NationStates Jolt Archive

Seeing as nationalist tub-thumping is flavour of the month on these forums, I thought I'd take it somewhere less serious - sport.

While I love America dearly, it has some of the lamest sports that mankind has ever devised. When compared to the fine sports that are played elsewhere in the world (and please forgive me if I focus on my favourite British sports) they seem desperately inadequate. I have never yet been excited watching late night basketball on Channel 5.

Cricket v Baseball. In baseball the skill lies in hitting a fast moving ball hard. They can vary the ball a little by speed and swerve. In cricket the balls, bowled at the same speed a cricket ball is pitched, can vary by speed, swing, spin, seam and length. To counter the more sophisticated array of balls the batsman has a comparably sophisticated arsenal of shots - drives, cuts, hooks, pulls, sweeps, reverse sweeps, clips of the legs and slogs. Baseball just has slogs and blocks, as far as I can see. It's all rather repetitive. That is why cricket can remain interesting for five days whereas baseball can barely last an evening. It's no wonder that baseball fans all go stats mad - the game itself is rubbish.

Rugby v American Football. Incomparable. One has free flowing running, gorgeous angles, aggressive scrummaging over the ball, and real men who can take the hits from a 250-pound giant at full pelt without 6 inches of body armour. The other has fat men in space suits who headbut each other and never touch the ball. Another one for the stats geeks!

And Americans don't even take football (or soccer) seriously. That's a shame because it is the most beautiful sport yet invented. There are few other games whose greates exponents show such dexterity with hand or foot, or where such dexterity combines with pace and power so well. The geometrical patterns made by a great football team by their passing are themselves works of art. No sport has ever been so popular, and the reasons are clear - no other sport compares. Also, your football team is actually half-decent and deserves your support.

Cricket v Baseball. In baseball the skill lies in hitting a fast moving ball hard. They can vary the ball a little by speed and swerve. In cricket the balls, bowled at the same speed a cricket ball is pitched, can vary by speed, swing, spin, seam and length. To counter the more sophisticated array of balls the batsman has a comparably sophisticated arsenal of shots - drives, cuts, hooks, pulls, sweeps, reverse sweeps, clips of the legs and slogs. Baseball just has slogs and blocks, as far as I can see. It's all rather repetitive. That is why cricket can remain interesting for five days whereas baseball can barely last an evening. It's no wonder that baseball fans all go stats mad - the game itself is rubbish.

cricket has got to be the boringest crap 'sport' in history, baseball is exciting. Who the f**k would watch the same match for 5 days in a row? At least baseball ends after a few hours so you can look forward to the next game.

American football is the greatest sport in history. The superbowl is the greatest sports event in history.

American football is the greatest sport in history. The superbowl is the greatest sports event in history.
pretty much nobody outside the US takes it particularly seriously...

pretty much nobody outside the US takes it particularly seriously...

who the f**k cares what sissy boy Euro's think?

cricket has got to be the boringest crap 'sport' in history, baseball is exciting. Who the f**k would watch the same match for 5 days in a row? At least baseball ends after a few hours so you can look forward to the next game.

American football is the greatest sport in history. The superbowl is the greatest sports event in history.

Why are you so keen for baseball to end? Is it that bad?


And as the football World Cup is the most watched event in the world, and as the Superbowl has to resort to getting Janet Jackson to get her knockers out to get the punters in, I think that the people have spoken about history's greatest sporting event.

Couldn't agree more. American sports are usually totally unsophisticated, shallow, lack depth, and consequently get boring very quicky. The hype created by a mass media who prey on an easily brainwashed public is the only reason why these sports continue to thrive in their homeland.

who the f**k cares what sissy boy Euro's think?
Asia, Oceania, South America and some of North America all agree with Europe

And Americans don't even take football (or soccer) seriously. That's a shame because it is the most beautiful sport yet invented. There are few other games whose greates exponents show such dexterity with hand or foot, or where such dexterity combines with pace and power so well. The geometrical patterns made by a great football team by their passing are themselves works of art. No sport has ever been so popular, and the reasons are clear - no other sport compares. Also, your football team is actually half-decent and deserves your support.

Agreed. I miss being around people who actually get excited about football. *sniff* I could watch football (soccer) all day. American football on the other hand........

who the f**k cares what sissy boy Euro's think?

So - you think China and Australia are in Europe?

Just checking...

Ah, baseball. 'Tis the season.

Not only is my sport better than your season, but . . .

"Jeter sucks!"

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/050307

Seeing as nationalist tub-thumping is flavour of the month on these forums, I thought I'd take it somewhere less serious - sport.

While I love America dearly, it has some of the lamest sports that mankind has ever devised. When compared to the fine sports that are played elsewhere in the world (and please forgive me if I focus on my favourite British sports) they seem desperately inadequate. I have never yet been excited watching late night basketball on Channel 5.

Cricket v Baseball. In baseball the skill lies in hitting a fast moving ball hard. They can vary the ball a little by speed and swerve. In cricket the balls, bowled at the same speed a cricket ball is pitched, can vary by speed, swing, spin, seam and length. To counter the more sophisticated array of balls the batsman has a comparably sophisticated arsenal of shots - drives, cuts, hooks, pulls, sweeps, reverse sweeps, clips of the legs and slogs. Baseball just has slogs and blocks, as far as I can see. It's all rather repetitive. That is why cricket can remain interesting for five days whereas baseball can barely last an evening. It's no wonder that baseball fans all go stats mad - the game itself is rubbish.

Rugby v American Football. Incomparable. One has free flowing running, gorgeous angles, aggressive scrummaging over the ball, and real men who can take the hits from a 250-pound giant at full pelt without 6 inches of body armour. The other has fat men in space suits who headbut each other and never touch the ball. Another one for the stats geeks!

And Americans don't even take football (or soccer) seriously. That's a shame because it is the most beautiful sport yet invented. There are few other games whose greates exponents show such dexterity with hand or foot, or where such dexterity combines with pace and power so well. The geometrical patterns made by a great football team by their passing are themselves works of art. No sport has ever been so popular, and the reasons are clear - no other sport compares. Also, your football team is actually half-decent and deserves your support.
While its nicfe to see someone sticking up for rugby, sport of gods that it is, i feel that football (or "soccer") is quite frankly, crap. A game that is fine for an amateur match but prrofessionally it is made of of losers who can't take anything without falling over and squealing to the referee!

cricket has got to be the boringest crap 'sport' in history, baseball is exciting. Who the f**k would watch the same match for 5 days in a row? At least baseball ends after a few hours so you can look forward to the next game.

American football is the greatest sport in history. The superbowl is the greatest sports event in history.
Piss off it is! Rugby Union world cup is better by miles. the superbowl stops every 4 minutes for an ad-break.
However, Rugby League is the only sport in history to be more crap than american football

who the f**k cares what sissy boy Euro's think?
Don't diss Europe! Its only the French and Germans who talk such crap, everyone else can see sense.

I have been to lots of rugby games, not a great game to watch, very slow moving.

Baseball is more a game of "moments" you bring your family to the game and look for moments of excitment. It also have tons of history.

Reguardless of what europeans think the super bowl is the biggest sports game on tv. soccer is ok, just cant take a game seriously that makes diving a important part of the game.

Personally I like hockey, even though its probably the most boring i have ever seen it become in the 20 years i can remember watching it.

You know what a really decent game to watch is? LACROSSE. If you ever get a chance to watch a pro lacrosse game its really quite good. lots of goals, hitting, back and forth action, great game, very under rated...

I personally love American ffootball, but that's just me.
I don't really like or care about soccer, but again that's just me.
Our cultures are different and us Americans always like doing our own thing.
P.S. Cricket is boring.

Of course, we all know that Calvinball is better than all those sports put together, times infinity. Plus Q.

I have been to lots of rugby games, not a great game to watch, very slow moving.

