HOLY SHIT, THE DOLPHINS WIN

[Scrumhalf]

Rugby vs. gridiron arguments have been taking place since the beginning of time.

Comparisons are a waste of time. They are completely different games, except for the fact that both have oval balls.

The key difference is the level of specialization - in rugby all players are required to be able to carry the ball and do at least some basic level of passing and catching the ball. This reduces the variability between the forwards and the backs in size, speed, etc. In gridiron, the rules encourage specialization, which is why you see superfast backs and behemoth linemen.

The best rugby players in the world can become NFL players at specific positions and the best NFL players, especially running backs, receivers, linebackers and tight ends can become excellent rugby players. The talent to catch a ball, wrong-step a defender and have that extra bolt of speed is going to stand one in good stead in either code.

I played rugby for many years and love the game. I have never played gridiron but love watching it. I have room in my heart for both games.

[Scrumhalf]

One rugby player I would have loved to see in the NFL was Jonah Lomu of New Zealand. He was 6'5" and 275lbs, fast as hell and impossible to tackle if allowed to get a full head of steam. I have seen matches where he would drag 3 or 4 defenders over the try line.

Conversely, Barry Sanders who was one of the best open field runners of all time, would have carved up rugby defenses. That would have been phenomenal to watch.

For those unfamiliar, here are a couple of pictures of Jonah in full glory.....

[rock]

As someone who has played college football and rugby:

Mr. Inc.- You should not criticze a game unless you have played it, you sound just as ignorant as people who say rugby is not tough or not big or whatever....

Football and Rugby are both demanding (and my two favorite) sports....

As for size, most rugby "backs" are in the twos and are fast as hell...

The forwards (kinda like lineman) average 225-260 mark...they would be alot bigger like NFL lineman, but the endurance needed to play a rugby game keeps them trimmer....think of playing a soccer game pace w/only a five minute half-time.....A lot of those NFL lineman would be lighter if they had to be in that kinda shape

Difference in hitting:

As a former linebacker learning to play ruby I learned that I have to tackle different....you will not last long in rugby if you try to takcle with you helmet/shoulder area (tough some guys do) but you will be hurting yourself while hurting the runner....

Unless you have played both, you really can't say one is tougher than another.

Who is tougher? A heavywight boxer or a NFL lineman? Apples and oranges guys.....

My compliments to the guys who have said that rugby is a tough sport and keeping an open mind, especially considering most people have not even played.

[rock]

Originally posted by Scrumhalf


Conversely, Barry Sanders who was one of the best open field runners of all time, would have carved up rugby defenses. That would have been phenomenal to watch.

Esp in 7s

[Scrumhalf]

Oh boy 7s with Sanders... now that would be something.....

[meat12]

I thought this thread was supposed to be about the Dolphins beating the Pats...huh..must of got a little side tracked there Mr I

[buccaneer19]

Originally posted by meat12
I thought this thread was supposed to be about the Dolphins beating the Pats...huh..must of got a little side tracked there Mr I

haha, yeah really

[space mountain]

woo yea my fins one a game against a team with winning record.. been diehard fan for 20 yrs.. williams is not coming back by the way

[Megiddo]

Originally posted by space mountain
woo yea my fins one a game against a team with winning record.. been diehard fan for 20 yrs.. williams is not coming back by the way

I am all about the Fins winning which means the 49ers are still dead last which means they will get the #1 draft pick. Of course they won't know what to do with that #1 pick but they will still have it at least.

[meat12]

Looks like the phins may land Nick Saban

[buccaneer19]

Originally posted by meat12
Looks like the phins may land Nick Saban

if saban leaves tigerland which i think he will i just might cry

[space mountain]

phins win again!!!! lol cleveland

[Megiddo]

Originally posted by space mountain
phins win again!!!! lol cleveland

Dude it was against the Browns first off and it was only a three point lead and those points were scored only in the last 30 seconds of the 4th. That was nothing but a defensive game. But like most of the league, a team's gotta take when they can

[meat12]

they should of just lost and went for the higher draft pick

[buccaneer19]

well, you guys got saban, and i'm highly upset