Somewhat, yes. I'm not a super fan but I do watch the world cup and the odd game. Played it in primary school, up to 13.
My brother in law played in semi-professionally, in France for a while.
What I think is dumb is the whole AF vs Rugby nonsense. They are just two different to compare. The way you advance is totally different so, there rest of it can't be he same apart form some of the kicking.
AF is high intensity clashes, set plays. To end the argument scientifically AF tackles are harder, but that is not really surprising as gloved boxer hit harder than bare knuckle and get less tired, but they also tape their wrists, so they can get away with bad alignment which would cause injury. Impact tackle only amount of some of rugby tackles anyway, to tackle in rugby you have to try and get the arms round. The full tilt AF tackle would be suicidal without the gear. The head and human neck simply isn't designed for that, I believe the early history of AF attests to that.
Rugby is an endurance game, and play on philosophy (especially union) you have to perform well that whole time. You can't do the unlimited substitutions of AF, and it is possible to have three guys off and playing a full team.
If you want to play, don't expect to make any money out of it though. It is tough to do that even in many of the Rugby nations, only most elite players earn most of the money.
Rugby league is also pretty crazy. I've seen more punch up in League than Union, simply becuase of the shorter plays and frustration from turnover and lost advantage. There was this exhibition match they put on in France (which is a union country normally), needless to say it turned in to a complete brawl. The french loved it, but then again the national union team used to be known for its dirty tactics.
30 Dec 2014, 1:42 am