Baseball is more a game of "moments" you bring your family to the game and look for moments of excitment. It also have tons of history.

Reguardless of what europeans think the super bowl is the biggest sports game on tv. soccer is ok, just cant take a game seriously that makes diving a important part of the game.

Personally I like hockey, even though its probably the most boring i have ever seen it become in the 20 years i can remember watching it.

You know what a really decent game to watch is? LACROSSE. If you ever get a chance to watch a pro lacrosse game its really quite good. lots of goals, hitting, back and forth action, great game, very under rated...
You know you're Canadian when hockey and lacrosse are your favourite sports... (just a guess)

Seeing as nationalist tub-thumping is flavour of the month on these forums, I thought I'd take it somewhere less serious - sport.

While I love America dearly, it has some of the lamest sports that mankind has ever devised. When compared to the fine sports that are played elsewhere in the world (and please forgive me if I focus on my favourite British sports) they seem desperately inadequate. I have never yet been excited watching late night basketball on Channel 5.

Cricket v Baseball. In baseball the skill lies in hitting a fast moving ball hard. They can vary the ball a little by speed and swerve. In cricket the balls, bowled at the same speed a cricket ball is pitched, can vary by speed, swing, spin, seam and length. To counter the more sophisticated array of balls the batsman has a comparably sophisticated arsenal of shots - drives, cuts, hooks, pulls, sweeps, reverse sweeps, clips of the legs and slogs. Baseball just has slogs and blocks, as far as I can see. It's all rather repetitive. That is why cricket can remain interesting for five days whereas baseball can barely last an evening. It's no wonder that baseball fans all go stats mad - the game itself is rubbish.

Rugby v American Football. Incomparable. One has free flowing running, gorgeous angles, aggressive scrummaging over the ball, and real men who can take the hits from a 250-pound giant at full pelt without 6 inches of body armour. The other has fat men in space suits who headbut each other and never touch the ball. Another one for the stats geeks!

And Americans don't even take football (or soccer) seriously. That's a shame because it is the most beautiful sport yet invented. There are few other games whose greates exponents show such dexterity with hand or foot, or where such dexterity combines with pace and power so well. The geometrical patterns made by a great football team by their passing are themselves works of art. No sport has ever been so popular, and the reasons are clear - no other sport compares. Also, your football team is actually half-decent and deserves your support.

While I agree that Cricket is more interesting than baseball, American Football is far more interesting than football(soccer) or Rugby. I'll grant you that ruby players are at least comparibly as tough as NFL players. They are not however as athletically gifted nor nearly as graceful to watch. It's kind of like the difference between the NHL and the way the rest of the world plays hockey. The NHL is ugly by comparison.

Soccer would be far more interesting if scoring was more likely to occur, but for the most part, it is just a bunch of men in at track meet running up and down the field as far as I can see. Take away the offsides rules and double the size of the goal and it could get far more interesting.

Of course, of all the sports foriegn to the U.S., Aussie rules football is by far the most entertaining. It has most of the good aspects of soccer, rugby and American football. The only thing it is missing is the overhand forward pass.

Of course, we all know that Calvinball is better than all those sports put together, times infinity. Plus Q.
:)

Reguardless of what europeans think the super bowl is the biggest sports game on tv. soccer is ok, just cant take a game seriously that makes diving a important part of the game.


This is going to have to be researched in terms of audience figures. The Superbowl is clearly the largest TV sports event in the USA, but the FIFA football world cup probably has a much larger worldwide audience. In adition the figures need to be checked for Indian Cricket Test matches. (A lot of peole in India).
I am off to research. I will post what I find soon.

While I think Cricket is good, I also liked Baseball. I also like American Football, and I also like Rugby.

However, I hate Soccer(Also known as Football, Futbal, etc) with a passion. Just as much as I hate the boy scouts.

Reguardless of what europeans think the super bowl is the biggest sports game on tv

how many people watch the Superbowl?

the FIA reckons 54bn people worldwide watched the 2001 F1 season in total....(source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1842217.stm))

other organisations estimate that the average viewing figures per race in 2004 were as high as 800 million people (source (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/041215/13/81gs.html))

how many people watch the Superbowl?

the FIA reckons 54bn people worldwide watched the 2001 F1 season in total....(source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1842217.stm))

other organisations estimate that the average viewing figures per race in 2004 were as high as 800 million people (source (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/041215/13/81gs.html))

I heard that golf was the most-viewed televised sport. I'm searching for a cite.

The last football World Cup final in 2002 was watched by 1.1 billion people. The whole tournament clocked up just under 50 billion viewer hours.

http://www.fifa.com/en/marketing/newmedia/index/0,3509,10,00.html

The NFL claim about 1 billion for the Superbowl.


I'm surprised that people think that American footbal players are more athletic than rugby players. Most of them are only there to be large objects, though I'll grant that others are nimbler. But rugby has more play and more running when it's played right, and they don't dress like they're scared of something.

People, people. Playing the actual game is nothing like watching it on Television.

I feel that I have to stick up for my favorite sport, American Football. Yes, we wear pads. Why not? We want out bodies to function throughout our careers, and we want to be able to do more than stay in bed all day after we retire.

Football is as much of a strategy game as it is a sport. You've got multiple offensive and defensive packages (formations), many different variations in coverage, there are multiple receiver routes, and there's also the dreaded trick plays. It's quite exciting when you know what's going on.

And, of course, there's running. A Half Back is one of the most important players on the team. If he's good, he can find the perfect holes to run through, make the right cuts, and evade anybody. And, having a Half Back like Jerome Bettis is great. Being able to run over people like a bus is a skill that is very much needed (but not necessary).

Then there's the Quarterback. The field general. The player who calls the plays (so long as the coach isn't an ass), the signals, the audibles, and the options. The player who need to be able to throw an accurate deep pass without getting an interception. The player who needs to know how to evade three or more defenders on the blitz. You usually have about three seconds to make a decision, and if you don't, chances are you're gonna get sacked. It's not just the most versatile position in the game --- it's the most difficult.

Please... Before you start saying a certain sport is shit just because you've seen it on TV, go out and play it. You might think a bit differently about it.

The last football World Cup final in 2002 was watched by 1.1 billion people. The whole tournament clocked up just under 50 billion viewer hours.

http://www.fifa.com/en/marketing/newmedia/index/0,3509,10,00.html

The NFL claim about 1 billion for the Superbowl.


I'm surprised that people think that American footbal players are more athletic than rugby players. Most of them are only there to be large objects, though I'll grant that others are nimbler. But rugby has more play and more running when it's played right, and they don't dress like they're scared of something.
yea...a good back needs to be athletic

The last football World Cup final in 2002 was watched by 1.1 billion people. The whole tournament clocked up just under 50 billion viewer hours.

http://www.fifa.com/en/marketing/newmedia/index/0,3509,10,00.html

The NFL claim about 1 billion for the Superbowl.


I'm surprised that people think that American footbal players are more athletic than rugby players. Most of them are only there to be large objects, though I'll grant that others are nimbler. But rugby has more play and more running when it's played right, and they don't dress like they're scared of something.


Have you not seen how truly fast these large American Football players are? It's frightening to see a 6'5" Linebacker running at you, deciding whether to just tackle you, or pummel you and possibly break your back.

Ray Lewis runs his 40-yard dash in the low 4.6's, and although that's not as fast as some offensive players (Randy Moss runs it in the 4.3's), that's still quite good, especially for somebody as big as he is.

who the f**k cares what sissy boy Euro's think?
Hitlerreich, you've been pushing the trolling envelope for some time now. Push a little harder, and you'll find yourself forumbanned. For now, an unofficial warning will suffice. Don't test us.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Moderator Team

Cricket & Aussie Rules are clearly the best sports.

Cricket for the skills, strategy & mental stamina required for five days play.

