Wednesdays Ruck and Maul

A quick response from our Director of Junior Boys Rugby, following the site’s blog on Monday, offered a report as to how the U15 and U17 lads also wound up their “first half” on the weekend!

Byron summarizes; “It was a very strong showing from the U15/U17 boys during the Covid training sessions this fall season.  We ended our fall season with an 11 a side, “Touch Tussle”.  The final score of 17 points to 15 was an indication of the competitive nature of the contest.  The Black team made a surge in the second half but came up just short.  The game was full on and on occasions the coaches needed to remind the boys it was touch rugby!!  (Fortunately, this wind-up occured prior to the latest Covid "games" restrictions.)

Coach Roger had Jake Thiel from Canada 7's come out and give the boys a bit of talk before the game and he also gave the Black team a half-time pep talk which really seemed to wake them up!

Further photos can be found here:  Castaway Wanderers Junior Boys Rugby

It’s never over until it’s over!  Strange Rugby Permutations.

Tri Nations and Rugby Championship tiebreaker rules.

Points are awarded in all matches on the following basis:

Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 0 points for loss of more than 7 points
Bonus: 1 point for 3 tries or more than opponent
Bonus: 1 point for loss within 7 points or less

Position on the competition table is determined by competition points as set out above:

1. In the event of two or more teams being equal on competition points for any position on the competition table such position shall be determined by the team with the most wins in the series.
2. In the event of (a) above not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined by the team with the most wins against the other team/s tied on the same points.
3. In the event of (b) above not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined on the margin of points scored for and against in the series. The team with the highest margin of points scored for and against being considered as the winner.
4. In the event of (c) above not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined on the margin of points scored for and against by those competing teams. The team with the highest margin of points scored for and against being considered as the winner.
5. In the event of (d) above not providing a decision, the position on the competition table will be determined on the basis of the team scoring most tries in the series.
6. In the event of (e) above not providing a decision, the Series shall be shared between the two teams.

Biggest defeats in rugby history.

Argentina or Australia will require a historic win to steal the Tri Nations from the All Blacks.

Here are ten of the biggest defeats in rugby history:

Namibia – 142 points (142-0 to Australia, 2003 Australia World Cup)
Romania – 134 points (134-0 to England, Romanian 2001 End of Year Tour)
Uruguay – 131 points (134-3 to South Africa, Uruguayan 2005 Summer Tour)
Japan – 128 points (145-17 to New Zealand, 1995 South Africa World Cup)
Tonga – 102 points (102-0 to New Zealand in Tongan 2000 Summer Tour)
Italy – 101 points (101-0 to South Africa, Italian 1999 Summer Tour)
USA – 98 points (106-8 to England, American 1999 End of Year Tour)

Portugal – 95 points (108-13 to New Zealand, 2007 French World Cup)
Fiji – 91 points (91-0 to New Zealand, Fijian 2005 Summer Tour)
Samoa – 87 points (101-14 to New Zealand, Samoan 2008 Summer Tour)

(Data, credit - NZ Herald)

FOOTNOTE:  It is very interesting to read about the assistance Wallaby and Puma coaches have been receiving in practise with Rugby League players, something that back in the day would have been considered a cardinal sin!