Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Slaphappy Karmichael Hunt learns the hard way

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Slaphappy Karmichael Hunt learns the hard way

Former Brisbane Broncos NRL star Karmichael Hunt, who severed his ties with rugby league earlier this year, is now playing union with Biarritz in France. Still getting used to the game, he recently showed that not all cross-code transitions go completely without hiccups.

Hunt was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia with his family when he was young. He played for the Broncos in Brisbane since the age of 17, and later represented Queensland and Australia.

He was considered one of the most talented players to play the game, but made the shock announcement in July that he was going to make an unprecedented switch to AFL (Aussie Rules Football), joining the new Gold Coast franchise in 2011.

No other player has ever made that switch, playing both NRL and AFL professionally at the highest level. He’s only 23 now, and his contract is for three years.

Being a multi-talented player, Hunt wasn’t satisfied with that though, so took on a 6 month contract playing Rugby Union with Biarritz. That makes him the only player to have ever played all three codes professionally.

Unfortunately, unlike other League converts, Hunt’s situation is that he won’t have the time to really settle into the fifteen man game. Even if he does impress, he’ll be gone by May so it’s probably not ideal for the local fans.

Personally though, it’s a nice opportunity for him to learn new cultures and experience a different side of life with his girlfriend. "France is a pretty special part of the world and where we are staying... it is material for a postcard," he said. "We managed to get a nice cosy apartment in the centre of Biarritz and are on the doorstep of the beach."

He made his debut in the Top 14 last month, and against Racing Metro last week there was quite an amusing incident as he showed that he’s still a little rusty when it comes to the rules of rugby union.

"With our side clearly dominant for the majority of the game it looked like we were in for a win until I made a comical error," he said on his website.

"After one of the Racing players kicked the ball through the line and went after it to score, I whisked over to impede. Not knowing about the rule of having to force the ball once you're in your own in-goal, I battered the ball dead like I would if I were in a Broncos jersey and to my surprise, gave away a penalty try in the process!"

Woops.

Time: 0:32
Ouch: The League fans weren't too happy about Hunt's move to AFL. Evidence here.

Considering Biarritz lost this match 20-23, it is a BIG mistake !

By Ulf, at December 10, 2009 1:22 pm
haha, stupid league player!

By I am rugby, at December 10, 2009 1:38 pm
that pretty bad... gave away the match for what the result tells me. Is it me, or he is just a league player with some extra months that felt he needed some cash?

By eric, at December 10, 2009 1:40 pm
So do the French sign any "athlete" to a contract? League players lack the all round skill to excel at high level professional rugby.

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 1:40 pm
Anonymous, your ignorance leaves your comment with no credibility whatsoever mate.

And use a name rather than hiding.

This is hilarious btw. Big messup, but nice to see he was so honest about it with what he says.

By FrankyH, at December 10, 2009 1:45 pm
I dunno...there are quite a few players who've made the transition and done pretty well.

The Wallabies alone have their fair share of converts.

Matt Giteau
Ryan Cross
Berrick Barnes
Lote Tuqiri

Just naming a tiny few

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 1:52 pm
Anonymous : "League players lack the all round skill to excel at high level professional rugby"?

Tell that to Berrick Barnes, Brian Carney, Ryan Cross, Iestyn Harris, Henry Paul (sevens), Lote Tuqiri, Matt Rogers, Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, Alain Tait and Jason Robinson.

I feel sorry for the guy but as Franky says, credit to him for taking it on the chin.

By Disco, at December 10, 2009 1:55 pm
cam hes not new to the game, i play against him in brisbane in union when he played for churchi

and annon, Giteau has not plyed legue that was his father.

FACTS PEOPLE - their worth their weight in gold

By DKK, at December 10, 2009 2:47 pm
Just a reminder - negative comments (particularly of the Anonymous, insulting kind), as well as all other comments that go against our guidelines, will be removed.

Commenting is a privilege, not a right. Please don't waste RD's time by turning the site into a haven for negativity.

The success of the site is directly affected by your behaviour, so please bear that in mind. Thanks.

By GMC, at December 10, 2009 2:48 pm
Silly K. Hunt.

and how come there was not a yellow card awarded?

Penalty Try with a clear culprit (unlike an entire front row dropping a scrum on the 5m).

By cheyanqui, at December 10, 2009 3:00 pm
Alan Tait was union player who switched to league and then came back again

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 3:02 pm
Wow, and i thought this was a rugby site. look at all these league fans rush and defend their "sport". Let me guess, all of you are Australian.

By JD., at December 10, 2009 3:08 pm
JD, I might be mistaken, but that looked like rugby in the video.

You ARE allowed to support and enjoy more than one sport in life yanno. It's not a crime.

By Scotsdale, at December 10, 2009 3:40 pm
Serves him right for playing a silly sport

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 3:54 pm
'Tell that to Berrick Barnes, Brian Carney, Ryan Cross, Iestyn Harris, Henry Paul (sevens), Lote Tuqiri, Matt Rogers, Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, Alain Tait and Jason Robinson.'

