
Then there is there scrum, what the fuck is that weak,gutless thing.
What a tosser.Since I found this forum, I dont read any Rugby Articles in the paper or on the net. I come to GNG and read the post from real fans that love the game.
And in League they don't even finish there games. There finished shaking hands before the siren even sounds. Fucken weak. Jeez I hate League.
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