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Rugby union has suffered too much from the intellectual masturbation of those who praise the very intricacy that makes it incredibly boring. You can’t have it both ways: you can’t call yourself the running game, then present a kickfest for 80 minutes.
That is a fraud.
The best remembered, most successful rugby teams have had swift, aggressive forward packs who kept the ball in hand IN ORDER that their swift, elusive backs had opportunities to run the ball and score tries. Rolling mauls were the platform of a try-scoring movement – not a result in themselves. This is simple, effective rugby that has always succeeded – ELVs or not.
I remember with fondness the Ella brothers, Campo, Jonah Lomu, Serge Blanco, most French sides before the 00s – fabulous entertainment on the back of tough, go-forward athletic packs.
England is, as always, the issue.
English success in rugby has come from a big pack and a good kicker (eg Rob Andrew and Johnny Wilkinson). Cynical, boring, repetitive rugby – forgettable dross from a nation desperate for success at any price.
They bastardised the game to win a Cup. Disgraceful. And now they threaten to derail the ELVs – the great hope for making rugby once again the running game.
On Saturday, we got to witness Beale, Tahu, Tuqiri et al behind a strong enough pack – and they bored everyone to death. A potent backline – and they kick it away. Why? It makes no sense and is killing an already wounded game.
Rugby needs to keep the backlines apart. Encourage room to run and create. Encourage teams to keep the ball in hand.
The problem is that England has excessive influence at the IRB. Fast, open rugby doesn’t suit England, whose team is currently rubbish (more than usual). Maybe the politics of English rugby is aimed at dragging the game back to their level.
Either way, the game continues to suffer against the long-held wishes of that sadly marginalised group: the long-suffering rugby fan.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.