Barnes started playing rugby when he was quite young, he's still nothing special, also injury prone.
Who is Carney? The Irish fullback?
Cross is not good...
Who is Harris? Since I've never heard of him he can't be great.
Henry Paul, 7's.. ok enough said.
Tuqiri, one of the most overrated players of the modern era. Slow for a wing, rarely scored tries... good under the high ball and that's about it.
Rogers, undersized, mediocre, couldn't handle rugby so went back to rugby-lite
Brad Thorn's the definition of a journey man. too short to be a world class lock, and not skilled enough to be great in the loose. doesn't offer anything at the lineout. If Williams wasn't injured and Jack didn't go overseas, he'd never make the starting 15.
SBW was embarrassed by Luke Burgess, that said enough. Mortlock made the league mega star look like a 12 yr old kid.
Tait's a journey man
Robinson was good, but lets not pretend he was this masterful all rounder.

I see you conveniently left out the Australian aboriginal who couldn't even last a season. (I forget his name)

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 4:08 pm
There's also wendal "coke addict" sailer. Haha

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 4:09 pm
I see you conveniently left off using a name with your comment.

Well said though, about some of those players. Except, what's your point and what does it have to do with this funny vid that shows Hunt misunderstanding the laws? :)

By Scotsdale, at December 10, 2009 4:13 pm
Timana Tahu? He returned to League because he didn't enjoy Union. No other reason.

Some of you guys are weird. We're talking about athletes literally walking into another code and playing at the highest level.

How many players from the Union team do you think could play for the Australian Kangaroos in a few months time?

I can't think of any.

Why is it so hard for some people to appreciate both codes? League players who do struggle with Union do so not because they're inferior athletes, but because Union is a complexed game if you have no prior knowledge.

All these supposed 'failed' converts are more than successfull. They switch and play top grade at the highest level.

The hatred between both fans is ridiculous.

By Christopher, at December 10, 2009 4:16 pm
wendal "coke addict" sailer

................

Who?

Wendell "55 games in the Super 14 and 37 games for the Wallabies" Sailor?

By Christopher, at December 10, 2009 4:17 pm
I find it amusing. I mean it is a mistake and yet crossing sports can have those kind of outcome.
Now how do you go on explaining all the rules at 15 ? Did the B.O forget to do that or is the reflex greater than whatever you might have been told ?

I've been following Gasnier and Sonny Bill and even though their game is getting very consistent at 15 you can still see here and little differences on their behaviour.
The last I could think off was Gasnier near a ruck looking at the offense and not even aware that a forward had picked up the ball running a foot from the ruck. You could see Gasnier surprised and then pissed for a second as he was not ready to tackle or anything... while the forward had broken the line.

By jay, at December 10, 2009 4:20 pm
penalty try means stopping and obvious try scoring opportunity illegally. now i know i may come across as stupid here but as he got to the ball before the opposition player, then the other guy wasnt going to score a try was he? if hed known the rules then he puts it down and its a 22 drop out. could the ref not have given a penalty 5m out?

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 4:33 pm
What a moron. League is a silly sport played with no forwards, no contest of the ball and shoulder charges instead of tackles, all in sissy flashy shirts. UNION IS RUGBY as all the world knows it, league is just a bunch of guys not good enough to play Union. I rate them as high as football players.

By Juggernauter, at December 10, 2009 4:57 pm
Thank you Christopher. Well said.

People like Juggernauter sound brainwashed by their parents, or a high school coach or something.

Sure you can have a preference, but insulting another sport is really lame, and it sounds as though you're threatened by it too.

I've watched all 3 codes live and believe me, League is certainly not for sissies. In fact, try play it yourself, and you'll probably become a far tougher, better tackling, player.

Anyway, Union all the way for me, but I'm not as insecure as to have to insult league. That's just silly.

By Scotsdale, at December 10, 2009 5:12 pm
Scotsdale, maybe you just have a higher tolerance for crap sports than Juggernauter does. He sees the league glass as being half empty and you see it as half full.

By Kearney for tests, at December 10, 2009 5:26 pm
i thought a penalty try was only awarded if a try would definately have been scored without the offence. Considering he was first to the ball (and therefore should have grounded it) is it not supposed to be a 5 yard penalty?

Anyone know the ruling on this, and can put me straight?

By Tom, at December 10, 2009 6:12 pm
Anomymous...
Jason robinson is one of the greatest offensive backs of all time?
His defence wasnt exactly shabby either!
I wouldnt call turquri slow either

By Josh, at December 10, 2009 6:57 pm
Why Union is better than league?
1.- There's an actual contest for the ball, no turn-based play like touch rugby
2.- We don't HIT, we TACKLE, cheap shots are punished and our players keep their heads cool (at least most of the times)
3.- Union is traditional rugby, a game that is won by the team with stronger and harder forwards and consistent rather than flashy backs. OK, the ping-pong may be boring but the ball being always in for dispute makes Union a far more unpredictable game.

By Juggernauter, at December 10, 2009 7:01 pm
Nothing wrong with liking one more than the other, but just because that's how you feel, doesn't mean you're right.

League fans hate union, thinking it's boring and doesn't have as much skill, OR physicality. Football (soccer) fans also think rugby union is crap.

So my point is it's arrogant and foolish to think that your sport is better than another, especially considering that some players not only play both, but love both.
I'd hate for you to tell your kids League is sh*t, before you've even played it or really gotten into it.

Btw League has been around for over 100 years, so there's plenty of tradition and history involved.

I myself prefer the diversity and variety of Union though. I just dont like narrow minded people thats all.

