Comparison of Rugby League and Rugby Union - Gameplay - Possession

Possession

A big difference in gameplay between the two games is that rugby league has shed from its laws several opportunities for possession to be contested that rugby union has retained: contesting the ball after the tackle, on the ground in rucks and through mauls. When the ball goes into touch, possession in rugby union is contested through a line-out, while in rugby league a scrum restarts play. The lesser focus on contesting possession means there are fewer stoppages of play in rugby league, with the ball typically in play for 50 out of the 80 minutes compared to around 35 for professional rugby union. As the ball is in play more and there are fewer players (13 compared to 15) to cover the field it has been implied that rugby league is the more physically demanding sport.

In union a team can hold onto and use the ball for as long as they are able, while the oppositions aim is to take possession of the ball from them. In league each team can be tackled six times before handing over possession. After being tackled five times, the attacking team will usually kick the ball either in an attacking kick or for territory. As the ball can only be contested during a one on one tackle in league there is a greater scope for a turnover to occur in rugby union. A study commissioned by the IRB found that between the years 2002 and 2004 possession was retained by the attacking team in 13 out of 14 tackles in rugby union. Collins has argued that the six tackle rule in rugby league offers a more even distribution of possession despite fewer opportunities to contest it. In both games the attacking team loses possession if they drop or pass the ball forward, which results in a scrum being awarded to the defending team.

In union possession can also be contested at line-outs (played after the ball has gone into touch) and scrums. In the same study it was found that the team with the ball at a scrum regained possession 90 percent of the time, while the team with the ball at a lineout regained possession 80 percent of the time. League does not have a lineout, but does utilise a scrum to restart play. It is uncommon for modern rugby league scrums to be contested, with the side awarded the scrum almost always gaining possession. Possession can also be contested following kicks to restart play from the halfway, 22 metre in both games (and from the goal line in league). Generally league restarts are likely to go for distance unless possession is needed quickly (usually if a team is behind with very little time left to play). Union restarts are more likely to be short to allow players to contest possession in the air.

Possession may change the same ways in both games:

  1. When the ball is kicked to the opposing team, this can be done at any time but it is normal to punt on the last tackle in rugby league.
  2. Following an unsuccessful kick at goal. If the kick at goal misses and goes dead play is restarted with a drop out (at the 22 metre line in union and 20 metres in league).
  3. When an opposing player intercepts a pass.
  4. When the player in possession drops the ball and it is recovered by an opposition player.
  5. If a player knocks the ball forward or throws a forward pass the other team is awarded a scrum.
  6. If a player comits an illegal play the opposing team is awarded a penalty and will receive the ball.

Possession may change in rugby league in a number of unique ways:

  1. In rugby league if the ball goes out of play, the opposition are awarded a scrum. If this is from a kick going into touch on the full this is called ball back and the scrum is formed where contact with the ball was made. Otherwise, under recent rule changes, the scrum is formed 20 metres from the point of touch. Penalties and 40/20 kicks are exceptions to this rule.
  2. If a one-on-one tackle is attempted, the tackler can legally strip the ball from the attacking player.
  3. In rugby league, an automatic handover takes place when the team in possession runs out of tackles.

Possession may change in rugby union in a number of unique ways

  1. In rugby union if the ball goes out of play the opposition maybe awarded a line-out. The opposition are awarded a line out if the team in possession kicks the ball out of play and they haven't been awarded a penalty before the kick.
  2. In rugby union the attacking team may lose possession in a scrum, line out, maul, ruck or tackle.

Read more about this topic:  Comparison Of Rugby League And Rugby Union, Gameplay

Famous quotes containing the word possession:

    “Tell my son how anxious I am that he may read and learn his Book, that he may become the possessor of those things that a grateful country has bestowed upon his papa—Tell him that his happiness through life depends upon his procuring an education now; and with it, to imbibe proper moral habits that can entitle him to the possession of them.”
    —Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)

    “Some day the workers will take possession of your city hall, and when we do, no child will be sacrificed on the altar of profit!”
    —Mother Jones (1830–1930)

    “When we believe ourselves in possession of the only truth, we are likely to be indifferent to common everyday truths.”
    —Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)