Which is tougher?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ture=player_embedded
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I'll go rugby just because they do it without pads.
both have equal violent contact from what I can tell.
both have equal violent contact from what I can tell.
So much for the argument head shots go away without helmets.
I've never followed Rugby so I have no idea if hit's like that happen a lot. But that was absolutely textbook tackling.
I wonder if he can play middle linebacker?
I've never followed Rugby so I have no idea if hit's like that happen a lot. But that was absolutely textbook tackling.
I wonder if he can play middle linebacker?
quote:Originally posted by ChilliJon:
I've never followed Rugby so I have no idea if hit's like that happen a lot.
They are rare. Mostly it's arm tackling.
The hits aren't as vicious because the tackler isn't protected, so he can't lead with his shoulder pad or helmet.
It's a great sport, and a tough and violent one, but IMO football is more dangerous to the head and spinal cord.
Boris, that link is actually from Rugby League, which has 4 or 6 "tackles" before a team must give up possession of the ball, sort of like footballs downs. In true Rugby Union, play is constant and if you are tackled, your team has to ruck and/or maul the ball back for possession (that is another lengthy explanation!).
The hit on that video, while commonplace in the NFL, is an outright illegal and just plain dirty cheap shot. That is akin to what Warren Sapp pulled on Clifton IMHO. Tacklers are supposed to wrap and take their player to the ground to form a ruck or hold him up to form a maul. A hit like that easily gets that player ejected and likely suspended from play for a while. Then his team has to play a man down.
I think that there are less high-speed collisions in rugby, there is no blocking, and you cannot leave your feet to tackle (no launching yourself like a projectile). You need to wrap up, not just try to ram in to somebody like many NFL players do. Lots of violence in rugby, but it is much more controlled than American football. If you try to play out of control, you will literally get killed. Let's just say you learn rather quickly not to lead with your head when tackling! So for violent hit factor, football wins easily.
However, rugby has very limited substitutions, and except in a few cases, once you are off the field you are done. No specialists--you are playing both ways the entire game. No running of a play and then resting for a minute or so while huddling up and waiting for the next play--play does not stop unless there is an infraction, a score, or the ball goes into touch (out of bounds). So it is non-stop running, even for fat players like myself. Two 40 minute halves and a 5-10 minute halftime. And as much as the NFL like to think it has great officials, a rugby match is controlled by ONE on-field referee and two touch judges, one on each sideline.
So for just plain fitness/overall athletic ability, I would say rugby wins.
I often wonder how NFL players would fare in rugby. I think someone like Barry Sanders would have some amazing runs, but would he be able to suddenly shift gears and make a tackle? I played with some football players who had that big hit mentality and would make a great tackle and then stand over their opponent proud of themselves...all while the other team picked up the ball and scored.
The hit on that video, while commonplace in the NFL, is an outright illegal and just plain dirty cheap shot. That is akin to what Warren Sapp pulled on Clifton IMHO. Tacklers are supposed to wrap and take their player to the ground to form a ruck or hold him up to form a maul. A hit like that easily gets that player ejected and likely suspended from play for a while. Then his team has to play a man down.
I think that there are less high-speed collisions in rugby, there is no blocking, and you cannot leave your feet to tackle (no launching yourself like a projectile). You need to wrap up, not just try to ram in to somebody like many NFL players do. Lots of violence in rugby, but it is much more controlled than American football. If you try to play out of control, you will literally get killed. Let's just say you learn rather quickly not to lead with your head when tackling! So for violent hit factor, football wins easily.
However, rugby has very limited substitutions, and except in a few cases, once you are off the field you are done. No specialists--you are playing both ways the entire game. No running of a play and then resting for a minute or so while huddling up and waiting for the next play--play does not stop unless there is an infraction, a score, or the ball goes into touch (out of bounds). So it is non-stop running, even for fat players like myself. Two 40 minute halves and a 5-10 minute halftime. And as much as the NFL like to think it has great officials, a rugby match is controlled by ONE on-field referee and two touch judges, one on each sideline.
So for just plain fitness/overall athletic ability, I would say rugby wins.
I often wonder how NFL players would fare in rugby. I think someone like Barry Sanders would have some amazing runs, but would he be able to suddenly shift gears and make a tackle? I played with some football players who had that big hit mentality and would make a great tackle and then stand over their opponent proud of themselves...all while the other team picked up the ball and scored.
Played them both. I can't remember ever getting hit that hard playing rugby. I can't remember what our team name was or much else about rugby.
Like watching the 7's. Not so much the 15's.
gotta be rugby. played a little in high school. somebody took a cleat to the face about every game.
Thank you Lordy then that I didn't play rugby. Cause I've got dings on my dings from my playing days.
Rugby is more of a wrap up and drop sport. Football players do more striking. They use the pads as a weapon.There is some cross over though. I used to dislike watching rugger, but recently I have really enjoyed it. There's more hitting going on than I remember. I have always enjoyed playing rugby. Fun sport. I played it in High School.
It's when Atari Bigby tosses your hair piece into a hamper and sends Najeh Davenport in after it.
And instead of the hair piece, Najeh finds Esera! 
Nice info, Maynard! Thanks for sharing.
I'm no genuis, but I have to guess the weight of the pads would increase the mass of the player, making collisions more violent, especially if it's the high-speed kind.
I always thought that was why some WR's just get their clocks cleaned from a DB; he's running at full speed and WHAM! If the DB happens to have a few steps of momentum himself, it increases the energy of the collision.
I'm no genuis, but I have to guess the weight of the pads would increase the mass of the player, making collisions more violent, especially if it's the high-speed kind.
I always thought that was why some WR's just get their clocks cleaned from a DB; he's running at full speed and WHAM! If the DB happens to have a few steps of momentum himself, it increases the energy of the collision.