If you're so confident that union is better, then there's no need to bring bad vibes and have a go at another sport. Insulting league doesn't make you any more of a rugby union man.

By Scotsdale, at December 10, 2009 8:54 pm
^He's just expressing his opinion though, and pointing out the superiority in his opinion of union over league.

By Kearney for tests, at December 10, 2009 9:17 pm
I dunno about the penalty try. It didn't look like the Racing winger was gonna get that ball down before Hunt anyway.

By T, at December 10, 2009 9:40 pm
why would he do that? what happens in league when you touchdown/punch it out?

I've seen league videos where guys do this, but they generally punch it out in the air while its being contested by the opposition. here it seemed like he had clear control of the ball and actually had to put in effort to punch it out, rather than simply land on it.

By Miguel, at December 10, 2009 9:50 pm
Scotsdale, in my humble opinion, Rugby Union captures the essence of Rugby way better than Rugby League does. Why?
Because, if you think about it carefully, the ultimate goal in Rugby is to get an oval ball to the other end of the pitch and land it down. In order to do so, you have to get past more than a dozen players, who can make everything but a few things to bring you down.
So, that understood, it makes a lot more sense if the ball can switch possession constantly thus making the smartest team a favourite to score. The turn based League system kills this logic.
I don't like League and I don't like the thing it has become.

By Juggernauter, at December 10, 2009 9:54 pm
Sure, but there's also turn overs of possession in league. Think about rugby, when teams are actually playing well and have started deep in their half, they'll sometimes get up to 7 or 8 phases before breaking the line and scoring, or losing possession. In league it's 5 (I think) before they have to kick or have a go. That's what makes it exciting for the fans.

I can appreciate the hard graft in rugby as much as anyone else, but when you get results like 9-8, 9-6 etc, it's not surprising that fans would rather see constant running and big hits.

I dont watch league often, but have in the past and have also watched some amazing clips from the code, with great skill.

I'm merely debating the point. Believe me, if I liked league more, I probably wouldn't be on this site. But you also have to realise that there are fans out there who love BOTH, and they're not wrong for doing so.

Sorry if I was rude earlier btw.

By Scotsdale, at December 10, 2009 10:33 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By I am rugby, at December 10, 2009 10:44 pm
Point taken, Scotsdale.
Anyway, when I get married, my children will play Union.
Rugby Rules

By Juggernauter, at December 10, 2009 10:58 pm
I almost wish RD would have a week of just posting league videos; some of these nancy boys seem to think it's a crime to even have the word "rugby" precede "league". I don't play league; I play union, but that doesn't mean I'm a wanker who can't appreciate the athleticism in a sport that is VERY SIMILAR to a game I enjoy playing so much.

It's league, people, not soccer. Chill out.

Union, league, sevens, american/canadian football - all of these are extremely fun to play, and when it comes down to it, isn't that what it's all about?

By Popeye, at December 10, 2009 11:18 pm
Brad Thorn is the man!!!

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 11:34 pm
How can people enjoy league? honest q

By Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 11:50 pm
I find it funny when clubs buy league players. What a waste of money, why not save up and try and buy legends like Bryan Habana?

By looky, at December 11, 2009 12:29 am
The jackasses who bash League on here need to learn to act like men instead of a bunch of pussies.

In response to the rules question from Miguel: in this case, it would be a a drop-out from the goal line (think a Union kick-off, but from under the posts).

Juggernaut, I would hope that you would not be so intolerant as to force your hypothetical children to play a specific sport. I've encouraged my nephew to learn Union, but if he wants to learn League, then I'd back him all the way.

The two sports do share some key differences, yes. That does not give fans of one the right to make stupid generalizations about fans of the other.

By Smeagol, at December 11, 2009 12:33 am
Duuur I dont know what a 22 is. duur

Im a real man

By Smeagol, at December 11, 2009 12:41 am
^What, has this guy made half the posts on here - all bashing league (most as 'anonymous')?

I think this kid needs to get some friends and go outside, it seems.

By fred, at December 11, 2009 12:46 am
Smeagol:rugby union is my precious

By Juggernauter, at December 11, 2009 12:53 am
Botha is overrated. So is karmichael hunt.

Thorn is the best league convert in my opinion or maybe jason robinson.

By AA, at December 11, 2009 12:57 am
Funny mistake, hes a freak athlete though and i'm sure he will do well in union given some time.

Hey RD do you have any highlights of his union games thus far?

By Nicko, at December 11, 2009 1:31 am
AA, how is Botha overrated? He is one of the two best locks in world rugby. To compare Thorn to Botha is insulting. Thorn is an old midget compared to Botha and doesn't know how to settle on one sport.

By I am rugby, at December 11, 2009 1:41 am
Hunt is still learning the game.
Good on him for having the balls to give it a go. I was a bit bewildered about him crossing over to AFL though...

Oh and another League to Union convert not mentioned is Wycliff Palu.

By Ox, at December 11, 2009 3:40 am
If Robinson was a New Zealander he wouldn't have stuck out at all.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 3:43 am
The only thing botha is good at is cheapshots.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 3:44 am
AFL = Australian Football League? I am confused. How can Hunt crossover to league when he already plays league?

