Author Topic: Rugby Union or League Debate  (Read 7613 times)

Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #40 on: March 4, 2010, 11:21:05 pm »
It also gave Union a kick up the arse in terms of physicality and professionalism.Aye, a Leopard can't change it's spots ;D

The standards of club rugby in union have made a giant leap in quality since turing pro you can easily see that.  Still wonder how union would cope if it had the same international scene as RL though.  Internationals keeps RU ticking for me personally, although I do enjoy the Heineken Cup too.  Don't mean this is a shitty way, but have you ever watched a RL game?  Regardless of the answer, try and watch another game but watch it without thinking union tactics.  If you take it as its own unique sport then ull enjoy it, and I suppose that goes for the RL fans watching union too.

Offline Fairytale of 2005

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #41 on: March 4, 2010, 11:22:03 pm »
Could you please expand on how you think a League player has a higher skill set?

Players are less specialised in RL and are usually much more universal in the roles they can play.

Every RL player has to be able to:

Tackle (properly)
Pass
Support
Read the defensive line
Run lines and angles
I could go on, but would then be into the finer points.

All of these happen at much faster speeds in RL and therefore require more skill. There are also usually a number of players on a team capable of making precise field kicks, not just the key backs.

Offline Mackeroo

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #42 on: March 4, 2010, 11:23:11 pm »
Hope your not a betting man then mate! Melbourne Storm won it ;)  As for NRL players moving over, I just want to see Jamie Lyon back at Saints!!  WHo you go to watch in Sydney then?  Roosters?

Really? Melbourne have been the dominant team in the last decade over here, and are a really good side. They did well to come back and win the NRL last season, after having their arses handed to them by Manly in the 2008 Grand Final.

Yeah I go to watch the Roosters as they're my local team. Really looking forward to seeing Todd Carney in a Roosters jersey as the guy is a class player. Hopefully he can stay off the sauce though. I reckon the reason we struggled last season was that a lot of players were mates with, and had played alongside Freddy Fittler.  Hopefully Brian Smith can get the best out of a talented bunch of players.

Offline Fairytale of 2005

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #43 on: March 4, 2010, 11:28:51 pm »
I must say that the State of Origin games are immense.

I defy anyone to watch these games and say they didn't enjoy them. However they are far any away the best games RL has to offer. International RL is very weak and RU has it beat hands down on that score.

Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #44 on: March 4, 2010, 11:28:52 pm »
Players are less specialised in RL and are usually much more universal in the roles they can play.

Every RL player has to be able to:

Tackle (properly)
Pass
Support
Read the defensive line
Run lines and angles
I could go on, but would then be into the finer points.

All of these happen at much faster speeds in RL and therefore require more skill. There are also usually a number of players on a team capable of making precise field kicks, not just the key backs.

I think skill set is a hard thing to define.  Brings me back to my original thoughts, the games shouldnt be compared like for like too much, watch them as seperate sports!  A prop in union doesnt need to have good hands to be useful.  Just has to win the battle in the scrum, lift in a lineout and ruck/maul his heart out.  Then if a pop comes try and catch it.  Whereas RL props are ustilised as dummy runners, link players and support and need the hands of a similar standard of a union scrum half.  You cant compare the likes of Graham (Saints prop) and Sheridan (Sale Sharks prop).

I tend more to the RL side of "which I prefer", but I always feel that RU fans dismiss RL too easily.  I should know as I still play union at uni and all my mates are from down south and I heard first hand their comments about RL. 

Offline MBL?

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #45 on: March 4, 2010, 11:31:22 pm »
Don't mean this is a shitty way, but have you ever watched a RL game? 
I used to watch it a lot and have even been to a couple of games, one of which Tuigamala stepped on my foot, the fat bastard. :D

Offline Red_Isle_Chap

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #46 on: March 4, 2010, 11:32:20 pm »
The answer lies in fans ignorance...most RL fans dont have a clue about RU and vice versa, mainly as key points in RU such as lineouts,scrums and mauls etc are non existent or mean very little in RL.  The problem then is as a fan of the other code you watch the game with your codes eyes wondering...what the hell is all that about, why did he not kick then etc.

