With the introduction of the Melbourne Rebels to the Super rugby competition, there are probably a few folk from down south who have been raised on a diet consisting of the World’s Greatest Game, played only in Melbourne (which is the world’s sporting capital, so maybe, at a stretch that works), so things are going to be a little confusing for you.
In order to ease the transition for you, we at Green and Gold Rugby have put together a little list of some of the terms you may encounter as you set out on your journey with the Game the Play in heaven, and now Melbourne too.
Cap: When a player is selected and makes the field, they are awarded a “cap”. When you read that a player has earned their 50th cap, you know they have played in 50 games for that team. In general, backs refuse to wear these because of the negative impact on their hairstyles
Conversion: Whenever a team scores a try, they get to attempt a goal, if they kick the goal, they earn an additional 2 points. It also refers to a player coming from another sport, usually Rugby League. When they return because it is all too hard for them, they are referred to as a Failed Conversion.
Hooker: One of the primary sources of the saying “What goes on tours stays on tour”, to aid in cover stories it is also the name of the one of the positions
BBQ Rugby: A term used to describe the kind of rugby you would love to watch while hosting a BBQ. Also the favoured style of the QLD Reds, so named as it gives them the opportunity to host said BBQs while watching the finals.
Marquee player: Overpaid, overseas player who sits on the reserves bench and pouts. see Danny Cipriani or Sos Anesi
Try: This is the primary scoring method outside of England and South Africa. It is scored by placing the ball on the ground in the in goal area
Bombing a Try: When a try looks likely to be scored only to fail through an act of stupidity by a player or players of the attacking team. see Western Force
Drop Kick: This is a very common rugby term. A player drops the ball from their hand. After it touches the ground, they can kick it. They can score points doing this as well. This is known as a drop goal. This is the primary scoring method in England and South Africa
Running rugby: A term used to describes a style of rugby that is both winning and entertaining. Not widely understood in NSW. see Phil Waugh
Deposit in belief: No one has any idea what this actually means but a favourite term used by some coaches. see Robbie Deans
Collapsed scrum: When a front row cannot sustain the pressure being applied to it by an opposing front row during a scrum. see Salesi Ma’afu.
Side-step: A method of evading the opposition by using footwork to change direction rapidly. Most often used in attack but has been used on occasions in defence. see Quade Cooper.
JO’N: John O’Neill, the tyrant king of Australian rugby and noted Melbourne Rebels hater. see Gary Gray.
Garryowen: A ball which is kicked high in the air with no particular attacking intent other than getting the other team to drop it. Attacking method favoured in some countries. see South Africa and England.
That should be enough to get you started.
If you think I have missed any, let me know in the comments.