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 3:44 am
Botha's also good at clearly the rucks, just ask that hairy Welsh bastard,

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 3:46 am
clearing*

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 3:47 am
To the Anon two above:

AFL and rugby leauge are two different sports. Try google.

By Postal, at December 11, 2009 3:49 am
There have been players switch from league to union and vice versa for the last 100 years.
Ever heard of a guy called Dally Messenger?
For a long time it was the best union guys going to the professional league ranks. Now there is more money in union, so you're seeing that trend reversed.
There have been some great converts over the last few years.
Tuqiri is a bit older now and not as dominant, but for a while he was considered by most to be the best winger in union.
Robinson was awesome for England and it's no surprise their backline has no real threat in it now that he is retired.
Thorn is one of the best locks in the game, has been for many years. He's a machine, if you can't see that I'd question your knowledge of rugby. He is first pick lock always for the All Blacks. He is their Bakies Botha.
Wycliff Palu was a nobody player in the lower rungs of union when he went to St George league club and came back a devastating tackler and runner.
Rocky Elsom was a scrawny kid who showed a little bit of promise but couldn't crack any teams. He went to Canterbury league club and also came back hard as nails and a defensive machine.
Ryan Cross wasn't even a representative player in league, just a decent club centre. Came to union and is an international.
Berrick Barnes is first choice inside centre for the Wallabies, and his distribution is rated as slightly better than Gituea's. Before he got injured there was talk that he would take the no 10 jumper off Gitaeu due to his better creativity. He learnt that from the several season he spent at Brisbane league club.
SBW has struggled due to injury. In the same game he got well tackled by Mortlock and Burgess (who is known for his defense), he also bumped Mortlock off and made some good runs.
Gasnier is one of Stade's better backline players, and he's new to the game. In a couple of years he'll be world class.

Shit, the list of international class union players from league is long.

Henry Fa'afili, Matt Rogers, Henry Paul, Iesten Harris, Brian Carney, Craig Gower, Vainakolo, Ryan Cross, Lote Tuqiri, Berrick Barnes, Rocky Elsom, Wycliff Palu, Brad Thorn, Jason Robinson, Alan Tait, Andy Farrel, Wendell Sailor, Timana Tahu, Andrew Walker, Tasesa Lavea, Ben Macdougal, Nathan Hines.
All good enough to play for their national teams.
There's plenty more who do quite well at club level too.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 5:22 am
Anonymous said...
AFL = Australian Football League? I am confused. How can Hunt crossover to league when he already plays league?

The AFL is the Australian Rules competition, the Rugby League is the ARL. It's going to be interesting seeing how Karmichael Hunt handles AFL at the top level. I just hope he gets a better briefing on the laws than he obviously got from his Union minders, although I believe he played a little Aussie Rules as a youngster.

By Robbie, at December 11, 2009 5:31 am
^ I notice a lot of league players you mentioned play for the wallabies currently, I assume that is one of the reasons why they lost to Scotland, lol!

By I am rugby, at December 11, 2009 5:35 am
Well two of them play for Scotland too, so is that why scotland won?

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 5:39 am
"doesn't know how to settle on one sport."

Thank god you weren't there to tell Jim Thorpe what to do with his career.

By ted, at December 11, 2009 6:19 am
I've also got to say, even as a union fan, this seems like a pretty silly rule - anyone know the reason behind it? Penalties are usually awarded if one side does something to give their team an unfair advantage over the other one - so what difference does it make if you ground the ball or slap it out once it has crossed into the in-goal area?

Is there really an advantage of doing one over the other?

By orishas, at December 11, 2009 6:36 am
its negative play.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 7:03 am
How is it more negative than grounding the ball?

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 7:23 am
What's stopping a team from continuously throwing the ball out? Negative play.

By JD., at December 11, 2009 7:37 am
list 3 current league players who'd easily slot into the springbok starting 15. and tell me their positions (it's obviously going to be 3 backs since the lil guys would die in the rucks and scrums).

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 7:41 am
"What's stopping a team from continuously throwing the ball out"

The same thing that stops a team from taking the ball into their own try zone and grounding it any time it comes into their 22...

Once it has CROSSED into the in-goal area and a player is giving chase, meaning the only option for a defender would be to ground it, then why is hitting it out any more negative than grounding? Both are ways to kill the ball to prevent a try; so, why don't both result in a 5m scrum being awarded to the attacking team?

I'm not looking to make excuses for Hunt's silly mistake; I'm simply asking if there's any good reason/example of why it's in the law book - and why it's worth a penalty try.

By orishas, at December 11, 2009 7:59 am
Anon, Greg Inglis, Jonathan Thurston and Jarrod Hayne would all walk into the springboks side as backline players. They could play anywhere across the backline except scrum half.
Fui Fui Moi Moi would be an awesome flanker or no 8.

By Jon, at December 11, 2009 8:48 am
Ahhh, piss...I don't know what I was thinking - but yeah, I got those wrong.

Anyways, what I meant was that knocking it away like that should just be an attacking player 5m scrum at the worst...but you could make the case for it being the same as grounding it so long as the attacking side kicked it forward and the defender could just as easily ground it - so a restart.

10.2 (c) Throwing into touch. A player must not intentionally knock, place, push or throw the ball with his arm or hand into touch, touch-in-goal, or over the dead ball line.

