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Ball Possession |
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For a summary of how to play the game - and the rules that govern it - click on the links below.
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There a several ways a team can retake possession of the ball. Here are the more common formations you'll see during a rugby game. |
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Rucks
Once a tackled player releases the ball - or if the ball springs loose -- either team can gain possession of the ball that is lying on the ground. Players from both teams often lock up over the ball in a ruck, trying to push their opponents back away from the ball while they kick the ball backwards towards their own team mates behind them. When a ruck forms, players cannot reach in and use their hands to grab or move the ball. A player can only grab the ball after his team has successfully kicked the ball clear of the ruck.
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Mauls
Once a player carrying the ball is locked in the grasp of would-be tackler, players from both teams can join the pack or maul and try to push the ball carrier towards their opponent's goal line. Players can transfer ball possession within the maul by handing off to a teammate. Likewise, opponents can reach in and steal possession of the ball. Players locked in a maul often turn their backs to their opponents to shield the ball.
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Scrums
When a penalty is called, or there has been a stoppage of play, the referee will call for a scrum. The penalized team loses possession and the ball is turned over to the opposing team to put into play. The forwards from each team bend forward and lock together with their arms, pushing against the wedge of opposing forwards. The scrumhalf from the non-offending team rolls the ball on the ground into the scrum (into his side of the scrum). Each side of the scrum attempts to push the opposing forwards back behind the ball. If they are successful, they can maintain possession by pushing the scrum towards the opponent's goal while moving the ball forward underneath the scrum with their feet.
The player in the front and the middle of the scrum is the hooker. He or she tries to back heel the ball out to his scrumhalf who runs around behind the scrum and is waiting to grab the ball. Extracting the ball from the back of the scrum, the scrumhalf can then pass, run or kick the ball.
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Lineouts
Lineouts occur after the ball has been kicked or carried out of bounds. Forwards from both teams line up in a parallel line -- forming a channel about one metre wide that is perpendicular to the sideline. A player, from the team that did not lose the ball out of bounds, throws the ball straight down the middle of the channel. Forwards from both teams jump to catch the ball and gain possession. Players can also lift team mates off the ground who then attempt to catch the ball and gain possession. All players in a lineout must be between five and fifteen metres from the touchline where the ball is put into play.
For the complete set of rugby laws, check the International Rugby Board (IRB) website by clicking here.
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