League > Union
I just don't understand why no coach has gone to his team, "hang about lads, let's try running with the ball instead of twatting it one and we might get a few tries like". I mean, the only reason they kick it in League is because you only have 6 tackles so why when they have seemingly infinite tackles in Union do they kick it all the damn time?!
me = n00b
It's essentially because the senior code (that's union) has contested possession, unlike its illegitimate northern offspring (
). That's what the flankers (which league has done away with) are for; they're supposed to be the first players to the breakdowns to recycle the ball. League obviously gives teams six tackles to score or the ball is handed over to the oppo if it hasn't been punted away on the fifth.
In theory in union you can have unlimited phases of possession (in fact you do sometimes see 10-12 phases), but teams might have to commit too many players to a ruck to secure possession meaning that the best option is to punt for field position, rather than a player getting isolated and the ball being turned over (or a penalty conceded for holding onto the ball after being tackled), particularly if he's in his own 22 when he can kick a ball out on the full. If he's outside the ball must bounce in the field of play before going into touch or the line-out is taken from where he kicked it rather than where it landed.
I actually do like league too, I hasten to add.
I'll find out today whether I get finals tickets, keeping my fingers crossed!
. We've done so much better than people expected so to get to the final is such a massive achievement, but it'd be great to retain the trophy.