My post (which I never intentionally meant for it to be a thread originally) was just to highlight the fact that a lot of people dont understand the sport.  Rugby IMO is unique as the games are yes ARE similar, but at the same time different.  If an american football fan watched baseball for the first time then he wouldnt have presumptions on how the game should be played, they would just watch and learn, but rugby fans have knowledge of their own code and so judge the opposite one totally differently.

My main point was that both codes should give the opposite one a go and actually watch a few games.  To make it more bearble I'd suggest the internationals (Lions tour 2013 is a must by the way) for RL fans to get a taste of union, and for RU fans then any of the big games such as Saints v Wigan or Leeds vs Bradford.

Your right that people should watch what they like, but most rugby fans dont give the other code a chance, thats all I was trying to get across
This is the thing though mate, try as people might, it's not a sensible discussion to enlighten "the other sides" views. This threads been a bit of a case in point for me. What followers of each code have to realise is that 99% of the people who watch the other side don't like the other code. Doesn't matter if it's through ignorance or if you've been brought up that the other way is boring, you won't change people's views. I've watched RL, being in NZ it's on in the pub all the time and it honestly bores the tits off me. I hate the fact that you've got 6 tackles, that once the tackles made you do all the wriggling, etc. It's not that it doesn't make sense to me, it's just that I find it utterly tedious and pointless.

Which is exactly what other people on here think of RU. Neither sides actually give a toss what the other thinks of it, the only people who really care are the players who went from amateur RU to professional RL, like Jonathan Davis did. I've never read about him moving over so I don't know why he did it, if it was a want of a new challenge, cash, whatever. Now that RU is professional as well it's even less of an issue.

I do agree that there's ignorance on each side, accusations of people being toffs is antiquated, as is saying that all RL fans come from St Helens, Leeds, Wigan and Bradford and they wear flat caps.

I personally don't get why you'd be frustrated by what RU fans think of RL or vice versa. I honestly think those that don't get the other aren't interested in the game to learn it, so there's no point in trying to "discuss" it as it comes down to, like i've said "my sport is better than yours"

Which ends up all a bit pathetic in the end doesn't it. And i'm not trying to be patronizing/condescending or any other big words that i barely know the meaning of, just kinda stating my point.

At least none of the sports are as boring as baseball eh ;) :wave
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Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #47 on: March 4, 2010, 11:33:05 pm »
I used to watch it a lot and have even been to a couple of games, one of which Tuigamala stepped on my foot, the fat bastard. :D

Haha, that will teach him to be in the pie capital of the world.  Shame u made that silly comment :p made me thing that u were a total whopper, you could have offered something interesting instead and gave the RU side of things from a person who seems to know both codes rather than me who tends to RL :)

Offline Fairytale of 2005

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #48 on: March 4, 2010, 11:36:45 pm »
like Jonathan Davis did.

Pure quality that guy. The only guy I can think of who was class in both sports, which highlights how different they are.

Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #49 on: March 4, 2010, 11:39:30 pm »
This is the thing though mate, try as people might, it's not a sensible discussion to enlighten "the other sides" views. This threads been a bit of a case in point for me. What followers of each code have to realise is that 99% of the people who watch the other side don't like the other code. Doesn't matter if it's through ignorance or if you've been brought up that the other way is boring, you won't change people's views. I've watched RL, being in NZ it's on in the pub all the time and it honestly bores the tits off me. I hate the fact that you've got 6 tackles, that once the tackles made you do all the wriggling, etc. It's not that it doesn't make sense to me, it's just that I find it utterly tedious and pointless.

