<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GimleyUK @ Apr 4 2009, 12:47 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Prestwick @ Apr 4 2009, 04:29 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As John Cena would say: The! Troll! Is! Here!
So you're saying that you don't want to see the maul reintroduced or not? :huh:[/b]
I read it, and thought that you are obviously forgetting the fantastic rugby that argentina have played, RUNNING RUGBY... did you see the two games in the world cup where they beat the french... those were superb examples of there running game..
With regards to the maul...!
I think its a boring part of the game, like players being allowed up to 90 seconds to take a kick at goal.
Maybe if the Rules didn't have to make the exception of all players in front of the ball in a maul are not offside when in any other play they would be offside is a contradiction that grates me a little.
Maybe if the ball had to remain at the front of the maul and it could be contested by the defending team so that they could wrestle for the ball then it might interest me more.
But i think the common logic for including the maul is that it ties the forwards to a center allowing space for the outside players to run.
That is a commendable idea...!
But watching a side setting up a catch and drive from the twenty too or worse half way line while the talented runners are screaming for the ball because of an overlap they wish to exploit bores me...!
[/b][/quote]
You didn't read it because you were jumping on the Count and Gorged him for making a valid point that the ELV was taking away what was an integral part of Argentina's game. Use all the capitals you want, the bottom line is that I know that Argentina can play running rugby but also know that they have one of the heaviest packs around and love nothing more than a good old rolling maul. You however seem to have forgotten that or did you miss not only the World Cup quarter final against Scotland but the games Argentina played last Summer against Scotland and Italy? If you didn't, I'll fill you in on the fine details: heavy forward play was the name of the game with a smattering of up and unders.
Also furthermore, the Count's point is even more valid when you look at how forward orientated the likes of Italy and Georgia are in their play. They can play a running game too but like Argentina it is all built off of the fact that their pack is supreme and rumble the ball up field and provide superb quick ball for the backs.
The bottom line? Don't jump on people like that for making a valid point.
I myself like the maul. If done properly and executed well it can be a fascinating part of the game. I think Scotland's famous "marching of the frogs" 40 meter maul and try against France back in 2006(??) was absolutely brilliant. It is an integral part of the game and as such, attempts to depower it through something as reckless as allowing teams to collapse it was silly to be honest.
