Rugby Union Question 1

[vernonk]

Why do international rugby union teams keep booting the ball back to one another? Why not kick for touch or keep possession by running the ball instead? Ping Pong kicking is boring.

[Old_Geezer]

Because they've not learnt what works ? Gaining distance is useful, especially when it clears a danger for your own line, but I have sympathy with your point of view. When booted for the opposition's defence to catch, it tends to be just giving them the chance to advance/attack. Valid if you can get to him as he catches it maybe, but usually a disappointment.

[vernonk]

There are strong rules against attacking a player catching a ball, which makes those chasing the kick cautious, and therefore makes today's rugby even more dull.

[Old_Geezer]

No expert, but surely after the ball has been caught they are fair game ?

[vernonk]

Yes indeed, but while in the process of catching they can't be upended, and once they've caught the ball they usually react fast

[grumpy01]

Also in reply to previous answers kicking directly for touch is only allowed from certain parts of the field i.e behind the 22m line.However if the ball is put back into the "22" kicking directly for touch is not allowed thus giving rise to "ping pong" kicking.

[sambro]

Yes,ive always wondered that,no one seems to boot it 60 yds and one bounce into touch,cant get my head round it!

[ichkeria]

They do sometimes, but it's quite a skill to achieve, given the shape of the ball ...