Which is exactly what other people on here think of RU. Neither sides actually give a toss what the other thinks of it, the only people who really care are the players who went from amateur RU to professional RL, like Jonathan Davis did. I've never read about him moving over so I don't know why he did it, if it was a want of a new challenge, cash, whatever. Now that RU is professional as well it's even less of an issue.

I do agree that there's ignorance on each side, accusations of people being toffs is antiquated, as is saying that all RL fans come from St Helens, Leeds, Wigan and Bradford and they wear flat caps.

I personally don't get why you'd be frustrated by what RU fans think of RL or vice versa. I honestly think those that don't get the other aren't interested in the game to learn it, so there's no point in trying to "discuss" it as it comes down to, like i've said "my sport is better than yours"

Which ends up all a bit pathetic in the end doesn't it. And i'm not trying to be patronizing/condescending or any other big words that i barely know the meaning of, just kinda stating my point.

At least none of the sports are as boring as baseball eh ;) :wave

No I take on board what your saying in the main.  It comes down to my personal view that I enjoy both.  Iv played both, watched both and cant understand why most people dont treat RL and RU as something totally serperate from the other, a bit like how by being a football fan and then any other sport.  I wanted more than anything to try and raise awareness of the fact that u can enjoy both sports without having to feel like youve cheated on the other code in some way.  The main reason for people disliking the other code is because they dont understand it and I wanted to overcome some of the misgotten stereotypes that both codes have.


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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #50 on: March 4, 2010, 11:43:34 pm »
Players are less specialised in RL and are usually much more universal in the roles they can play.

Every RL player has to be able to:

Tackle (properly)
Pass
Support
Read the defensive line
Run lines and angles
I could go on, but would then be into the finer points.

All of these happen at much faster speeds in RL and therefore require more skill. There are also usually a number of players on a team capable of making precise field kicks, not just the key backs.
I might get slated for this, but in all the the top Union nations you are expected to be able to do the things you listed above barring maybe England, who are far more structured and everything seems to be about power.

I disagree with you're point about speed of play because it really does vary from team to team. Which is another reason I enjoy Union more


One thing though that is almost non existent in Union is a forward who can kick.
« Last Edit: March 4, 2010, 11:46:12 pm by Tom Hicks' Lovechild »

Offline Mackeroo

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #51 on: March 4, 2010, 11:47:56 pm »
The main reason for people disliking the other code is because they dont understand it and I wanted to overcome some of the misgotten stereotypes that both codes have.

I can honestly say that since I've lived in Sydney, it is generally RL fans that look down on RU as opposed to the other way round, and I've often heard comments refering to RU as being a game watched and played by homosexuals, which really surprised me as I thought prior to coming here that RU was the number one sport in Australia.

But as most people have said, there is a belief that you can only like one of the other. I believe there is plenty of room for both codes to co-exist.

Offline Red_Isle_Chap

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #52 on: March 4, 2010, 11:48:25 pm »
Pure quality that guy. The only guy I can think of who was class in both sports, which highlights how different they are.
And how very, very talented Jonathan was in his playing days. He's also a very fair commentator/pundit, which is refreshing to see.

No I take on board what your saying in the main.  It comes down to my personal view that I enjoy both.  Iv played both, watched both and cant understand why most people dont treat RL and RU as something totally serperate from the other, a bit like how by being a football fan and then any other sport.  I wanted more than anything to try and raise awareness of the fact that u can enjoy both sports without having to feel like youve cheated on the other code in some way.  The main reason for people disliking the other code is because they dont understand it and I wanted to overcome some of the misgotten stereotypes that both codes have.


You're the exception rather than the rule mate. You enjoy both, most like 1 or the other, and that's never going to change. I'll never claim to know the rules of RL as I don't want to put in the effort to learn a game i don't like watching.

Are there stereotypes that need addressing on both sides? Yes, but that's just life mate and you'll have to live with it. All I can say is don't let it frustrate you, each side is quite happy in it's ignorance of the other and leaves each other be. Which is a good place to be in my book.

