Analysis. History. Perspective.

Sports Then and Now


Archive for the ‘Rugby’


Welcome to the World of Rugby 1

Posted on April 06, 2022 by John Harris

Rugby is a sport that dates back to the early 19th century. It is a game that is played with two teams of fifteen players each and is considered a contact sport. The game is played with an oval-shaped ball, and the objective is to score points by carrying the ball into the opponent’s territory or by kicking the ball through their goalposts.

Rugby is a very physically demanding sport, and injuries are common. In order to play rugby at a high level, players need to be strong and fit. Therefore, training sessions are often grueling and require a lot of commitment.

How To Play Rugby?

The basic rules of rugby are relatively simple – two teams of fifteen players each try to score points by carrying the ball into the other team’s territory or by kicking the ball through their goalposts. The team that scores the most points wins the match.

To start the game, the two teams line up opposite each other. The referee will then blow a whistle to signal the start of play. At this point, one team will kick the ball to the other team, and the game will begin.

To move the ball forward, players can either carry it in their hands or pass it to another player. Once a player has possession of the ball, they must then release it before being tackled by an opponent. Tackling involves grabbing hold of a player with the ball and bringing them to the ground. 

Read the rest of this entry →

POPULAR SPORTS AUSTRALIANS TIP ON 3

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Cathy Carter

Sport is indeed a big part of every society. Playing a game or watching sport games and placing tips or picks on the scores have always been a thrilling means of recreation.

That being said, some areas of sports are more compelling in tipping than others. Most Sport fans in Australia watch games and follow them while they are part of some sort of tipping competition with their friends & family. 

Due to the popularity of friendly tipping competitions sport fans in Australia are always looking for accurate odds online. 

In the modern world, tipping is simpler than ever before – anyone can tip online without really having to leave the living room – it is only a case of a few steps. 

Here’s a list of the most popular sports in australians tip on 

Rugby League: 

Australians have their own way to play rugby however most  rugby matches in Australia  start with a kick-off as one side kicks the ball towards the opposing half and then tries to take hold of it. The team in charge then continues to shift the ball up the pitch by hand or kicking it. There are guidelines on how to pass the ball and also how long the teams will be allowed to maintain hold of it until it passes to their rivals. 

The National Rugby League is one of the most loved and enjoyed sporting events in Australia. Aussies enjoy the game by not just watching it but tipping on it and religiously keeping track of their favourite teams and players to keep up with the NRL odds.

Read the rest of this entry →

Can Ireland Seriously Challenge for the Six Nations this Year? 4

Posted on January 06, 2021 by John Harris

Last year’s Six Nations Championship ended up being a rather strange one for each of the teams involved. As the tournament progressed, the threat of Covid-19 became ever clearer, and in the end much of the tournament was forced into postponement. In the end, England didn’t claim the title until October 31st, over seven months after the competition had originally been scheduled to finish.

For every team, it’s perhaps difficult to read too much into their performances at last year’s Six Nations. It’s fair to say that no particular team stood out, and even though England got their hands on the trophy, heading into the final round of fixtures any of three teams could have ended up winning it, with France and Ireland both in with a shout before England sealed the deal with a win over Italy.

In Ireland’s case, last year’s third-place finish is difficult to analyze given the unique circumstances surrounding their campaign. After all, it was Andy Farrell’s first Six Nations in charge after replacing Joe Schmidt as head coach, and the impact of the pandemic certainly didn’t help as Farrell tried to find his feet in the job.

Read the rest of this entry →

Some of South Africa’s Biggest Sports Betting Events Of 2020 1

Posted on May 03, 2020 by Lee Lija

South Africa has been lucky enough to host some of the most epic sports events in history, and we haven’t stopped there. Alongside some international events, our proudly South African country hosts a variety of successful annual sporting events too! 

With the pressure on, and excitement practically tangible, these events bring some thrilling opportunities to take part in online sports betting. So, what are some of the biggest sports betting events of 2020?

