Rugby League Playoffs - who do you fancy to win?

[Weetomuncher]

In Rugby League, the two main competitions are nearing the end of the playoffs with the Australian NRL grand final between Paramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm and the European Super League semi finals between Leeds Rhinos and Catalan Dragons and St Helens vs Wigan Warriors.

I'm hoping that Wigan finally win again after 11 years without winning the championship.

My gut instinct is that Melbourne will win the NRL grand final 20-18 and that St Helens will beat Leeds by 22-14 in the Super League grand final.

I know YABS has a few Rugby League fans, so tell me your predicitions!

[WhiteRose]

Melbourne beat out the Broncos horrifically. On one hand, I do not want them to win.

On the other hand, if they did, then it is completely okay they beat out the Broncos in the prelim's. Because they went on to win and the Broncos were beaten by the better team.

On the OTHER other hand, I hate the Eels on principle. Hayne irritates me in a way few footballers can, so I do not want THEM to win.

ON THE FOURTH HAND OF DOOM, Eels would be my vehicle for sweet, sweet prelim revenge, for the Storm beating my beloved Broncos. It would make me happy for all of two minutes.

The winner will therefore be the sponsors. Do you know how much money those bastards make out of the finals? IT'S OBSCENE.

[Night Swordsman]

I have never understood Rugby, despite reading about it in my youth. I am glad that SPIKE TV is now carrying it here in the states. I really would not mind some education on the subject. Feel free.

[Weetomuncher]

I must point out that there are two forms of Rugby, Rugby Union and Rugby League.

Rugby Union is the most popular version and is played with 15 players and is the game with scrummages and more ground play.

Rugby League has 13 man teams and has a tackle system similar to American Football's downs. The team in possession has six tackles to score or the ball must be handed over to the opposition. After the fifth tackle the ball is generally kicked downfield like a punt.

Rugby Union is played throughout most Commonwealth countries as well as France and Argentina and the international tournaments are the most popular part of the game. The Rugby World Cup is a huge tournament and is held every four years. South Africa are the current champions. There are also European (Six Nations) and Southern Hemisphere (Tri Nations) tournaments that are held every year. Club tournaments are also quite popular.

Rugby League is more club based and most of the top teams are in Australia and England. Many top Rugby Union nations have little interest in Rugby League although Australia and to a lesser extent, England have good club support. There is a World Cup which tends not to be held on a regular basis and is currently held by New Zealand who have a poor standard of club play in Rugby League and most of their player play outwith their home nation.

The point system varies as well with the following scoring.

Try (Touchdown) Union 5 League 4
Conversion (Extra Point) Union & League 2
Penalty Kick (For Infringments) Union 3 League 2
Drop Goal (Punted kick at goal) Union 3 League 1

I hope that explains some of the rules of Rugby.

[Night Swordsman]

I must point out that there are two forms of Rugby, Rugby Union and Rugby League.

Rugby Union is the most popular version and is played with 15 players and is the game with scrummages and more ground play.

Rugby League has 13 man teams and has a tackle system similar to American Football's downs. The team in possession has six tackles to score or the ball must be handed over to the opposition. After the fifth tackle the ball is generally kicked downfield like a punt.

Rugby Union is played throughout most Commonwealth countries as well as France and Argentina and the international tournaments are the most popular part of the game. The Rugby World Cup is a huge tournament and is held every four years. South Africa are the current champions. There are also European (Six Nations) and Southern Hemisphere (Tri Nations) tournaments that are held every year. Club tournaments are also quite popular.

Rugby League is more club based and most of the top teams are in Australia and England. Many top Rugby Union nations have little interest in Rugby League although Australia and to a lesser extent, England have good club support. There is a World Cup which tends not to be held on a regular basis and is currently held by New Zealand who have a poor standard of club play in Rugby League and most of their player play outwith their home nation.

The point system varies as well with the following scoring.

Try (Touchdown) Union 5 League 4
Conversion (Extra Point) Union & League 2
Penalty Kick (For Infringments) Union 3 League 2
Drop Goal (Punted kick at goal) Union 3 League 1

I hope that explains some of the rules of Rugby.

INCREDIBLY well. WELL done and deepest thanks. I also appreciate the american football comparisons for easier understanding.