When you consider the world’s biggest sporting events, the obvious ones surface – The Olympics, Superbowl, Master’s, Wimbeldon, World Cup of Football and Champions League Final. But there is a big event going on now that few people seem to be talking about, at least where I live – the Rugby World Cup.
For whatever reason, rugby hasn’t the following in North America as it does in most other corners of the globe. What makes it more interesting is that rugby was the platform for the establishment of North American football. Many don’t know that the first game of modern football was between the rugby squad’s from McGill University and Harvard in 1874, before the formation of the CFL in 1882, and almost 50 years before the establishment of the American Professional Football Association, later renamed National Football League.
So then why isn’t the Rugby World Cup a big deal? Why aren’t people talking about it? Why have I not heard a single discussion on any of the three popular sports radio stations I listen to? One possible culprit is that North Americans are generally unsure of the rules of the game, making it difficult to follow on a casual basis. Aside from that, I really can’t figure it out.
Let’s reverse the trend. In the past month or so I have been watching more rugby than ever before, mostly due to my Setanta subscription. I still am unsure of some rules, but I am starting to get it. I like how the game is continuous, like soccer, with the physicality of football.
I challenge you to watch the final match between perennial powerhouse, New Zealand, and the stubborn team from France. The tournament final is being played this Sunday in New Zealand, and the home team is certainly favoured to win. Only four years ago the All-Blacks from New Zealand lost a quarter-final match to France, and are now looking to dish out revenge on home turf.
If you haven’t watched rugby in a while, or ever, give it a try with an open mind. Come back to this article and let me know what you thought.
And that is the last word.
