2 - TERMS, EXPRESSIONS& COLLOQUIALISMS
The limits of my language mean the limits of my world
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Before delving any deeper into this book it would be helpful for you to acquire a basic understanding of the terms that will crop up in my explanations. This will also help in comprehending the laws of the game allowing you to:
- enjoy watching or playing the game,
- participate in the loud and generally good-natured public banter that makes spectating such a pleasure, and
- avoid making a chump of yourself at a game, in a bar or when you send personal suggestions to the referee after the match.
The terms laid out below are NOT the laws as specifically defined by World Rugby this segment is devoted to the unique words that occur in rugby which, when you know and understand them, will identify you as a true and serious fan of the game.
Rugby is not alone in this: every sport has its own colloquialisms, like bunt, pick and PAT (which, combined, sounds like a rather saucy game in and of itself) words associated with 3 particular American sports kudos if you get them right*.
Finally, the following rugby terms occurred to me somewhat at random and are not arranged in any order of importance or relevance to the game. They are, however, (largely) unique to rugby and have been developed over the many decades the game has been in existence:
POSITIONS
The Tight Five
Front Row: Loose-head and Tight-head Props (#1& 3) players in the front row of forwards, either side of the hooker, who connect with the opposing front row in a zipper-like fashion. The player whose head is on the outside is known as the loose-head prop and the player with opposing heads either side of his own is called the tight head.
Front Row: Hooker (#2) the middle position in the front row of a scrum whose job it is to hook the ball backwards, with his feet, ensuring possession for his team. Also responsible for the throw-in at a lineout as he is often the shortest player on the team and, therefore, does not jump very high.
Second row (# 4& 5 aka Locks, the engine room) two players of considerable height, weight and strength who add power to the push in the scrum. Key players in the line out where their height can be a crucial advantage.
The Loose Forwards
Flankers (# 6& 7) the two players on either side of the scrum who are only attached to that heaving mass by one arm, giving them mobility and, therefore, opportunity. These big, fast players can quickly peel off the scrum once the ball is out and chase down opposing ball carriers or support their own teammates in attack.
Number 8 perched at the back of the scrum, this is a key tactical position. Large but mobile