Annual South African Soccer Events

Telkom Knockout Cup 

This soccer fan favourite event sees sixteen Premier Soccer League teams go head to head for the highest paying cup in Africa. The total prize money amounts to R14.2 million. The Telkom Knockout Cup will take place in August 2020.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) 

1997 saw the rise of South Africa’s top soccer league where SA’s 16 best soccer clubs competed annually. It gave local players the opportunity to play professional soccer and put them on the map to be discovered by international teams. 

Annual South African Cricket Events 

The SuperSport Series

This four-day cricket event brings together six provincial teams. Broadcast all over the country, this event began for the purpose of improving the overall cricket skill that local teamscan compete more successfully in international games. 

The six teams that participate in the SuperSport series are the Dolphins, Highveld Lions, Cape Cobras, Titans and the VKB Knights. Over the four days, the best teams prove themselves, and a final is played on the fourth day to determine the overall winner. 

Read the rest of this entry →

How Good is Rugby for Individual Health? 0

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Andrew Williams

Rugby is not just a game, no. It is also natural medicine for those who value their mental and bodily health. Additionally, playing rugby has many health benefits. Although rugby looks quite aggressive and traumatic, it is indeed beneficial for your health in some ways you might not even suppose. Here the experts of Parimatch discuss the leading health benefits you can enjoy by playing it.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Let’s start the health benefits list with the heart. When you play this game, your heart benefits enjoys good health and reasonable heartbeats. These benefits result from activities such as sprinting, running, and throwing because they encourage the heart to function more effectively.

Reduced Stress Levels

Stress is the new mental health pandemic killing our generation because when prolonged, it leads to other health complications. For instance, it produces insomnia, abdominal complications, cancer, and diabetes.  Fortunately, you can reduce your stress levels by playing rugby. How does it happen? When you engage in such a team game, it boosts your mood because rugby acts as a stress and frustration release point. It also releases the “feel good” hormones or endorphins that enhance your feelings. 

Besides, playing rugby exposes you to opportunities to triumph over challenging situations. Consequently, your ability and morale to face stress-causing circumstances off the pitch increases.

Read the rest of this entry →

Looking back at the 2019 Six Nations Championship 0

Posted on December 05, 2019 by Magdalena Rapala

For rugby fans, the year drawing to a close signals that the next Six Nations Championship is not far away. The countdown to everyone’s favorite annual international rugby tournament has begun again. In 2019, the Rugby World Cup offered an added bonus, but now that the dust has settled on a cracking tournament in Japan, attention is being turned to the bread and butter of the Six Nations.

It seems an age since Wales won the Grand Slam at the 2019 Six Nations. As we gear up for another campaign, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from the last edition of the tournament.

Grand Slam glory for Wales

The 2019 Six Nations was a golden one for Wales and their coach Warren Gatland. They sealed a third Grand Slam success under Gatland’s leadership with a 25-7 win over Ireland in Cardiff. It was a well-deserved triumph, as Wales blew away all opposition before them. 

Read the rest of this entry →
  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Archie Griffin: 2-Time Heisman Winner
      December 11, 2022 | 1:42 pm
      Archie Griffin

      The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month is the only football player ever to capture college football’s top individual award twice.

      As a star running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Archie Griffin claimed the Heisman Trophy during his junior season in 1974 and then was able to repeat the honor the following season.

      Griffin joined the Buckeyes for the 1972 season, which happened to be the first in which freshmen were eligible to play varsity football, and made an immediate impact. After fumbling in his only carry of his first game, Griffin more than made up for it in his second game by rushing for 237 yards against North Carolina. By the end of the season, Griffin had rushed for 867 yards.

      Read more »

    • RSSArchive for Vintage Athlete of the Month »
  • Follow Us Online

  • Current Poll

    Who Will Win the 2024 World Series?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...
  • Post Categories



↑ Top