Aussie Rules for the speed of play, athleticism, skill, fitness & physical toughness required.

*disclaimer, I may be biased. :)

Alright. I could not turn up market analysis for televised sports because all the reports I found were tremendously expensive publications from marketing firms. Sorry.

But I'd like to say, having seen it once on TV, that hurling kicks the snot out of all other sports, including baseball.

Cricket & Aussie Rules are clearly the best sports.

Cricket for the skills, strategy & mental stamina required for five days play.

Aussie Rules for the speed of play, athleticism, skill, fitness & physical toughness required.

*disclaimer, I may be biased. :)

:rolleyes: i really dont even consider cricket a sport. Sorta a hobby like pool, darts or golf. Any game where fat old guys can be the best is NOT a sport.

Hmm... boxing is dead sexy. :)

I heard that golf was the most-viewed televised sport. I'm searching for a cite.

I'd rather watch grass grow. I know golf requires a specific skill set that is difficult to master, but it is boring as all get out to watch and to play for that matter.

I'd rather watch grass grow. I know golf requires a specific skill set that is difficult to master, but it is boring as all get out to watch and to play for that matter.

I concur. I just tossed that out there because people were citing viewer shares. Golf has a huge audience cause a lot of folks play it and identify.

I wasn't a big fan of Soccer at first. It took me like three games till I really fell in love.

The first thing about soccer that makes it great is the fact that they never stop the clock. They keep on playing.

I think number two is the fact is the incredible amount of skill it takes. Have any of you tried to dribble a soccer ball? Have you tried to do while six men are coming at you? Have you tried to do while six men and another guy who is allowed to use his hands stop you? Lets so how much you'll score then?

Maybe it'll help if you think of soccer as sex. Its a lot better with foreplay. And when your team does score it makes it that much better.

Soccer is played year round. (they dont take useless seven month breaks).

Before I really got into soccer I was a huge NBA nut and I remember believing all the hype about how the NBA is a international league/sport. What a lie. Soccer has the Uefa Champions league. That is a match up with more national make up than any other thing that other sports can put up of professional athletes. In-fact there isn't even one premier league. there are several.

Oh yeah.. Promotion and Relegation I think the NFL could use this. Goodbye Cardinals!

The NFL moves to slow. NBA are a bunch of cry-babies. MLB are fat. NHL are on strike.

One last point... I think there is a reason Soccer has hooligans and not american football.

I concur. I just tossed that out there because people were citing viewer shares. Golf has a huge audience cause a lot of folks play it and identify.

It would be interesting to know what the most attended sport is per event per regular season is? I hear rumors that NASCAR is getting close to the top in that catagory.

I'd rather watch grass grow. I know golf requires a specific skill set that is difficult to master, but it is boring as all get out to watch and to play for that matter.
i dont actually mind playing golf, its good fun to go and use a stick to take all your anger out on a white ball and get a good walk in at the same time...but its boring as hell to watch

It would be interesting to know what the most attended sport is per event per regular season is? I hear rumors that NASCAR is getting close to the top in that catagory.

I have no doubt whatsoever. Some of the tracks seat a hundred thousand folks, right? Season length skews things also though, as does stadium capacity. To say nothing of ticket price. I'm sure more people would go to Jets and Giants games if they could. They've got a ten-year wait list for season tix.

Considering those places they race at can hold 100,000. That means they are cheap for their crowd.

:rolleyes: i really dont even consider cricket a sport. Sorta a hobby like pool, darts or golf. Any game where fat old guys can be the best is NOT a sport.

You've got the wrong idea about it. Try playing six hours a day for five days straight. It's definitely a sport. The fat blokes are still there (more power to them), but they're only a very small percentage of the players now days. Most players retire in their mid 30s, so they're not that old either. Skill, concentration, hand-eye coordination & intelligence are the keys to cricket.

I have no doubt whatsoever. Some of the tracks seat a hundred thousand folks, right? Season length skews things also though, as does stadium capacity. To say nothing of ticket price. I'm sure more people would go to Jets and Giants games if they could. They've got a ten-year wait list for season tix.

The seasonlength issue was why I said per event. You don't think they'ed build bigger stadiums if they could sell them out? And when you think about the season length, NASCAR only really has a 3 month off season so it is even more amazing that they pack nearly every event. Also, viewership is on the rise as well. If you saw the last 25 laps at Daytona, you know why. F1 is good, but the competitiveness and amount of passing still doesn't compare to NASCAR.

F1 tracks are more intresting than an oval though.

World cup football viewing figures
Including the out-of-home viewing figures, live audiences accounted for 87% of the total viewing - an average of 352.6 million per match.
source (http://www.fifa.com/en/marketing/newmedia/index/0,3509,10,00.html)

So 100% of the viewing figure is 405.3 Million per match

The 1998 final alone enthralled 1 billion viewers.
source (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/releases/IP-401-E-TV.pdf)

Superbowl Figures
Almost half the households in the States will gather around the TV set come gametime and ratings are up over 130 million. Worldwide ratings reach 800 million.
source (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2082971)

and from another source

Slated this year for Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002 at the Louisiana Superdome, the Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program and the most-watched single-day sporting event. This year's game will be televised live on FOX to an expected 130 million viewers in the United States and 800 million viewers worldwide.
source (http://www.nfl.com/features/2001/sb_halftime.html)


I dropped the indian cricket as it would need the whole country to watch to equal these figures, and that just is not going to happen.

Single sporting event, most watched, FIFA world cup final, by about 200 million. Sorry Vince :( congratulations Jules :)

The most spectacular sports?

Ultimate Fighting, midget edition! Mwahaha!

That, or Pelote Basque, Jai Alai.

F1 tracks are more intresting than an oval though.
Spa :cool:

SHINTY!!!! It's brilliant! And Hurling of course.
A Sport that used to be training for Celtic warriors.
No armour.
Hard sticks, hard balls and hard bastards playing it.
Any game where hitting the ball down the field at teeth height is fine is an excellent game in my opinion.

Most exertion in a game: Trollball! Where everyone (except the ball) is wearing mail shirts. Trust me, digging your way through a pile of guys in mail shirts to get hold of a little guy who don't want to get caught is exhausting.

The sport I play: Steel Medieval Reenactment. Crashing into the shield wall for the fourth time, shield up and sword back. Dealing blows to left and right. Watching your enemies run before you and hearing the lamentation of their women. <goes all misty eyed and weepy> Nothing better.

As far as American Football vs. Rugby goes, wasn't there an exchange sometime and both sets of players didn't want to do it again? The rugby players found the straight on, extremely hard hits a bit much and the American football players found 40 minutes non-stop a bit tiring.

Actually, that's why I like Rugby more than fitba'. On the soccer field you can end up standing around for a while doing not much. On the rugby field you are working all the time.

Spa :cool:

No truer words have been spoken on this forum!


You're never going to get agreement on here about sports between Americans and non-Americans. this is because, in my opinion at least, Americans have a different sensibility to sport than the rest of the world, especially Europe.

What I mean by this is that Americans seem to like a stop-start nature to their sports, whereas we - I'm english - prefer a more flowing style of sport. The most obvious example of this is the contrast between football/rugby and American football. In football, moves can build up over a couple of minutes, and a team that's really gelled can be beautiful to watch as the ball's passed back and forth all over the field. Whereas American football with it's 10 yard dashes appears to be more about getting each individual play perfect.

The same is also true with motor racing. F1 at its best involves different teams trying out different strategies with the eventual winner not becoming too obvious until the closing stages of the race. Although a certain scarlet team and some tracks - you know who you are Hungary - can put the dampers on this at times. However, Nascar/IRL/Champ car races, especially those on ovals, are constantly broken up by the numerous yellow flags in each race, which bunch the field up again. This creates lots of exciting sprints and a relatively unpredictable outcome, but personally I'm not keen as there's no real incentive for a driver to push for a big lead once he's there, as he knows he'll have it chopped back soon anyway.

