The scrum: Most sports fans have a rudimentary knowledge of rugby, in that they see “the scrum” then some guy tearing down the field and either getting blasted with a hit or kicking the ball. Dr. Zimmerman gives a quick breakdown of the scrum: “Think of it like a faceoff in hockey. They have a minor rule infraction so they have to restart with a faceoff. Our faceoff is a scrum. It’s eight players against eight players, they bind into each other and pack down … the team who has possession, a player rolls the ball through the tunnel. The guy who rolls it and the guy in the center, know as the hooker, have a code worked out. The hooker’s job is to hook the ball back to his team. Now, if the other team has a more powerful scrum they can win the ball back by pushing the other team back and getting the ball.” 
Egg Harbor Township graduate Robert Lundberg tries to get around the tackle of a Lancaster Roses player during a game in Galloway Township in late October. (Glory Days Magazine photo/Dave O’Sullivan) Kicking: There are three forms of kicking. One is a penalty kick. If there is a penalty and the offensive team is close to the goal, they can elect to try a penalty kick for three points, much like a field goal in football. There also is a similar kick after a “try”, or score, that is worth two points. Also similar to football, however, instead of a short point after, this kick is from 25 yards out and in line with wherever the scoring player crossed the goal. Which is why you will see players try to score as close to the center of the field as possible. “If someone has a breakaway try … he’s going to run right behind the post and touch it down,” Zimmerman said. The third kick is sort of like a punt. If you are deep in your own end and having trouble running the ball out you can give the ball a good boot to change field position. Passing: The biggest difference between rugby and football is in rugby there is no forward passing, only backward. Which is why the man or woman running with the ball is pretty much on their own. No lead blockers. When a player is tackled they must release the ball, and if a player from their own team steps in front of the player who is down, the defense is not allowed to retrieve the ball. Another player from the runner’s team can then pick up the ball and start the chaotic running and backward pitching all over again. Scoring: A “try”, or a touch-down, is worth five points, a conversion kick after a successful try is worth two and a penalty kick is worth three. Ironically, the word “touchdown” comes from rugby, Zimmerman said, as a rugby player must touch the ball down to the ground in the scoring zone to complete the score. Possession: Much like the old schoolyard axiom “winners talk, losers walk” the team that allows points to be scored then has to kick it right back to the team that just scored, sort of like when a football team allows a safety. So, in theory, one team could possess the ball for an entire half if that team keeps scoring and doesn’t fumble away possession during runs. Dave O’Sullivan
The basics of rugby: A quick look at how it all works
