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I read yesterday that the semi-final of the Heineken Cup between Leicester and Cardiff was decided by a penalty shoot-out after extra-time. That is a truly obscene way to decide a game.
No game should be decided that way.
How does the poor bloke who missed feel? What about the fellows in the team who played their guts out but can’t kick for nuts?
They did not contribute to the final determination of the outcome. Nor could they.
Rugby emphasises team over individual. A shoot out does not do that.
The Laws say, “The object of the game is that two teams, each of fifteen players observing fair play, according to the Laws and in a sporting spirit should, by carrying passing, kicking and grounding the ball score as many points as possible.”
Rugby is about scoring tries and kicking goals. Not just scoring goals.
Some would argue that tries are the most important. We all want to see more tries not more goals. Furthermore, we should not want to have the same finale to a great contest that our soccer cousins think is appropriate.
A try and conversion is scored because of good play and/or bad defence. A penalty goal is scored because of a good kicker and an offending team who infringed.
A penalty-shoot out is just one dimensional.
Imagine the uproar if a Rugby World Cup was decided in such a way.
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.