So basically, I believe that there's some big cultural difference between America and the rest of the world when it comes to sport (I know this is somewhat of a generalisation), and you really need to have at least lived in one of the cultures for a while in order to prefer their types of sport.

Though I'll never understand the appeal of baseball. Me and some friends watched it live on 5ive after a nightout once, just to see a home-run. As soon as one was scored we turned it off never to put it on again!

Edit: And is it really true that in American football you have completely different squads for if you're on offense/defense and that you change ALL your players over? My sister told me this when I visited her in San Diego last year and I want to know if she was winding me up or not!

Drag racing takes the bill for me, but its very entertaining to throw the Nascar drivers onto a course that requires a right turn. And yes there are different squads for offense/defense sets.

And yes there are different squads for offense/defense sets.

That's amazing. Surely they become a different team then?!?

Although I guess there's a parallel with sportscar racing where you have 2 drivers in a 4 hour race (not counting Le Mans, but that's special!).

Formula 1 is the best sport!
Then World Rally Championship (though if you watch some of the smaller rally's, bloody hell!).

Footballs (nee Soccer) is good as is Rugby. Both are much better than American Football, IMHO!

Cricket...hmm. Not a fan of watching, but can be fun to play just don't get hit by the ball, ouch!
Everytime I think of Baseball I can't help but see school Rounders just with a bigger bat and harder ball, and anything that reminds me of that I just can't take seriously!

No truer words have been spoken on this forum!


You're never going to get agreement on here about sports between Americans and non-Americans. this is because, in my opinion at least, Americans have a different sensibility to sport than the rest of the world, especially Europe.

What I mean by this is that Americans seem to like a stop-start nature to their sports, whereas we - I'm english - prefer a more flowing style of sport. The most obvious example of this is the contrast between football/rugby and American football. In football, moves can build up over a couple of minutes, and a team that's really gelled can be beautiful to watch as the ball's passed back and forth all over the field. Whereas American football with it's 10 yard dashes appears to be more about getting each individual play perfect.

Yes, I find the stop/start nature of American sports frustrating. To me it seems odd that the players control the clock, they have the power to stop play when they want. I prefer flowing games like Aussies Rules, soccer & rugby union.

And is it really true that in American football you have completely different squads for if you're on offense/defense and that you change ALL your players over? My sister told me this when I visited her in San Diego last year and I want to know if she was winding me up or not!


Yes, it is very true. You can play on both offense and defense, but usually you're an Offensive Specialist, or a Defensive Specialist. This makes it more difficult for both sides, because when you concentrate on just one position, you get much more skilled at it.

Yes, I find the stop/start nature of American sports frustrating. To me it seems odd that the players control the clock, they have the power to stop play when they want. I prefer flowing games like Aussies Rules, soccer & rugby union.


It's called strategy. If there's only 15 seconds left, and you've got no timeouts, and you're on the 20 yard line, and you're down by more than 3 points, you've gotta spike the ball to stop the clock and have a chance at the touchdown.

Or, you could pull a Dan Marino and fake a spike, and have a receiver wide open in the End Zone for an easy touchdown.

Well, to a degree they become a different team. But you have to remember, since you have the same head coach coordinating things on both sides of the ball and all the assisstant coaches talking to each other and the head coach, you will see some degree of sameness, of play style, on both sides of the ball. Not only that, but each side will try to make up for the deficiencies of the other, i.e. a strong defense can hold the ball at a certain point on the field for a mediocre offense to score off the next time they get back in; or a good offense can make sure the mediocre defense isn't forced to play too often by not turning over the ball much and making sure the game doesn't depend on the defense by scoring a lot. The two teams are symbiotic organisms, each needs the other to survive and play the game.

Of course, none of that matters if you are unlucky, have guys injured, or just suck, but that applies in a lot of sports.

And to everyone who says football is all about big guys running into each other, you obviously have no clue what you are talking about, so perhaps you should stop your yapping and talk about something you might know more about, like competitive ass-pounding.

Oh yeah, and the reason baseball is great is because it is a test of your personal skill. When you are at the plate, it doesn't matter how good anybody else but you is, and you can find out what you've really got. At least, that's how I see it.

(Side note: I am a football player, not Pro, who has played baseball, football, basketball and wrestling and has done track and field and swum competitively.)

Good, at least somebody who's played Football's posted a valid argument along with mine!

The amount of skill involved in Football is tremendous. It's really an experience to... Experience.

It's called strategy. If there's only 15 seconds left, and you've got no timeouts, and you're on the 20 yard line, and you're down by more than 3 points, you've gotta spike the ball to stop the clock and have a chance at the touchdown.

Or, you could pull a Dan Marino and fake a spike, and have a receiver wide open in the End Zone for an easy touchdown.

I understand it's a strategy the players use. I'm just used to games where the umpire controls the clock & the players don't have any say in it. Play doesn't stop until the umpire blows the whistle, or time runs out.

I'm an American and I love WRC.

That is all.

American Football was born in a Democratic atmosphere.

In all seriousness, it can make the final minutes of a game *very* intense. The best comebacks ever were engineered by John Elway and Dan Marino, with miraculous passes and seemingly impossible drives against all odds.

Watching Elway and Marino was really something special, and it's a sad thought that the NFL no longer has such quality Quarterbacks any more.

I'm an American and I love WRC.

That is all.
good choice of dodgy road based motorsport

Rugby = Cricket > Football > Tennis > Golf >..........> Knitting championships > Curling > Baseball > Basketball > American Football

Sorry, I probably shouldn't have put football below Rugby and Cricket, but I've never been that good at Football. Probably don't ponce about enough, or wear enough expensive make up and hair products to be a footballer. Front row of a scrum all the way. So what if I'm barely classifiable as human, and likely to rip the arm off anyone pushing in front of me at the bar. At least I don't need seperate bags for hair products when I'm on tour, like anyone who wears a rugby shirt with a number over about 8, or any football players.

[/opinionated rant of a rugby and cricket player]

Soccer (Football) is the greatest sport on earth, Rugby is a hundred times better than American Football, and I think Cricket would be more exciting than Baseball if I knew the rules :p 'cause Baseball is boring as watching paint dry. I live in Canada and I get ten times more enjoyment out of playing soccer than I do out of playing any other sport! Soccer takes more skill than most sports (Baseball, American Football, Basketball etc.)

Well as long as we're talking about American sports, I may as well say that basketball isn't one. It was invented in Winnipeg (Canada) by James Naismith. It did get very popular in the States though (it was always rather overshadowed by hockey in Canada) but it wasn't invented there. Sorry to be nationalistic and a classic case of over-sensitive Canadian.

American Football was born in a Democratic atmosphere.

Not really sure what you mean by that.

I enjoy the strategy & skill of American Football, I just find my attention wandering because of all the breaks involved.

Id love to just drop a good old American redneck in the middle of all you "(football) has fat men in space suits who headbut each other and never touch the ball"... and a harlem street balla into you anti basketball people

and dont u dare say anything about baseball ever again

Okay... Was that supposed to make sense?

But the breaks are a huge part of the game. Strategy is decided on the go, forcing the coaches and players to think on their feet, change as the game changes and quickly adapt. And both teams can do it, so it isn't just athletic skill that decides the game, it is adaptability, intelligence, preparation, and the athletic skill that decides a game, meaning that a team with good executon but no superstar players (Patriots) can defeat a team that has a few stars but not great coordination (Eagles). I am not a fan of either team, this is my analysis, please don't attack me.

Da Bears!

I'd happily meet that "good old American redneck". Let's see him take some real tackles from a 6'+ prop. He'll be crying in seconds.

im just tryin to stick up for the old U.S.ofA. we're seeming a bit out-numbered

Mekdemia nailed it.