Penalty

A penalty try must be awarded if the offence prevents a try that would probably otherwise have been scored.

---I disagree with the ref's ruling, then, as what would have otherwise happened is that Hunt would've grounded the ball and it would've been a 22 restart, yeah? So, why the penalty try?

By orishas, at December 11, 2009 9:07 am
it was over the goal line with an attacker in pursuit and no other defenders near. penalty tries are supposed to be given for "certain" tries not "probable" tries, but even then its up to the ref's interpretation.

in this instance, slapping a ball out like that, without another defender near by, could almost always count as a penalty try by a ref's interpretation. if a player could securely catch or ground the ball, they should, but if they knock it out its because they were under some pressure that another player couldnt deal with. the penalty takes them out of play and then the attacker faces no obstacle to the try except for the penalty by the offending player, so penalty try.

one standard could be any full-arm penalty committed within the in-goal area counts as a penalty try, provided its affecting the play. if you were to punch an attacker in the face off the ball in the in-goal thats a penalty but not affecting play so no penalty try. but something like a high/dangerous tackle or taking the man out early could be rewarded with such.

if you slap a ball out in the in-goal with an attacker pursuing its a penalty try. if you kick the ball out with an attacker pursuing, its a 5m attacking scrum. why the difference? because one action (tapping, slapping, punching throwing) is illegal, and the other (kicking) is a perfectly normal legal form of play.

By miguel, at December 11, 2009 9:39 am
> Anon, Greg Inglis, Jonathan Thurston and Jarrod Hayne would all walk into the springboks side as backline players. They could play anywhere across the backline except scrum half.

just because league players get shoved into the wallaby side doesn't mean they'd make the bok team. all those players would be a liability, especially at flyhalf and center.

i seriously can't stop laughing, no offence.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 12:52 pm
> Once it has CROSSED into the in-goal area and a player is giving chase, meaning the only option for a defender would be to ground it, then why is hitting it out any more negative than grounding? Both are ways to kill the ball to prevent a try; so, why don't both result in a 5m scrum being awarded to the attacking team?

players also can't throw the ball out, kicking is required. the ease of throwing or tapping a ball over the side/dead ball line encourages negative play. understand?

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 12:57 pm
just because league players get shoved into the wallaby side doesn't mean they'd make the bok team. all those players would be a liability, especially at flyhalf and center.

i seriously can't stop laughing, no offence.

......

If you genuinely believe the likes of Hayne and Inglis wouldn't make the Springbok side then it's glaringly obvious you've never really watched League.

Inglis if he moved to Union would be one of Unions best in less than a year.

By Christopher, at December 11, 2009 1:09 pm
Yeah, Christopher... just like old Timana Tahu was, hey? a lock forward (Andreas Bekker) embarrassed old Tahu.

There is a reason why rugby is a GLOBAL game and league isn't.

By I am rugby, at December 11, 2009 1:43 pm
just because they look flashy in league, doesn't mean that'll translate to rugby. see Sonny Bill Williams etc etc.

Spies, Smith, Brussow, Burger, Habana, Bizmark, Botha, Fourie, Jean de Villiers, FDP, both Steyns would easily make the Kangaroo team, though.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 1:45 pm
As a player of both League and Union I enjoyed aspects of both sports. In League the opportunity to be involved more frequently in movement along the back line was particularly satisfying. In Union the opportunity to contest at the breakdown and as a pack of forwards moving the ball in a rolling maul was awesome.

To slander sports that involve a high skill-level in different areas in particularly sad. I played my league and union in England for 9 years solid and enjoyed every moment. People contesting which is real rugby should remeber that League was formed by those who needed payment for lost working time. Those people rich and in no need of work did not deem it an issue to break a leg as their families would not starve as a result. In recent times Union has allowed for professional players and payment for putting their bodies on the line week in and week out. This is the positive impact of League influencing Union. A little respect for both sets of players and codes is necessary. The two sports would not have grown so well without each other.

As for Karmichael Hunt what a F***wit!

By NiWiTa, at December 11, 2009 1:48 pm
forgot about Beast. hell, throw in Matfield and Smit as well - their size would give midgets like Thurston a hard time.

i'm sure inglis is a star in his world, but if he plays rugby I guarantee he won't look as impressive. the defenses are way tighter and you can't get isolated. no balls between legs for greg :(

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 1:48 pm
Iestyin Harris is the welsh 3/4 who made a massive difference to wales in the 2003 world cup before returning to league.

Also having played both codes myself i can say this League hurts. It also makes you a hel of a lot better at tackling.

Rich

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 2:45 pm
Oh you have got to be f'n kidding me. People who don't play rugby are suddenly good enough to make the Springbok team? What is wrong you (presumably Australian) people? I know, how about we replace Matfield with LeBron James and Botha with Shaquille O'Neil? Lets replace Du Preez with Tom Brady! And get lost Bryan Habana because it's Usain Bolt time! Idiots.

By McBull, at December 11, 2009 2:46 pm
Do you guys feel so insecure or threatened that you need to slander another sport?

Why not leave those who enjoy either sport (or both) without degrading to pure angst.

There are no rules saying you can't watch another sport besides rugby. I'd say get your heads out of your asses and wake up a little. There's no need for such childish mentality.

By Phil, at December 11, 2009 3:42 pm
though having said that, i would be very interested to see a footrace between Habana and Inglis.

