The objective of the game is to gain more points than the opposing team within the allotted time of play. A tie is called if the scores are equal at the end
of play. The point score is as follows.
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Try (5 points) |
A rugby try is similar to an American football touchdown, but with two key differences. When the ball carrier crosses the goal or tryline, play continues. The player must be seen to put downward pressure on the ball, in full view of the referee, (often in the midst of warding off tacklers,) in order for a try to be awarded. If the referee has difficulty in making the decision, he may ask the video referee to make the decision. He does this by making an outline of a rectangle with his hands to demonstrate his request. |
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Conversion (2 points) |
The team?s goal kicker must then kick the conversion from the mark of the try along a line perpendicular to the tryline from the 22metre line or further back if desired. From there he can place or drop kick it between the posts. (Rugby goal posts are located on the tryline.) |
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Penalty (3 points) |
When a penalty is awarded, the captain may elect to "take the points" and give his kicker a shot at goal. The ball must then be kicked through the exact mark given by the referee, again as a placed or dropped kick. This could be a hard
price to pay for being caught offside, playing the ball while on the ground, or being guilty of dangerous play (high tackling, etc.). |
|
Drop goal (3 points) |
Any player, may at any time, from anywhere on the pitch, attempt a drop kick. This same rule still exists in the NFL, with the great Jim Thorpe the last to exploit it. Although difficult and risky (since a miss generally results in a turnover), this form of scoring has broken many a heart. Often used as a last resort in response to a solid defensive stand, an outstanding kicker can break an opponent?s back with a swift and accurate blow. Many games have been won in this dramatic fashion, often at the final whistle. |
