A Controversy of Style

Within the last decade there has been an ongoing argument between teams that play "good" rugby and "bad" rugby. This controversy is directly related to teams' usage of their forwards and backs.

"Good" rugby is the classical rugby style that involves more finesse among the backs and a great fitness level for players. The emphasis is on ball control and strategy. Forwards are used to retain the ball while backs complete offensive moves.

"Bad" rugby is a recent development within the sport calling for larger players that do not have as much fitness and do not play smartly, simply running into the opposing team and being as brutal as they can. Forwards are used as the main offense, crashing the ball constantly. This type of rugby, ironically, leads to fewer points as players cannot run and pass well enough to score tries and are forced to kick drop-goals for points.

This is not to say that rugby players may not be large and strong, but rather that they should have a firm commitment to fundamentals such as passing and running.

Going into the finals the South Africa has used the qualities of "good" rugby while England have been guilty of subscribing to "bad" rugby techniques. Springbok Coach Eddie Jones says, "'At the end of the day I love rugby, and I don't particularly like the way it's been played over the last three or four years". Sports writer Wynne Gray of the New Zealand Herald says that Jones' is critical of "Bash, grunt and kick rugby" because it has not enhanced the sports' image.

Others, including the French national team, recently knocked out of the tournament say that they want South Africa to win "because their style of play is more spectacular than England. " As another sports writer for the Herald writes of the French players,

"They believe a South African win is vital for the health of the sport in general, and the World Cup in particular, with the English side having come under fire for their reliance on force rather than flair."

Rugby is a sport of dominance, but it is also a sport of friendship. Teams will generally play hard against each other and then hold social events after the games. If teams continue to use "bad" rugby techniques, however, this amity may disappear. Lets play good rugby and keep it a sport "played by gentlemen".