By Jeroz, at December 11, 2009 3:53 pm
Habana is faster than Inglis but Inglis has the power of Tuilagi and the speed of Rocokoco.

Anyone who doesn't think he's good enough for the Springbok backline is seriously deluded.

Backs in League as a general rule are much better than their Union counterparts.

Also big guys don't make you good players. Out of all the Saffas listed only Botha would really fit well in League. Whether he'd make the Wallabies outfit is very debatable though.

Onto the next moron,

"There is a reason why rugby is a GLOBAL game and league isn't."

What reason would that be? Britney Spears is a household name and Soccer is the number 1 sport of the world... What does that say?

Greg Inglis would walk into any international side in the world. There is absolutely no question. Just as Jonah Lomu could have walked into any League team he wanted. He's THAT good.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 6:20 pm
I'm going to leave it here, because it's silly to keep arguing it - nothing is going to change, and slapping it out will continue to be illegal, but to say that "it's more negative because one is legal and the other is illegal" is pretty much begging the question - "it's illegal because it's negative play" and "it's negative because it's illegal" is circular and gets you nowhere. I mean, I could maybe wrap my head around the idea that it's SLIGHTLY easier to slap it out like that than to just stick your arms out and fall on it (even though to do both, you've got to be ahead of the attacker, in which case, he wasn't going to score)...so, if that's the reason for the rule, so be it. It's just a bit odd is all.

But I guess there have been a multitude of tries scored by an attacker being faster and gets underneath the defender who is about to ground it, so the attacker DOES score a try...in which case, slapping it out would've been the quick and easy thing to do, so it would've been unfair.....

By orishas, at December 11, 2009 7:55 pm
Jesus, some people enbrace ignorance like it's something to be proud of.
Inglis and Hayne would clearly be awesome union players, like Tuqiri and Robinson were.
It's interesting that only people who really have absolutley no idea about league are the ones who critisize it.
Again, ignorance is not something to be proud of.
If you hate league, how do you reconcile yourselves with the fact that all the defensive systems and tactics currently employed by rugby union teams at the highest level are taken directly from rugby league?
Or that the vast majority of tactics in relation to backline play are again taken directly from league?
Jesus some people are ridiculously prud of being stupid.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 9:21 pm
Timana Tahu is a top league player and he looked like crap when playing rugby. Why would this inglis guy be any different?

Rugby may take a few ideas from league, but then they also take a few ideas from judo, gridiron etc.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 9:35 pm
League would be blown away by Piere Spies. Spies would be unstoppable with all that space.

By Anonymous, at December 11, 2009 9:37 pm
kangaroos wouldn't make it out of their 22 if they played 13 of the best boks. botha or a spies, heck, even a dannie russouw rushing that line would be devastating.

bring back butch james and you'll show you how to shoulder barge someone all the way to the hospital.

By white collar worker, at December 11, 2009 9:46 pm
Oh, and whenever Timana Tahu got the ball I laughed. I loved his little jig he did before he got isolated and turned over.

By I am rugby, at December 11, 2009 9:57 pm
You sound like a frightened little kid, "I am rugby". Which is weird, because it's not like rugby league threatens your existence...

By it's just a game, at December 11, 2009 10:18 pm
They still play rugby league? Andrew Johns still the only player of note?

By UK_andy, at December 11, 2009 10:33 pm
mate all this insecurity over rugby league. everyone who watches league knows that it produces far better rugby players than rugby. no fatties in our code mate just electrifying athletes like hayne. mate dare i say hayne's a better footballer than anyone in the history of union.

By oikee, at December 11, 2009 10:49 pm
oikee, are you the same dipshit oikee who posts on theroar.com.au?

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 3:41 am
Like a bunch of retarded children spoiling for a fight, you lot are.
Many, many of the tactics and systems used in union are taken directly from league. Not adapted or borrowed, taken directly and applied by league coaches.
Of course I wouldn't actually expect South Africans to understand, since you know nothing about the game.
Oh and no Andrew Johns doesn't play anymore, he coaches UNION TEAMS.
In fact he spends alot of time coaching South African rugby teams, like the Sharks mostly on their kicking game.
Seriously, you guys are dumb as hell.

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 4:24 am
jonas

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 4:27 am
"Seriously, you guys are dumb as hell."

You're the one who watches league.

By Viva La Africa, at December 12, 2009 4:29 am
Oh and Tahu was way past his prime when he came over to union, he was more a solid defensive centre by that stage of his career than anything else.
In fact most league players that have made the switch have been past their prime and are really making the switch for the greater financial reward.
Only a couple guys have come over early or in the middle of their careers, like Elsom, Palu, Tuqiri and Robinson (although even he was getting old when he made the switch).
Oh, sorry, I forgot, UNION GOOD LEAGUE BAD.

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 4:31 am
Viva la Africa, yeah I watch motor sport too, don't mind a bit of cricket.
I guess because those aren't union I shouldn't watch them right?
Idiot.

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 4:32 am
League's a mindless sport that attracts dimwitted individuals (blue collar workers). That was my point.

I've seen enough league to know it's sickeningly repetitive.

If it was up to me, rugby and soccer would be the only team winter sports on the planet. I'd ban league, Aussie rules, gridiron, Gaelic football etc.