I'm starting to go over old ground now with this post, so i'm going to leave you lot alone in this thread I think :wave
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Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #53 on: March 4, 2010, 11:49:49 pm »
I might get slated for this, but in all the the top Union nations you are expected to be able to do the things you listed above barring maybe England, who are far more structured and everything seems to be about power.

I disagree with you're point about speed of play because it really does vary from team to team. Which is another reason I enjoy Union more


One thing though that is almost non existent is a forward who can kick.

Yet again you need to take everything into context.  Whats speed for a prop?  In union its getting off your arse and hitting the next ruck, or peeling off the maul and reforming at the side.  Whereas in league its about hitting the gain line at pace (dont argue that Jason Leonard ever hit the ball at "pace" cos he never). 
Speed of play when your trying to control the ball in union and hit 7/8 phases to create some space, sometimes it needs to take time.  In this respect I think RL does edge it.  You will never see a RL player purposely play the ball slowly.  Only time that happens if its near the 80minute mark and its an equivalent of being an "old campaigner" and faking an injury ;).   Even the attacking sides in union cant really determine their own pace most of the time as rucks/mauls dictate otherwise, as it isnt feasible for a team to be able to get super quick ball by clearing the ruck 5-6 phases on the run.


Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #54 on: March 4, 2010, 11:52:05 pm »
And how very, very talented Jonathan was in his playing days. He's also a very fair commentator/pundit, which is refreshing to see.
You're the exception rather than the rule mate. You enjoy both, most like 1 or the other, and that's never going to change. I'll never claim to know the rules of RL as I don't want to put in the effort to learn a game i don't like watching.

Are there stereotypes that need addressing on both sides? Yes, but that's just life mate and you'll have to live with it. All I can say is don't let it frustrate you, each side is quite happy in it's ignorance of the other and leaves each other be. Which is a good place to be in my book.

I'm starting to go over old ground now with this post, so i'm going to leave you lot alone in this thread I think :wave

Shame I cant change the world! ;)  I wouldnt ask for world peace Id ask people to watch more of the other code!!  Cheers for the comments.  Id still give RL a go though, just try not to compare it to union too much and you'll see it for what it is

Offline MBL?

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #55 on: March 4, 2010, 11:53:32 pm »
It doesn't really help League that its not as wide spread Union imo, and I don't really get the bitterness between the two other than on the internet. I suppose that's down to the fact that in Ireland League is literally non existent.

Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #56 on: March 5, 2010, 12:00:01 am »
Just as an aside thought I would post one great RL try (bias as its my team) and a truly epic RU try that is as famous as the sport itself.  Any comments? :P

RL - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhGEldMGoSM

RU - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3169xA0h6PE

EDIT: Honestly worth watching them both.  Just to give them some context.  The RL one was the last play of the game in a play-off match to win the game (needed a try to win a kick wasnt enough).  Those that dont know the RU one, shame on you, you should!
« Last Edit: March 5, 2010, 12:03:06 am by peelyon »

Offline SP

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #57 on: March 5, 2010, 12:01:20 am »
I'd rather watch Union than League.

I would rather spend time with a League fan than a Union fan.

Offline anon-y-mouse

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #58 on: March 5, 2010, 12:03:15 am »
Pure quality that guy. The only guy I can think of who was class in both sports, which highlights how different they are.

Jason Robinson?

Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #59 on: March 5, 2010, 12:05:35 am »
Jason Robinson?

Arguably made the more "difficult" switch too.  Especially to go from a back in RL where he hardly (if ever) kicked the ball, to becoming an all round kicker in RU.  Class act and class man.