That's exactly what happened to John Elway and his Denver Broncos. He was a superstar in every sense of the word, and he either had a great supporting cast and poor execution (thanks, Dan Reeves, you assfuck), or an absolutely worthless supporting cast and good execution (the Phillips years). Finally, in 1995, they got Mike Shanahan and Terrell Davis, and bam, they were off!

Sadly, that never happened for Dan Marino. After meeting a totally stacked San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl (which Miami lost), they never made it back. Miami either had a bad defense and a great offense, or a somewhat bad offense and an acceptable defense. And they never drafted a good RB during the Marino years, despite Dan's constant complaints about not having a running game.

You can go through 14 years of playing the game, going to 3 Super Bowls and losing all of them, and finally get a break and win two in a row. You can also go through 17 years without winning a single Super Bowl, being in one and losing it. The game can be extremely harsh to some people.

Man, rugby is so fucking awesome and I love it. Trying to put that exact feeling to words would only cheapen it, so I won't elaborate, but rugby is so fucking awesome.

Thanks for the endorsement, Potaria. I was actually thinking about Marino while I was writing that. Damn, what I would have given to see him with a good supporting cast. What he could have done.

"fuck" seemed to work pretty well

Man, rugby is so fucking awesome and I love it. Trying to put that exact feeling to words would only cheapen it, so I won't elaborate, but rugby is so fucking awesome.

Huzzah!

but in all honesty rugby looks like it kicks ass

Thanks for the endorsement, Potaria. I was actually thinking about Marino while I was writing that. Damn, what I would have given to see him with a good supporting cast. What he could have done.


We saw what he did with a good supporting cast... Way back when, during his Pittsburgh Panthers years.

Three straight years they finished in the Top 10. It is sad that his last game, the Cotton Bowl against SMU, was such a bummer. SMU won, 6-3. They shut each other out.

Man, and Marino's comments about people in the South! That was fucking gold! He even did that after the game was lost!

but in all honesty rugby looks like it kicks ass


And another misguided one sees the light of the true sport...

"fuck" seemed to work pretty well
Then my work here is done.

.. just to clear up all this.. sports arguments.... FENCING is freakin awsome.. PERIOD

its based on violence.. so its got that.. it takes agility (more than most would think).. it takes strength.. well to be good anyway... it takes stamina (well.. not sabre.. but the other 2 weapons..)... its got excitement (more so than stuff like baseball)... its just an all around 'kickass' sport

.. just to clear up all this.. sports arguments.... FENCING is freakin awsome.. PERIOD

its based on violence.. so its got that.. it takes agility (more than most would think).. it takes strength.. well to be good anyway... it takes stamina (well.. not sabre.. but the other 2 weapons..)... its got excitement (more so than stuff like baseball)... its just an all around 'kickass' sport

Yeah.. but there is no blood.

Yeah.. but there is no blood.

.. my arm would beg to differ... (fencing accident...)

.. my arm would beg to differ... (fencing accident...)
Give blood. Play rugby.

How popular is paintball in Europe?

I've played soccer, rugby, football(american), baseball, basketball, hockey, so I've seen the differences between american and european sports. I dont think the only difference is the flow of the game. The flow of the game is different as people have said, but thats not all. The non-american sports require the athletes who play them to be much more versitile. In american sports you have athletes who only know how to play their position and only have to play their one position. Defensive player in football(american) dont even have to know how to touch the ball, where all players in rugby are expected to touch the ball in the game. And in baseball, you have DH, whos only purpose is to bat. Americans prefer the specialization of the sports so that an athlete is able to only do one thing, where other sports encourage the adaptibility of the athletes so that people who play "euro" sports are much more well rounded athletes than those who play american sports. Not to say american sport athletes arent spectacular at their skill but there is no need to be as well rounded an athlete to play football as rugby. Also I find american sport "teams" arent as much teams as a collection of individuals where euro sport teams have much more depth and team chemistry.

pretty much nobody outside the US takes it particularly seriously...
800 million people worldwide watched the Super Bowl.

What a stupid arguement... stop being a pussy and play some hockey

How popular is paintball in Europe?

As a pass time, it was quite popular, as a competitive sport, it wasn't even on the map when I left for South America.
It wasa more a thing that a group of mates from work would go and do, and then go to the pub. A sort of lads social activity, more than a sport.

But the breaks are a huge part of the game. Strategy is decided on the go, forcing the coaches and players to think on their feet, change as the game changes and quickly adapt. And both teams can do it, so it isn't just athletic skill that decides the game, it is adaptability, intelligence, preparation, and the athletic skill that decides a game, meaning that a team with good executon but no superstar players (Patriots) can defeat a team that has a few stars but not great coordination (Eagles). I am not a fan of either team, this is my analysis, please don't attack me.

Da Bears!

Rugby also has 'strategy decided on the go', and required 'adaptability, intelligence, preperation and... athletic skill'.

But they don't have to play only 15 minutes at a time, and don't get to take a little rest if they feel like it.

American 'Football' is, to Rugby... what American 'Wrestling' is to combat sports...

And Americans don't even take football (or soccer) seriously. That's a shame because it is the most beautiful sport yet invented. There are few other games whose greates exponents show such dexterity with hand or foot, or where such dexterity combines with pace and power so well. The geometrical patterns made by a great football team by their passing are themselves works of art. No sport has ever been so popular, and the reasons are clear - no other sport compares. Also, your football team is actually half-decent and deserves your support.

YAY u rock :fluffle: SOCCER IS THE BEST SPORT IN THE WORLD :) to all who play

800 million people worldwide watched the Super Bowl.
doesnt mean they take the sport seriously, just means they watch the Superbowl because its the Superbowl and they want to see what the fuss is about, not out of any interest in American Football. at least, i do

F1 tracks are more intresting than an oval though.

True dat. I've been to Laguna Seca to watch F1 before. The course is all over the place, with grades and hairpins. It was a good time. But I can't stomach the idea of paying real cash money to watch a three-hour left turn.

who the f**k cares what sissy boy Euro's think?

Wasn't Hitler from Europe. Was he a sissy boy too?

True dat. I've been to Laguna Seca to watch F1 before.

There are no F1 races at Laguna Seca. Do you mean Indianapolis?

There are no F1 races at Laguna Seca. Do you mean Indianapolis?

You mean there aren't any anymore!

You mean there aren't any anymore!
there was never an F1 race at Laguna Seca

No I mean there never was.

http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/cir-034.html

Read the last paragraph.

No I mean there never was.

http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/cir-034.html

Read the last paragraph.
i was actually about to link to that...

i was actually about to link to that...
Google's great, isn't it :)

F1 tracks are more intresting than an oval though.

I'll grant you that the tracks are definitely more interesting to look at, but the racing isn't nearly as competitive.

I'll grant you that the tracks are definitely more interesting to look at, but the racing isn't nearly as competitive.

You're joking surely? Did you watch the Australian GP last Sunday? That was competitive.

I've played soccer, rugby, football(american), baseball, basketball, hockey, so I've seen the differences between american and european sports. I dont think the only difference is the flow of the game. The flow of the game is different as people have said, but thats not all. The non-american sports require the athletes who play them to be much more versitile. In american sports you have athletes who only know how to play their position and only have to play their one position. Defensive player in football(american) dont even have to know how to touch the ball, where all players in rugby are expected to touch the ball in the game. And in baseball, you have DH, whos only purpose is to bat. Americans prefer the specialization of the sports so that an athlete is able to only do one thing, where other sports encourage the adaptibility of the athletes so that people who play "euro" sports are much more well rounded athletes than those who play american sports. Not to say american sport athletes arent spectacular at their skill but there is no need to be as well rounded an athlete to play football as rugby. Also I find american sport "teams" arent as much teams as a collection of individuals where euro sport teams have much more depth and team chemistry.