By Viva La Africa, at December 12, 2009 5:40 am
Wow, you don't like something so it's bad hey?
And blue-collar people are inherintly stupid huh?
What are you just a massive snob?
Or just close-minded, I'm not sure?

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 5:51 am
"I've seen enough league to know it's sickeningly repetitive."

Yeah because union is full of surprises, and considering a lot of union's defensive/attacking plays are taken from league, they must know what they're doing.

And seriously how many games have you watched? 2? League is much more faster and exciting.
How ever both games do have their repititive aspects.

By Jack, at December 12, 2009 6:14 am
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By I am rugby, at December 12, 2009 6:35 am
Viva La Africa said...
If it was up to me, rugby and soccer would be the only team winter sports on the planet. I'd ban league, Aussie rules, gridiron, Gaelic football etc.

The ignorance and immaturity that some people are in a hurry to display on here is amazing. Why would you want to tell the world that anything your tiny mind doesn't understand should be banned? What an idiot!

By troy, at December 12, 2009 8:10 am
If you like league, it doesn't necessarily mean you don't like union aswell. Both codes have their ups and downs.

By Jack, at December 12, 2009 9:22 am
As a matter of fact, it kind of stands to reason that if you like one kind of rugby, you'd appreciate the other.
They're basically the same game.
They both came from the same game, in fact league is just union after 100 years of professionalism.
Again, not that some people would understand that, because as we've established, some people are proud of their ignorance.

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 10:21 am
About those who talk about SBW vs Australia :

The man had just 12 union games experience when he played for babaa's.

He is not yet a great player, just a good center in France : but if his head wants to, he have skills and fitness to become the best center. And he is just 22 yo !

By 4LC4TR4Z, at December 12, 2009 10:30 am
Hey Viva Africa whatever guy, you know that football (the only other sport you deign to watch apparently) is a game followed mostly by blue-collar workers, poor people.
But I thought all blue-collar workers are dimwits, and so anything they watch is also dim-witted right?
Yeah you make heaps of sense pal, you're not dumb at all.
Your whole theory about poor people being dumb, what a winner. You keep believing that.
Spa

By Jimmy, at December 12, 2009 10:32 am
"Ewww, the league fans have invaded.

fuck off"

Have you considered many people enjoy both games?

I enjoy Union, Sevens, League, NFL and soccer.

By Christopher, at December 12, 2009 12:13 pm
all this talk about league players making it in rugby. if there was money in league then there's no doubt that most super 14 level rugby players would make nrl, origin and kangaroos.

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 1:21 pm
"all this talk about league players making it in rugby. if there was money in league then there's no doubt that most super 14 level rugby players would make nrl, origin and kangaroos."

Exactly, and the difference is League fans would accept this. Where as Union fans have an inferiority complex and cannot accept the same scenario in reverse.

By Anonymous, at December 12, 2009 9:06 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 12:56 am
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 1:35 am
Well we better tell all the league players and coaches that they're not wanted.
Let's go back actually and take away all their achievements. So Robinson and Tuqiri never scored in the 2003 WC final. Pretty boring Final without the only two tries, both scored by retarded rugby league players.

By Jon, at December 13, 2009 1:36 am
WHAT! penalty sure but a penalty try??? you can't say for sure that if he didn't punch the ball it would have been a try, he could have just as easily grounded the ball so it would have been a 5m scrum. should have just been a penalty

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 1:50 am
from the other anonymous

"Rogers, undersized, mediocre, couldn't handle rugby so went back to rugby-lite"

actually Matt Rogers was a really good union player, before he got injured he was carrying the Warratahs team when he was their fullback, he had great all round skills, and Ryan Cross is also good, i remember him scoring a bunch of tries agains nz a couple years ago, as well as all the tries he scored with the Force.

but i agree with the rest of what you said, SBW sucks at union and so did wendall sailor, Tuqiri was ok but was already familiar with union,

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 1:57 am
Tuqiri knew about union (his dad was a Fijian international) but he had never played it. It took him a while to get used to it, it takes all players a while.
Clearly Elsom, Palu and Robinson also turned out to be pretty good players, or are we just ignoring them?

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 2:00 am
Viva La Africa said...
etc etc whatever

I'm enjoying this because every boneheaded post reinforces his image of ignorance and arrogance that is even funnier because he's so proud of it. Keep 'em coming little Africa boy.

And "I am rugby" - no you're not.

By troy, at December 13, 2009 2:16 am
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 2:28 am
Anonymous said...
Get off this site, go talk about your rapist and wife beating super stars else where.
Rugby #1

Ha ha, what a classic bit of idiocy, I'm not surprised you've gone anonymous. I shouldn't laugh at such helpless stupidity but you do deserve it. And stop pretending you represent the great game of rugby, you're an embarrassment to it.

By troy, at December 13, 2009 4:12 am
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 5:14 am
"anyone that likes league is obviously not the brightest person, lol."

Care to explain your reasoning to that? Probably not though as it's just another idiotic statement posted by anonymous.

By Jack, at December 13, 2009 7:08 am
As an aussie who grew up on League and later became a Union fan I gotta say you Union 'fans' commenting on here make me sick. I don't think there are any other fans that are as arrogant and conceited as you guys. I thought American football fans were obnoxious but you guys are in a League of your own.