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #60 on: March 5, 2010, 12:10:24 am »
Whereas in league its about hitting the gain line at pace (dont argue that Jason Leonard ever hit the ball at "pace" cos he never). 
That's the thing though, the modern prop hits the gain line at pace with regularity. Obviously not as much as a League prop because they have to be bigger to deal with the scrum and breakdown but it is far more common than it was even just a few years ago.
Speed of play when your trying to control the ball in union and hit 7/8 phases to create some space, sometimes it needs to take time.  In this respect I think RL does edge it.  You will never see a RL player purposely play the ball slowly.  Only time that happens if its near the 80minute mark and its an equivalent of being an "old campaigner" and faking an injury ;).   Even the attacking sides in union cant really determine their own pace most of the time as rucks/mauls dictate otherwise, as it isnt feasible for a team to be able to get super quick ball by clearing the ruck 5-6 phases on the run.
Good teams can play at a frightening pace. A ruck can be cleared in three seconds if the support is there, that and players off loading in the tackle makes for an extremely fast game.

Offline peelyon

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #61 on: March 5, 2010, 12:15:01 am »
That's the thing though, the modern prop hits the gain line at pace with regularity. Obviously not as much as a League prop because they have to be bigger to deal with the scrum and breakdown but it is far more common than it was even just a few years ago.Good teams can play at a frightening pace. A ruck can be cleared in three seconds if the support is there, that and players off loading in the tackle makes for an extremely fast game.

Both occurences are rare for me in union though, and I do watch a lot. 

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #62 on: March 5, 2010, 12:27:38 am »
Both occurences are rare for me in union though, and I do watch a lot. 
I suppose I'm used to it from watching Leinster week in week out. ;D

Since you're posting video of you're team (great stuff by the way), I think its only right I post some of mine ;)

Hickie v Toulouse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuVyB0R2hU

And a few of O'Driscolls many tries http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J83kpN2vLVo

Offline pepe_carra_stevie_nando

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #63 on: March 5, 2010, 02:32:38 am »
League hands down. So much more interesting than union which is not surprising since I either fall asleep or am that bored I have to change the channel after 10 minutes of watching union. What I have found to be the biggest difference in the 2 is that in league they pass the ball around trying to get through the gaps in the oppositions defence where in union they just run straight at the opposition trying to bust through using their strength. Boring if you ask me. To be fair, I am a Wests Tigers fan so I have been blessed watching a very attractive style of rugby.
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Offline Mackeroo

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #64 on: March 5, 2010, 02:39:18 am »
To be fair, I am a Wests Tigers fan so I have been blessed watching a very attractive, but ultimately useless as we win nothing, style of rugby.

Fixed it for you mate.   ;D

Thought you were from WA? Not a Western Force fan? Shame, as you've one of the best players in world rugby playing for you in Matt Gitteau.

Offline keithcun

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #65 on: March 5, 2010, 07:07:59 am »
There are very few serious injuries in scrums and when there is it always hits the headlines.

Scrums in RL are predictable whereas in RU they are much more likely to result in a TO

But seriously, how often does that happen?

Line outs yes, they are more of a contest, but whilst you have two similar matched scrums, then they aren't a regular occurence.

As I said previously, the reason for the scrum in RL is to get the ball back into play quickly which is far more preferable to me than having 16 men mauling over the ball for ages without anything happening.
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Offline keithcun

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #66 on: March 5, 2010, 07:12:26 am »
The reason you will see teams go for the drop goal is because of two things, they can't break through the opposing defence so they may as well have a go.  Or more commonly its a tight game near the end and three points will nick it.

But to me, that's quite defeatest. I understand the drop goal at the end in a tight game, but just because you aren't good enough to score a try, to just keep kicking the fucker, that seems to be defeating the object of the game and possibly why the skill levels in Union are not as high as in League.
 
Ps: There's absolutely nothing wrong with Diesel engines :D

I agree, as long as they are in the vehicles they are supposed to be in, ie tractors, buses, wagons and ships.  :D
« Last Edit: March 5, 2010, 09:45:55 am by keithcun »
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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #67 on: March 5, 2010, 07:25:26 am »
Jason Robinson?