And then you have guys like Micheal Vick who are well rounded enough athletes that they could be basketball stars, football stars, track stars and probably a baseball star if he so desired. I suspect he'd be an exceptional volleyball player if taught properly as well.

Incidentally, how come no one has mentioned volleyball or tennis. I love both of these sports as well. Either one is far more interesting than baseball.

Google's great, isn't it :)
aye, the encyclopedias good for finding out about relatively unknown drivers and stuff from the past, but their news site seems to just make up rumours for a laugh

You're joking surely? Did you watch the Australian GP last Sunday? That was competitive.

No, I didn't get to see it. How many passes for the lead were there in the last 10 laps?

I didn't count, but it was exciting. Although I like Ferrari, it was nice to have a different team win. Looks like it'll be a competitive season. It better be, Ferarri's domination of the last few seasons nearly killed the sport.

Ferarri's domination of the last few seasons nearly killed the sport.

My point exactly.

The thing that keeps NASCAR interesting is the things they do to even out the competition. It basically leaves a higher portion of the likelihood of winning in the hands of the driver, where it should be.

No, I didn't get to see it. How many passes for the lead were there in the last 10 laps?

There weren't any. I'm assuming you like lots of changes? If you like it random you might as well just throw some dice to decide a winner and save a lot of money! As it was, it was great to see Fisi lead all the way from pole (i know he was occaisonally not 1st due to pit stops, but he was still leading really). :)

As for Laguna Seca. I may have been getting confused with Watkins Glen. Sorry there.

[QUOTE=Bobobobonia]If you like it random you might as well just throw some dice to decide a winner and save a lot of money! [\QUOTE]

Not so interested in changes as the competitiveness of the race. F1 is usually dominated by 1 or 2 drivers and everybody else is an "also ran". The races, at best resemble a train with all its cars lined up snaking around a track and God forbid that one of them should ever attempt a pass. That is "at best". More frequently, there is 1 or 2 cars that finish 10 or more seconds ahead of the pack. That's not what I call racing. That's just about who can build the best car. An impressive fete mind you, just not interesting to watch.

how can anyone watch car racing? NOW that is a fucking awful "sport" to watch

how can anyone watch car racing? NOW that is a fucking awful "sport" to watch

At least it is more interesting than baseball or golf. :p

IPSC rules!

For me Rugby Union(Bloody Sissy league wannabees....[/rant]) is the greatest sport, I may be a minority but I'm proud of it. It's tough, fast, skillful, brutle and has some of the greatest caracters ever. I've been playing since under 8's years with my team, now Wharfedale under 16's. I know I've probably been effected by the fact my teams unbeaten this season and my other teams (Lester Tigers) top of the League, but that how it runs.

For those that say rugby unions just a load of blokes running into each other, and then say how great American football is, I have this to say... In Rugby you need stamina, theres no stopping after 2 minuates, or after you’ve taken a big hit EVEN though you don’t have pads on. You have to take the hits, get back up and carry on playing.

And it isn’t just meatheads running into each other, you can’t say that where players like, Tait, Olly Smith, Henderson, JJR Williams, Sailor, Hodgeson, White, Robinson play. If you’ve seen Robinsons try against the Auzzies for the Lions and that great Barbarians try ages ago… You’ll see that.

And theres strategy too. At the base of a ruck, does the Scrum Half pass, or take it in himself, kick, pass to the Forward coming through? He has a second at the most to decide this, if he gives it to the Flyhalf then the flyhalf has many decision, does he pass it, if so which move to use? Does he kick, is he in his 22? Does he take it in, sidestep, Punt, Grubber. All this where he has a second before at least one player trys to take him out. Evry player makes loads of decisions all the time, does the Winger cut inside. Does the Fullback drop into the line? Does the Number 8 take it from the scrum?

Then you have your gameplan, do you play 15 man Rugby or 8 man? Do you player a backs game, or a forwards game, or a kicking game? Where are the oppersition strongest?

So theres a lot of skill and strategy in Rugby, my 2nd favorite sport is Cricket, followed by Football (Nottingham Forest Season ticket holder)

At least I don't need seperate bags for hair products when I'm on tour, like anyone who wears a rugby shirt with a number over about 8, or any football players.

[/opinionated rant of a rugby and cricket player]

Well, scrum halves at least generally need all the comforts they can get. It must be difficult for them to be so small, yappy and annoying.

On a more serious note, I prefer Rugby (union, words can not begin to describe my disdain for league, possibly because my position does not exist in league amongst other reasons) to any other sport and immensely dislike football (soccer). Although I do disagree with a lot of the criticism which American football has taken, although it's not a good a rugby it still has its moments when something happens, and the players really do hit hard.

I must say i'm a little surprised that this thread has remained so calm (thankfully), normally this theme turns into a slagging match after 3 or 4 posts.

Anyone who says that any of these sports, American or European, requires "no skill" or "is for wusses" or any of a thousand other insults are idiots. All these sports require tremendous physical and mental skill, without exception, especially on the professional level. Just because the sports are different doesn't mean that any of them is harder than any other, or that any of them is "better" than any other. It's all objective.

This is especially true of anyone who hasn't played the sport that they're calling out. Until you've taken a hit in American football, you've got no basis for saying that they're wusses for wearing pads. Until you've played an entire rugby match without a single second to rest, you can't say that it's not that hard. Until you've tried to hit a 98 mph fastball, you can't say that playing baseball is easy, and until you've played a five day cricket match, you can't say that it's a lazy man's sport.

And even for the people that have played them all, and still maintain that some of the sports are easier than the others, I say you weren't playing the sport very well. I've played both American football and rugby, and I can tell you that neither is easy by any stretch of the imagination. They're different, but neither is easier to play than the other and both make you incredibly sore the next day.

I swear to god, the next person who says that any of those sports are easy, or stupid, or suck, is going to get stabbed. If you don't like a sport, don't fucking play it, but at least give the athletes credit where credit is due.

Well, scrum halves at least generally need all the comforts they can get. It must be difficult for them to be so small, yappy and annoying.

Don't mean to take it off topic, but have a read of this:

http://www.maggots.org/positions.htm

Couldn't agree more with the author, especially regarding flankers and number 8s.

Back Row #'s 6, 7 & 8 - These are fine fit fellows who, like a bunch of hermaphrodites, are confused as to what their role in life should be. While they know they are undeniably linked to the forwards, there are those among them who long for the perfect hair and long flowing gowns that come with being a back. Some relish the forward role and will do anything to win the ball and there are others within this group that will break the prime directive of the forward and do anything to prance foolishly with the ball. Generally, these guys are not all bad, but I, personally, have to wonder about any forward who brings a hair brush and a change of clothes to a game.


Not to mention the perfect description of a fly half:

. Expected to direct the prancing of the rest of the backline - the fly half, like any good Broadway choreographer, is usually gay. While some may argue that these girls must be protected, I find it hard to support anyone whose foot touches a rugby ball on purpose.

Although after moving from front row to lock recently, I completely disagree with anything negative said about the locks.

I bet that with only the three items for my IPSC match, I could, singlehandedly, take on an entire rugby team.

Dunno. Having seen the guy who took over from me as tighthead prop, I don't think a normal bullet would stop him. Perhaps silver would be more appropriate.

id like the mention the most american sport Lacrosse. Lacrosse kicks all your sports ass'

id like the mention the most american sport Lacrosse. Lacrosse kicks all your sports ass'
i would have to totally agree. lacrosse id the best damn sport there is

Dodgeball, lawn darts, break dancing, tap dancing, and wiffleball all kick serious butt.

Oh and don't forget Foxy Boxing.

how can anyone watch car racing? NOW that is a fucking awful "sport" to watch
What, are you kidding me? Two or more cars battling for a turn at 100 mph? It's not Autorama...Ever take a turn in your car over 50? Double it and put another car who wants the same line right there-then add in that you gotta keep that car on the road through several more of those turns. Man, I love racing. It has the same give and take of any other sport.