By Style, at December 13, 2009 7:38 am
Jack, its a simple game. Each team gets 6 turns to "BASH IT UP" unless it gets stripped, knocked on OR if you don't roll it through your legs properly........

Their forwards don't do anything besides "BASH IT UP"... you don't have any of the different skill sets like in rugby - flankers, props, hookers, locks... all have varied skills that add to the game.

Lets not forget the absence of set plays - No line outs and uncontested woman scrums. There appears to be no competition for possession of the ball at all due to the turn based play.

Rugby League will always be seen as a game designed for the fan with a short attention span.

By I am rugby, at December 13, 2009 8:32 am
"Rugby League will always be seen as a game designed for the fan with a short attention span."

Why? Because it has no scrums and line outs? Because the forwards aren't as specialised as union?

Is Union designed for the fan with a long attention span? Moron.

By Herbal, at December 13, 2009 10:01 am
how many countries play league seriously? 3? rofl

By Cody, at December 13, 2009 11:20 am
League is just union after 100 years of professionalism. It was this conflict between pro and amateur that created the split.
This only occurred in the very few countries at the turn of the century where rugby (union) was popular enough to warrant professional players.
i.e. Australia and England and New Zealand later.
League's a good game, so is union.
I prefer union, but enjoy the big games in league.
Anyone who has a problem with that is being childish.

By Jon, at December 13, 2009 11:25 am
Hey, would you look at all these league fans. Shows how popular rugby is. I can't imagine rugby fans commenting on league blogs (they do exist, right? Right??).

I couldn't agree more with I am rugby's last post. You can enjoy league all you want, but there's no denying that it's a very simple sport.

Personally, I think it's a nifty game to play in your backyard with friends. As a pro sport... well...

By JD., at December 13, 2009 2:35 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 4:14 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at December 13, 2009 4:15 pm
See in Australia lots of people follow both.
We're aren't insane apparently, and can watch two sports without our heads exploding.

By Jon, at December 13, 2009 5:03 pm
Yeah, the opposition clearly were not going to score a try, that should have been a regular penalty, not a penalty try. Bad call by the ref.

By Anarchangel, at December 14, 2009 9:02 am
No surprise he's a male netball... er... I mean league player. He's probably a huge liability on defence and his decision making ability is nonexistent. R-Dump loves him some league, though!

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 11:10 pm
Yeah! Just like Jason Robinson! What a liability!

By Tommo, at December 15, 2009 6:23 am
Only a league fan (someone who doesn't understand rugby) thinks highly of Robinson. The man was nothing special, junior.

League fans: The vocal minority!

Northern England, NSW and Queensland and South Auckland, these are the places where you can find "top level" league. Very few players, none of them top athletes (top athletes would go play rugby and soccer), yet the poor, drunk league fans will try to convince you their heroes can hang with the big boys (rugby UNION players)!!!

Did you see the 4-nations hahaha what a joke! SMAAAALLLLLL crowds because barely anyone cares for this "sport". Barbarians vs All Blacks drew more than any league game and not one english player was even in the Barbarian side!! And it was a meaningless ENTERTAINMENT GAME!!!

League is going to crumble very soon!

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 9:21 am
R-Dump loves him some league

.................

R-Dump OWNS the website and quite frankly you should be grateful.

I know personally as a fan of both games that Grant will not but any old League. He'll only put up footage if it has entertainment value or appeal to both Union and League fans.

In no way does he go out of his way to support or push League. Infact he doesn't even watch League himself!

Some of you halfwits need to be grateful he exists, otherwise you wouldn't have this great service.Before RD rugby highlights were practically non existant on the internet.

By Christopher, at December 15, 2009 12:57 pm
Well said Christopher.

By Anonymous, at December 16, 2009 2:00 am
You're right anon.
Tuqiri and Robinson were horrible players. Those two tries they scored in the 2003 World Cup Final were pure flukes, no skill at all involved.
What would have been better is if the final had just been a kicking competition between Flatley and Wilkinson.
That's real rugby!

By Jon, at December 16, 2009 2:06 am
Yes, very clever connie, point out a few league players who eventually became fairly good rugby players. Over time, after retraining, a top athlete should become a good rugby player. No kidding, well done, give yourself a pat on the back. HOWEVER, if you throw a league player onto a rugby field they'd be lost. Timana Tahu is a great example of a legendary league player who was thrown into the big league without much practice and look how that turned out. Hilarious! He had no idea how to defend and kept getting isolated. BALL THRU LEGS AINT GONNA SAVE YOU NOW, BOY! So this crap about wonder boy Inglis making it into any rugby backline is laughable, arrogant and quite simply retarded. Sonny Bill Williams is bigger, stronger and faster thean Inglis and he's a below average player who was shown up by old man Stirling Mortlock! How many more examples do you need? Just admit it, rugby is better than league. Rugby players are more skilled than those gang bang tacklers in league. Just admit league is a terrible, third-rate sport and that's why the top league players go play for the French third-division!

By Anonymous, at December 16, 2009 2:56 pm
Sonny Bill Williams is bigger, stronger and faster thean Inglis

.........

No he isn't. He isn't bigger, isn't stronger, isn't faster. Never was and never will be.

Educate yourself before commenting.

By Anonymous, at December 16, 2009 6:18 pm