Robinson was excellent, but he was a failed half back that ended up on the wing in League.  His main asset was speed and elusiveness. Personally, skill wise, I don't think he's anyway comparable to Davies who was a genius with the ball in his hand and the best acceleration over 15 yards I have seen.
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Offline Paranoid Red

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #68 on: March 5, 2010, 08:43:21 am »
I'd rather watch Union than League.

I would rather spend time with a League fan than a Union fan.

Yeah. Having been to Twickenham a couple of times I'd rather play League than spend time with the English union fans. It doesn't help that England's style of (union) rugby makes American Football look spontaneous. Give me Wales vs. France any day.
League, I've never quite got, but it looks scarily tough.

Speaking of American Football, this has been doing my head in recently. So many differences and still no-one cares...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_American_and_Canadian_football

Offline Fairytale of 2005

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #69 on: March 5, 2010, 09:34:11 am »
Jason Robinson?

Yes I forgot about him. Played against him aswell ;). Again, he was a rare player, but not as good a player as Davies. Behind Hanley, Davies is the best British RL player I think I've ever seen. He is certainly one of them anyway.

Both the tries posted above are quality. I remember the Joynt one as if were yesterday.
« Last Edit: March 5, 2010, 09:39:42 am by Kage »

Offline Danny Boys Dad

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #70 on: March 5, 2010, 10:50:50 am »
The scrums in union are a mess at the moment, at international and premiership level it hardly ever seems that a scrum doesn't collapse a few times before it works. Feeding is allowed so taking one against the head is very rare, you can't drive the other team off the ball as they just drop the scrum when the pressure comes on.

Lineouts are a similar mess, lifting means that the opposition only really get a look-in if the throwing team are having a bad day.

All the tactical kicking is appalling to watch as well, even if you know the justification for it.

League can be just as negative and boring, if you get a team which just uses 5 tackles to batter up the pitch then kicks on the 6th in the hope of the other team making an error then it's not a pretty sight. A proper game of league where the players are looking to offload in the tackle is a fantastic game to watch.

Both codes have their good points and bad points. I've played union all my life, my dad played union and league and a lot of the lads at my club have had a go at league as well. I would have said that the St Helens of a few years ago when Sean Long was in his prime played some of the best rugby I've ever seen, league or union, but I've also seen the French union side play some pretty good games as well.

Does one have to be better than the other?
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Offline pepe_carra_stevie_nando

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #71 on: March 5, 2010, 10:52:06 am »
Fixed it for you mate.   ;D

Thought you were from WA? Not a Western Force fan? Shame, as you've one of the best players in world rugby playing for you in Matt Gitteau.

I am from WA but I absolutely despise union so I honestly couldn't give a toss about the Force to be honest. As for your edit of my post, I think we have the best chance to win a flag this season since 2005. Oh and Gitteau plays for the Brumbies now.
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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #72 on: March 5, 2010, 11:27:11 am »
The scrums in union are a mess at the moment, at international and Premier League level it hardly ever seems that a scrum doesn't collapse a few times before it works. Feeding is allowed so taking one against the head is very rare, you can't drive the other team off the ball as they just drop the scrum when the pressure comes on.

Lineouts are a similar mess, lifting means that the opposition only really get a look-in if the throwing team are having a bad day.

All the tactical kicking is appalling to watch as well, even if you know the justification for it.

League can be just as negative and boring, if you get a team which just uses 5 tackles to batter up the pitch then kicks on the 6th in the hope of the other team making an error then it's not a pretty sight. A proper game of league where the players are looking to offload in the tackle is a fantastic game to watch.

Both codes have their good points and bad points. I've played union all my life, my dad played union and league and a lot of the lads at my club have had a go at league as well. I would have said that the St Helens of a few years ago when Sean Long was in his prime played some of the best rugby I've ever seen, league or union, but I've also seen the French union side play some pretty good games as well.

Does one have to be better than the other?