I can be reductive, too. Why would I want to watch people play catch? What's the fun in watching a guy try to hit a ball with a stick? C'mon man-even if you don't like it, which is fair, you know there is more to it.

There weren't any. I'm assuming you like lots of changes? If you like it random you might as well just throw some dice to decide a winner and save a lot of money! As it was, it was great to see Fisi lead all the way from pole (i know he was occaisonally not 1st due to pit stops, but he was still leading really). :)

As for Laguna Seca. I may have been getting confused with Watkins Glen. Sorry there.
I know the person you are talking to already answered this, and I'm going to stiffle the fact that I'm offended that you would confuse Watkins Glen with Laguna Seca because I realise thats a personal problem (I live near and LOVE Laguna Seca, otherwise confusing them is perfectly reasonable.....man that was hard to type...)

Watching one driver dominate a race is something to watch, when it isn't common place-because then it's a feat. But when it happens for seasons at a time it is problematic. Re:Can-Am. Re:IMSA. When Porsche (love Porsche too) started dominating those races, though they where the best format, it just wasn't worth tuning in. Then, to beat Porsche, it wasn't worth the price.

The reason that the lead changes are a good thing is because that is where the sport comes in. I'm watching someone compete for the lead, not a bunch of people sucking up also ran points.

I will grant that ovals are the least exciting track this side of a drag strip (which I really don't like, but since it deflates my argument, I'll skip). But on those ovals, actual racing happens-the drivers compete. I'm tuning in because I don't know what's going to happen, who's going to win. That's why we watch sport. If I can watch the first three laps of a F1 race and know whos going to win I don't care how many turns the cars make.

Having said that, I like racing. Thats what I watch, if they do it on an oval or a glass smooth road track or through the mountains of spain or logging trails (though while I think Rally is the purest there is, watching it is all spectical-'look at that jump/slide/etc. no sense of the race going on, just a result sheet which isn't quite the same). Sometimes, when these arguments pop up, I start to think I'm the only one watching for the racing.

There are no F1 races at Laguna Seca. Do you mean Indianapolis?

You was right, I was wrong. It was Indy. 1993. I flubbed because I remembered Mansell, and it was his first year over from F1. That said, Laguna Seca is still a much more interesting course than an oval.

You was right, I was wrong. It was Indy. 1993. I flubbed because I remembered Mansell, and it was his first year over from F1. That said, Laguna Seca is still a much more interesting course than an oval.
The first US Grand Prix at Indianapolis was 2000. The race in 1993 would have to be the 500, which is on the 2 1/2 mile flat(ish) oval.

EDIT:
These (http://www.f1db.com/circuit/action/list/type/season/season/1993) where the courses for the F1 season in 1993.

No, not at Indianapolis, at Laguna Seca. It was Indy cars and they did the corkscrew and everything. Gimme a minute. I'll hit the google.

EDIT: http://www.racebyrace.com/gallery1996/laguna1993.htm

EDIT EDIT: When I said "Indy" two posts above, I meant that my brain fart caused me to confuse Indy car and F1 in my much earlier post, not that I forgot whether the race I saw was in Laguna Seca or Indianapolis.

The first US Grand Prix at Indianapolis was 2000.
if you want to be pernickety, the Indy 500 results between 1950 and 1960 al contributed to the F1 championship, so it was an F1 race as well...

No, not at Indianapolis, at Laguna Seca. It was Indy cars and they did the corkscrew and everything. Gimme a minute. I'll hit the google.

EDIT: http://www.racebyrace.com/gallery1996/laguna1993.htm

EDIT EDIT: When I said "Indy" two posts above, I meant that my brain fart caused me to confuse Indy car and F1 in my much earlier post, not that I forgot whether the race I saw was in Laguna Seca or Indianapolis.
My apologies, I should have figured thats what you meant as that makes perfect sense. I'm a dumbass, please excuse me.

if you want to be pernickety, the Indy 500 results between 1950 and 1960 al contributed to the F1 championship, so it was an F1 race as well...
I never actually knew that. Thats pretty cool.

Although after moving from front row to lock recently, I completely disagree with anything negative said about the locks.
Same here about the Winger, being a Winger, I know it's not as easy as it looks, you have to cover loads of Yards, going back and forth up and down the wing, depending if your attacking or defending, and when you do get the ball you have the oppersition Winger, plus there fullback and Outside Center bearing down on you...

Same here about the Winger, being a Winger, I know it's not as easy as it looks, you have to cover loads of Yards, going back and forth up and down the wing, depending if your attacking or defending, and when you do get the ball you have the oppersition Winger, plus there fullback and Outside Center bearing down on you...

While I can appreciate the difficulties of playing winger, having done so for a brief while, it is a doddle physically compared to being in the tight five. (I started as a hooker, moved to tight head, then to lock and finally to flanker. From there I occasionally had to go out into the threes as we had more forwards than backs, so I also played at odd times as a winger , at centre and at full back) The stress though, of being unde a high ball with, as you say having half the opposition bearing down on you, is something most forwards never experience. The mental stress is much greater. Different jobs for different personalities.

My sport is better than your sport? To be honest i couldn't be bothered to read through 9 pages after the first one was mainly football or rugby and the last one was F1. So in case no one has mentioned it yet (highly likely)...

My sport is better than your sport. My sport is tchoukball. Anyone else play it? Anyone at all?

I have never even heard of tchoukball, but it sounds sweet. Personally, besides football, I love And 1 sports, like And 1 bowling, And 1 golf, and so on. Anyone else ever played those? It's where you go to a bowling alley of golf course and do the most insane or screwed up thing you can think of while you take your shot or throw the ball. The looks you get are funny as hell.

Also, this hasn't been mentioned yet, piantball is a sweet sport. Anyone else agree?

Anyone who says that any of these sports, American or European, requires "no skill" or "is for wusses" or any of a thousand other insults are idiots. All these sports require tremendous physical and mental skill, without exception, especially on the professional level. Just because the sports are different doesn't mean that any of them is harder than any other, or that any of them is "better" than any other. It's all objective.

This is especially true of anyone who hasn't played the sport that they're calling out. Until you've taken a hit in American football, you've got no basis for saying that they're wusses for wearing pads. Until you've played an entire rugby match without a single second to rest, you can't say that it's not that hard. Until you've tried to hit a 98 mph fastball, you can't say that playing baseball is easy, and until you've played a five day cricket match, you can't say that it's a lazy man's sport.

And even for the people that have played them all, and still maintain that some of the sports are easier than the others, I say you weren't playing the sport very well. I've played both American football and rugby, and I can tell you that neither is easy by any stretch of the imagination. They're different, but neither is easier to play than the other and both make you incredibly sore the next day.

I swear to god, the next person who says that any of those sports are easy, or stupid, or suck, is going to get stabbed. If you don't like a sport, don't fucking play it, but at least give the athletes credit where credit is due.

Threatening people with violence, through the utterly anonymous internet?

How sad.

I have played football (the real one, where you use your feet), Gridiron (which is what many in the UK call the sport the US calls 'football'), and Rugby.

I lacked the skills for football, but it is a serious test of endurance.

Between Rugby and Gridiron - having played both, I consider Gridiron to be the poor man's alternative to real Rugby. I thought it far too fragmentary, and that it lacked the 'quick kill' strategy of Rugby, while at the same time ALSO missing the iron-man endurance elements.

Personal opinion, but from experience.

While I can appreciate the difficulties of playing winger, having done so for a brief while, it is a doddle physically compared to being in the tight five. (I started as a hooker, moved to tight head, then to lock and finally to flanker. From there I occasionally had to go out into the threes as we had more forwards than backs, so I also played at odd times as a winger , at centre and at full back) The stress though, of being unde a high ball with, as you say having half the opposition bearing down on you, is something most forwards never experience. The mental stress is much greater. Different jobs for different personalities.

