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peco · 08-07-2009, 06:05 PM

I really enjoy watching rugby but am not really well versed in all the finer points. But I am learning. I live in the US and don't have a lot of access. Years ago (about 30!) I was vagabonding around New Zealand and managed to see an All Black test match against France. That was my first big exposure to the game.

Anyway, here's my gripe with the game. Maybe others feel this way or maybe someone can enlighten me about this. It seems like in the final score of most games that a disproportionate amount of the points are scored on penalty kicks. It seems that too many matches are decided merely upon the happenstance of penalties. Is this only my concern or does this bother anyone else? Now remember that I am a rookie at this and admittedly don't understand the finer points of the game, so don't be too hard on me. The matches just seem to ride too much on penalties. Comments?

**Leinster777** · 08-30-2009, 05:48 PM

Penalties are there for one thing, discipline. And of course to keep the game running smoothly, there are so many possible fouls in rugby that there needs to be a proper system in place for dealing with it. It's simple, give away a penalty and suffer the consequences. Personally I feel it adds greatly to the tactics of the game. In fact, the whole kicking game from the fly half is hours of conversation in itself.

3 FEATHERS · 08-31-2009, 06:03 AM

Kicking a penalty through the posts is a art form in itself and to do it under pressure in big test matches with a stadium full of 70k people takes some balls i can tell you

Im a Cardiff Blues fan and we got kicked out of the european cup semi on penalty kicks now that sucks i can tell you

**Leinster777** · 08-31-2009, 06:07 AM

I felt so bad for you guys that day, I really did, what a terrible way for a game to end!

3 FEATHERS · 08-31-2009, 06:12 AM

To be honest the Tigers beat us up in most areas of the game but we never gave up and scored two really good tries right at the end to level the scores.Both teams were just out on their feet in extra time!Just a poor way to end a game of rugby at that level.Im not bitter though

**Leinster777** · 08-31-2009, 06:20 AM

Yeah it was a cracker of a game, I agree too, its a horrible way to settle a match. Hopefully you'll have more luck this year!