Yes, mine has to be better whether it's League/union or petrol/diesel.  ;D
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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #73 on: March 5, 2010, 11:27:21 am »
Like football used to be before the premier league and the showbiz money and image, I reckon there are a lot of 'England' rugby union fans, who have no particular affiliation or interest in the union club game.  That mass collection of 'take it or leave it' international fans is something league just doesn't have.

Despite flagship competitions like the heineken cup, at club level both codes' support is pretty even, and I believe super league has much higher viewing figures on sky than the guiness premership does.  It's the far stronger international scene that pushes union into the public/media limelight.

I think the point that RL bosses miss in their desperate attempts to expand the game by fast tracking non-heartland clubs into super league, is that the club scene in any sport in this country is deeply rooted in history and tradition.   Mergers and 'selection' based on geographic position doesn't work and whilst there are only three nations who play league internationally at the top level, it will always come second.  If the number of london teams in super league made any difference to this fact, union would be trying the same in bradford and hull.

« Last Edit: March 5, 2010, 11:29:26 am by dbphase »
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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #74 on: March 5, 2010, 12:30:26 pm »
Players are less specialised in RL and are usually much more universal in the roles they can play.
Surely this just means Jack of all trades, master of none?.

Quote
But with that "shagging the ground" attitude, surely you can agree that as an ignorant RL fan watching RU when they play it tight for 3-4 phases picking and going around the ruck that that also seems slow and pointless?  You say "two yards" as if it means something.  Yet again take a prop picking and going in RU sometimes they dont even get over the gain line before another ruck/maul is formed.
It isn't slow and pointless though, other players can join and make a maul, the opposing team can drive over and get possesion, there is still stuff happening whereas in RL it's stop, get back on his feet, roll the ball back, then go. Having a breakdown make it more dynamic.

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #75 on: March 5, 2010, 02:45:35 pm »
for me it's union hands down, mainly because i played to a reasonably high level and played with several england and lions players at school and for my county. maybe i'm biased but i just love the sport, even more than football to some degree.

i enjoy watching league aswell though although it's a completely different sport in every aspect. the ball is in play longer but it's nowhere near as technical as union.

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #76 on: March 5, 2010, 03:03:11 pm »
I enjoy watching both but one thing I can't understand is how much shakier a lot of league players seem under the high ball. Seem to be a lot of spills and tries scored from kicks in league. I know the cross kick has been used more and more in union but it doesn't seem to have the same degree of success to the attacking side.

A bit like Mackeroo I watched a lot of league in my year in Sydney (unavoidable really!) and it was great to watch, highly skilled, plenty of offloads, clever grubbers etc.

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #77 on: March 5, 2010, 03:31:27 pm »
Couldn't really be arsed with replying to this thread as there is clearly a lack of knowledge between the two codes. If you haven't given both a go, do. There both enjoyable in there own way, Unions just a lot better. ;D

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #78 on: March 5, 2010, 05:55:29 pm »
Surely this just means Jack of all trades, master of none?.

Nope. I have seen forwards with more ball handling skills than some backs.

It isn't slow and pointless though, other players can join and make a maul, the opposing team can drive over and get possesion, there is still stuff happening whereas in RL it's stop, get back on his feet, roll the ball back, then go. Having a breakdown make it more dynamic.

Apart from when the ball is at the back of the maul and the scrum half is stood over it waiting and thinking what's he gonna do next, then inevitably wazz it back to someone so they can kick fuck out of the ball. By this time, we'd have had two sets of play.

I would love to know how long the ball is in play in Union. I know it's in play in League at a very high percentage and that to me is less stop/start than any game of Union.


Couldn't really be arsed with replying to this thread as there is clearly a lack of knowledge between the two codes. If you haven't given both a go, do. There both enjoyable in there own way, Unions just a lot better. ;D

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Re: Rugby Union or League Debate
« Reply #79 on: March 5, 2010, 06:53:41 pm »
Surely this just means Jack of all trades, master of none?.


No, it just means that most players require and have a higher and more complete skill set.