#international rugby

[scotianostra]

On April 11th 1999 Scotland won the final Five Nations Championship.

Scotland became champions when Wales beat England 32-31 at Wembley. If England had won the last game of the championship they would have been the champions. Both teams had won the same number of games, but Scotland won the title on points scored. The last time they won the championship was in 1990. The following season, Five nations became Six when Italy joined the competition.

Unfortunately The Six Nations Championship has not been kind to us Scots, dusince it’s inception we have not won it once, have no triple crowns and have been given the wooden spoon on four occasions, oh well maybe this year……but on a good point we have won the Calcutta Cup on three of the last four occasions.

[superbeans89]

It’s RWC eve, and with kickoff tomorrow at 8:15 PM UK time, some speculation is in order for the 9 people on tumblr who follow it.

For those who don’t know, rugby union is a sport not far removed from American football, based more on evasion than contact however. There are 15 players on each team, and the ultimate goal is to get the ball grounded in the other team’s try area - comparable to the end zone in NFL. Unlike NFL though, the ball can only be passed backwards in rugby (unless you’re kicking it), turning it into a whole different ball game, so to speak.

Should a team achieve this, they score 5 points, and can attempt a conversion - that’s kicking the ball from a tee between the upright posts - for an extra 2. Penalties can also be kicked for 3 points outside of try scoring situations, making for a strategic and slightly complicated scoring system, though yet again NFL fans won’t be unfamiliar with it. It’s worth noting that games have been won solely on penalty points though, so don’t underestimate them.

Now, for the teams:

As it’s still a developing sport, not even competing with the likes of soccer or cricket, there are only 20 participating teams in the RWC. There are several countries that have adopted it as their national sport however, including Wales, New Zealand, and many of the pacific islands.

Of the four pools, only two from each will advance to the quarter finals, while third placed in the pool will automatically qualify for the next tournament, giving teams plenty to play for, even if they aren’t going to win every game.

With that said, there are favourites and no hopers among those that have qualified;

The Favourites

🇫🇷 - France. As this year’s hosts, France are currently ranked 3rd in the world, and are notoriously unpredictable. Able to beat - or lose to - just about anyone, France have been the bridesmaids of the Rugby World Cup three times now. With flair, team depth and a home field advantage, they’re expected to go far, and should be guaranteed a place in the semifinals or better.

Which French team shows up may be revealed when they play New Zealand in the opening match.

🇮🇪 - Ireland. Ranked number one in the world, but with a poor record at World Cups, never getting past the quarterfinals, Ireland don’t thrive under the pressure of expectation, preferring to act as the underdog and surprise people instead.

Nevertheless, with a dedicated following, solid recent form, and trailblazing coach Andy Farrell, this could be the year they break that curse, though they’ll have to escape the Pool of Death first.

🇳🇿 - New Zealand. Historically the best rugby nation on the planet, New Zealand were near unmatched in this sport until recently, remaining at the top of the rankings for almost ten consecutive years. Their form has taken a dip recently, particularly after a record breaking loss to South Africa, but only time will tell whether the infamous All Blacks can bounce back, or if they were just hustling.

🇿🇦 - South Africa. As the current champs, alongside terrific form and team depth, the Springboks are expected to go far this year. While they are also stuck in the Pool of Death with Ireland and Scotland, they have a tremendous pedigree in the sport, matching New Zealand’s record three victories, despite featuring in two less World Cups. Thriving under pressure, the Springboks combine esteem and unconventional playstyles - you’ll hear the phrase ‘bomb squad’ used a lot when they’re playing - a lot of fans will see this World Cup as South Africa’s to lose.

The Dark Horses

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 - Scotland. Currently ranked 5th in the world, Scotland are in strong form and have surprising team depth for such a small rugby nation. Unpredictable and world beating on a good day (yet still waiting on that historic victory against the All Blacks), Scotland would be expected to do well this year… if they weren’t in the Group of Death alongside Ireland and South Africa. These are both teams Scotland can beat, but will they remain consistent for a full eighty minutes of play? That’s the main concern.

🇦🇷 - Argentina. Often forgotten as a rugby nation due to their soccer pedigree, Argentina are one of this tournament’s secret weapons. With solid form, growing momentum and a lucky placement in the pools however, los Pumas can probably reach the semifinals.

🇦🇺 - Australia. Famous rivals to the All Blacks, Australia’s form has fallen in recent years, but not to the point where they should be counted out. Almost causing a massive upset against New Zealand, leading them for most of the game on their own turf, when the Wallabies get it right they can be deadly, and they’ve won this tournament twice as well, so don’t write them off just yet.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 - England. Having won the RWC in 2003, not to mention inventing the sport, England have a rugby pedigree that can’t be denied. Their recent form has been poor however, recording several record losses, as well as a first ever loss to Fiji. While they should make it out of their pool - though this is largely because it’s the easiest pool by far - England won’t be expected to go much further, maybe scraping past the quarterfinals if they’re lucky.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 - Wales. Between funding issues and player retirement, Wales are a depleted side this World Cup. While inconsistent across previous tournaments, they have notched up some remarkable results in the past, and could do so again under legendary coach Warren Gatland. It’s far more likely that they’ll struggle however, and may not even make it out of the pool this year, with Fiji and Georgia looking strong.

The No Hopers

🇮🇹 - Italy. While their form has been good, and they’ve made great strides in recent years, Italy are grouped in with France and New Zealand, the latter of which they’ve never beaten. Short of a miracle, Italy won’t be making it out of their pool.

🇫🇯 - Fiji. Recording a famous win in Twickenham on their last warmup match, Fiji have form and momentum on their side, and will be aiming for the quarterfinals. They likely won’t get any further, but for a tiny island nation, Fiji punch well above their weight.

🇼🇸 - Samoa. Having upset traditionally stronger nations at previous World Cups, Samoa could surprise a few opponents this year too. Beating either England or Argentina for a qualifying place will be a tough ask, but never say never.

🇹🇴 - Tonga. Also in the Group of Death with Scotland, Ireland and South Africa, Tonga will be gunning for an upset. Their form has been strong, and they perform immensely well for an island of 100,000 people, but escaping the pool will probably be too much of an ask.

🇬🇪 - Georgia. Europe’s ‘other’ rugby nation dominates in the second tier of competitive play, and will hope to upset Wales in this World Cup, just like they did in Cardiff last year. With Fiji also vying for the same spot though, their rough and tumble playstyle may work against them in the long run, as fitness is definitely an issue for bulkier players.

🇯🇵 - Japan. After stunning South Africa 34-32 at RWC2015, and graduating from their pool by beating both Ireland and Scotland at RWC2019, Japan will hope to take advantage of their reputation as the wild card, and escape pools a second time. With England looking vulnerable it’s not impossible, but poor form and and equally hungry Samoa may hold them back.

‘We’re just happy to be here!’

🇺🇾 - Uruguay. South America’s second best rugby nation has grown massively in recent years. Ousting Canada from the qualification rounds, they’ve featured at plenty of World Cups, and even got a surprise win over Fiji last tournament. In a strong pool with France, New Zealand and Italy however, they’ll be fighting with Namibia for what will likely be their sole victory of the tournament.

🇳🇦 - Namibia. Similarly to Uruguay in many ways, Namibia are also the second best in their continent, behind the mighty Springboks. Also in the same group as Uruguay, they’ll be aiming for a single win, with no real hope of graduating from their pool.

🇷🇴 - Romania. A World Cup mainstay, The Oaks have been to all but one tournament, and even that absence was mired in controversy. Between lacklustre recent form and rampant funding issues however, Romania will be lucky to get a win in what’s by far the toughest pool.

🇵🇹 - Portugal. Another nation known more for their soccer, Portugal won’t be expecting much from their pool. If they get a win, they’ll be ecstatic. They qualified by the skin of their teeth, but they made it here. That’s reason enough to celebrate, and it’s only a short plane trip home.

🇨🇱 - Chile. Debuting at RWC2023, Chile qualified with a last gasp victory over the USA, and will likely end up bottom of their pool. Still, qualifying at all is a massive achievement for a nation with such a small following.

…and that’s everything. RWC2023 is considered the most open World Cup in the sport’s history, with as many as six or seven viable contenders. Whoever holds the Webb Ellis Cup aloft in a few weeks is up to debate, but it should be entertaining nonetheless. Game on!

[retrocgads]

UK 1985

[ultragooner89]

x

[johnsoncoolest]

[mellaithwen]

hooooooly shit, Wales are winning against England 20-9 and there’s only like 10 minutes left of the game 😍

[chelseajackarmy]

First look at Louis Rees-Zammit training for the NFL through the NFL International Player Pathway scheme

Photo Via @rugbypass on X(Twitter)🏈

[regina-del-cielo]

ALEXA PLAY IL CANTO DEGLI ITALIANI

ANDIAMO A BERLINO BEPPE

[nerdyqueerr]

Was blocking a blog and saw they rbed some dumbass terf post abt the sancticity and anti-patriarchy victory of womens sports whatever whatever point is there were a few lines about rugby in it and. It was so instantaneously obvious that the poster didnt know shit abt rugby it was truly hilarious. And also keep rugbys name out of your mouth if anyone on my rugby team met you they would kick your ass

[rotzaprachim]

haven’t even finished season 1 of ted lasso but vaguely OT au where leia is the owner of Ferrix F.C., a struggling northern football club that’s the sole property she inherited from her biological father. she brings luke on as a howdy doody i’m-from-kansas american football coach to Get Her Team Back In Shape, all the while scheming horrifically with her assistant Arturito behind the scenes in order to run the fucking place into the ground. note also cassian in a roy-kent like role as the functional team head currently reckoning with the end of his career on the field (and the start of something new),  han solo as an asshole from manchester, bodhi, kes dameron, taramyn, arvel skeen, nemik, and melshi as other players on the team, jyn as hard-edged poker faced journalist from the Independent who leia repeatedly sends in to try to knock luke and co off their feet in the national press, bix calleen as local Influencer brought in to help the team’s Image (it can’t be helped and her main social media gig was making videos about how to repair *unreparable* electronic with black market parts, but she’s gonna take the check anyway), kino loy as the local pub owner, and nurchi, xanwan, and timm as local Trio of Guys In Pub who exist solely to shit on luke’s career 

[scotianostra]

On February 15th 1986 Scotland scored their biggest ever win against England in a rugby international.

This remains a record margin of victory for the Scots in the history of the Calcutta Cup and turned into one of those rare afternoons where they completely overwhelmed England, wining the second half 21-0 in the process.

John Beattie flattened Wade Dooley straight from the kick-off and, with the England lock seeing stars for the rest of the match, the Scots ripped through their opponents.

The hosts scored three tries, from Matt Duncan, Scott Hastings and John Rutherford, while Gavin Hastings landed the trio of conversions and added another five penalties as his compatriots took charge. A brace of Rob Andrew penalties was all that England had to show for their labours and this result left scars among several in their ranks.

Scotland have won our last three meetings with the English, two of those victories have happened at Twickenham, so often the graveyard for Scottish championship dreams. 

[superbeans89]

Scotland 35 - 7 Wales

What started off messy, hampered by a yellow card, turned into a record victory for the Scots over the Welsh.

Wanting to bounce back from their defeat to Ireland last week, Wales had the drive and passion, but unfortunately, couldn’t convert much of their efforts into points, scoring just the one try.

Scotland worked their high risk game to near perfection on the other hand, with clever offloads from playmaker Finn Russell and Duhan Van Der Merwe feeding into spectacular tries.

With this winning margin and bonus point, Scotland finish week two on top of the leaderboard, with Ireland in close second. Two wins from two gives the Scots hope that they just might take the title this year, however an away game against the unpredictable French will put them to the sword next week.

Wales on the other hand will be hosting an equally bruised England, who hope to overcome Italy at home tomorrow. With a clear divide in the Six Nations leaderboard, the Scottish are wary but hopeful.

[richarlisonny]

ireland losing the rugby and the number one spot in the rankings I CAN'T HAVE SHIT IN THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!

[leicamoments]

Happy International Women's Day

For more than a decade, Caught Light has been proud to support women's sport, providing coverage at all levels - from International games down to grassroots.

Our commitment was to treat girls and women's sport with respect; help support the clubs and organisations promoting both teams and individuals; and to provide coverage in a manner that promoted equality and fairness.

We hope that our photos and video over the years have brought pleasure to those that appear in them, or know the players; and provide memories for everyone in and around the sport.

We hope that what we do, in some small way, provides a glimpse into the emotions and passion of those that take part.

Happy International Women's Day!

[purpleplaid17]

Jess Watches // Sat 23 Sept & Sun 24 Sept Synopses & Favourite Scenes

Deadloch 1x02 Episode 2

Eddie is vocally displeased about following Dulcie's theory about the murders. D takes matters into her own hands while E's behaviour grows more erratic.

The frequent use of the words "lesbian" and "cunt" often at hilariously inappropriate times. For example: D questioning a suspect and mid-interview getting called "lesbian" for no apparent reason; and E saying she would "cunt-punch" D so hard she could "second as a hand puppet." lmao

Killjoys (rewatching with friend) 1x08 Come the Rain

Westerly is put under lockdown when a wave of Black Rain hits. Pree's bar is held hostage and Johnny tries to keep everyone alive. On the ship, Dutch and D'avin work through a team-building exercise set up by Johnny.

My fav was the last scene of Dutch & Johnny in bed, him reading her his comic, which was super adorable. He even did voices too.🥰 In contrast, my friends fav scene was Johnny using the bolt gun to shoot the hostage takers.

Supernatural Academy (with friend) 1x10 Sins of the Father Part B

The school is on lockdown and the barrier has been reinforced, so the girls decide to hide in the bell tower above Kristov's study, where the protection spells are strongest.

Jae apologizing to Jessa for not bringing cake to their hideout. which I would really appreciate because I am Jessa in this situation lol. Always thinking about cake!

Elemental (with sister & her bf)

In a city where fire, water, land, and air residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.

So bright and colourful. An animated romcom with some solid laughs and suprisingly deep tbh. The part about the city centre not being accessible for everyone is something I very much relate to. An easy Sunday afternoon watch.

Rugby World Cup 2023 (with sister's bf)

South Africa (2) v Ireland (1)

My sister's bf is South African and he was so excited but very nervous. He could not sit still and was very animated throughout. The lad was stressed! My dad kept cheering any time things went Ireland's way which didn't help. 😂

Wales (7) v Australia (9)

The work rate of Wales was immense. And with so many unforced errors from Australia the final score was inevitable. Also, my sister's bf was much more relaxed lol. "Poor Australia"

[eowylesbian]

was Wracking my brain on what to wear to our gig on saturday and then my dad jokingly suggested a rugby jersey cause ireland are playing around the same time as we are and i was like lightbulb !