You say that, but us forwards do experience it. Generally, its from the terror on the face of the poor back thats got two locks bearing down on him. Granted, it's not first hand, but we know the fear.

I'm the same, started out as a hooker, then moved to tight-head, then finally to lock, where with any luck I'll stay for a bit.

if you want to be pernickety, the Indy 500 results between 1950 and 1960 al contributed to the F1 championship, so it was an F1 race as well...

They should let it count again. Even though the qualifying takes a month and we'd have to drop a couple of other grands prix, like say, france and hungary! :p

And Cannot Think Of A Name, I meant no offence. Laguna Seca should have a Grand Prix as it's one of the greatest tracks in the world, especially the chicane with the sudden drop in it, I love a track with gradient changes!

Seeing as nationalist tub-thumping is flavour of the month on these forums, I thought I'd take it somewhere less serious - sport.

[QUOTE]Cricket v Baseball. In baseball the skill lies in hitting a fast moving ball hard. They can vary the ball a little by speed and swerve. In cricket the balls, bowled at the same speed a cricket ball is pitched, can vary by speed, swing, spin, seam and length. To counter the more sophisticated array of balls the batsman has a comparably sophisticated arsenal of shots - drives, cuts, hooks, pulls, sweeps, reverse sweeps, clips of the legs and slogs. Baseball just has slogs and blocks, as far as I can see. It's all rather repetitive. That is why cricket can remain interesting for five days whereas baseball can barely last an evening. It's no wonder that baseball fans all go stats mad - the game itself is rubbish.
Cricket is so Grand!

Rugby v American Football. Incomparable. One has free flowing running, gorgeous angles, aggressive scrummaging over the ball, and real men who can take the hits from a 250-pound giant at full pelt without 6 inches of body armour. The other has fat men in space suits who headbut each other and never touch the ball. Another one for the stats geeks!
Rugby's a game pass it on

And Americans don't even take football (or soccer) seriously. That's a shame because it is the most beautiful sport yet invented.Also, your football team is actually half-decent and deserves your support.
Didnt they lose to Croatia on Monday? ;)

Agreed. I miss being around people who actually get excited about football. *sniff* I could watch football (soccer) all day. American football on the other hand........
you would be watching it all day. :D

Seeing as nationalist tub-thumping is flavour of the month on these forums, I thought I'd take it somewhere less serious - sport.

While I love America dearly, it has some of the lamest sports that mankind has ever devised. When compared to the fine sports that are played elsewhere in the world (and please forgive me if I focus on my favourite British sports) they seem desperately inadequate. I have never yet been excited watching late night basketball on Channel 5.

Cricket v Baseball. In baseball the skill lies in hitting a fast moving ball hard. They can vary the ball a little by speed and swerve. In cricket the balls, bowled at the same speed a cricket ball is pitched, can vary by speed, swing, spin, seam and length. To counter the more sophisticated array of balls the batsman has a comparably sophisticated arsenal of shots - drives, cuts, hooks, pulls, sweeps, reverse sweeps, clips of the legs and slogs. Baseball just has slogs and blocks, as far as I can see. It's all rather repetitive. That is why cricket can remain interesting for five days whereas baseball can barely last an evening. It's no wonder that baseball fans all go stats mad - the game itself is rubbish.

Rugby v American Football. Incomparable. One has free flowing running, gorgeous angles, aggressive scrummaging over the ball, and real men who can take the hits from a 250-pound giant at full pelt without 6 inches of body armour. The other has fat men in space suits who headbut each other and never touch the ball. Another one for the stats geeks!

And Americans don't even take football (or soccer) seriously. That's a shame because it is the most beautiful sport yet invented. There are few other games whose greates exponents show such dexterity with hand or foot, or where such dexterity combines with pace and power so well. The geometrical patterns made by a great football team by their passing are themselves works of art. No sport has ever been so popular, and the reasons are clear - no other sport compares. Also, your football team is actually half-decent and deserves your support.

Preach it brother! Give me a good tight test match, a cold drink, a couch and my boy next to me... That's the life. :D

And the Sharks had better get their arses together for the Super 12. *shakes fist*

And people who say cricket is boring just don't understand it! Simple as that. Subtlety obviously isn't their strong point...

You say that, but us forwards do experience it. Generally, its from the terror on the face of the poor back thats got two locks bearing down on him. Granted, it's not first hand, but we know the fear.

I'm the same, started out as a hooker, then moved to tight-head, then finally to lock, where with any luck I'll stay for a bit.
Theres no better than
this man (http://physed.otago.ac.nz/csullivan/meads_images/meads6.jpg)

http://physed.otago.ac.nz/csullivan/colin_meads.html

And F1 rocks. I've never got into other motorsports, I can't watch the V8's or any of that crap. *is a Schumacher fan*

Although the objectification of women in motorsport shits me. :p *prepares for the onslaught*

Preach it brother! Give me a good tight test match, a cold drink, a couch and my boy next to me... That's the life. :D

And the Sharks had better get their arses together for the Super 12. *shakes fist*

And people who say cricket is boring just don't understand it! Simple as that. Subtlety obviously isn't their strong point...
No offence i thought you were from Natal area. ;)
Huzzah The Sharks played like girls last week ohh lets kick to touch right in front and ohh we are too far out how about a shot at goal.Boing you played like the 'Horrorcanes' who will thrash you this week. ;)

If you want a half decent rugby comp go here(alright youve missed 2 weeks but eh might be fun ;) )
www.fantasyrugby.com
Im coming 1st in my comp of 300. :)
Rock listeners. ;)

And F1 rocks. I've never got into other motorsports, I can't watch the V8's or any of that crap. *is a Schumacher fan*

Although the objectification of women in motorsport shits me. :p *prepares for the onslaught*
Why because apart from Ambrose the V8's is own3d by Kiwiland????

No offence i thought you were from Natal area. ;)
Huzzah The Sharks played like girls last week ohh lets kick to touch right in front and ohh we are too far out how about a shot at goal.Boing you played like the 'Horrorcanes' who will thrash you this week. ;)

If you want a half decent rugby comp go here(alright youve missed 2 weeks but eh might be fun ;) )
www.fantasyrugby.com
Im coming 1st in my comp of 300. :)
Rock listeners. ;)
*grumbles* I'm from Durban.
It's not our fault, there are fewer large Afrikaner types in Durban... (damn Brits!) :p I'll check out the comp.

Why because apart from Ambrose the V8's is own3d by Kiwiland????
Nah, they're just as boring as batshit. ;)

*grumbles* I'm from Durban.
It's not our fault, there are fewer large Afrikaner types in Durban... (damn Brits!) :p I'll check out the comp.
I barely understood that must be the accent.LOL
Another good one was
http://virtualnrl.creatop.com.au
But there wasnt enough finacial support so it got closed till next year in any case there is a large petition going to the NRL so it could be funded by them. ;)

from experience, these are my favorite sports to PLAY, in order.
fun:
wrestling (collegiate, not the fake pro shit, is the king of sports)
rugby
football (i played qb and de, both fun. i also played a little wr, not fun.)
baseball (pitcher, 2nd)
rock climbing
swimming
basketball

not much fun, but still ok:
soccer
golf
racquetball
tennis

not fun:
cross country

never played:
boxing
cricket
lax
hockey
track and field etc.

And F1 rocks. I've never got into other motorsports, I can't watch the V8's or any of that crap. *is a Schumacher fan*

Although the objectification of women in motorsport shits me. :p *prepares for the onslaught*
Actually, you have a point. Women are treated horribly in motorsport for the most part with some shining exceptions. Don Panoz (of Panoz Motorsports, making your evil villian car, Today!) sponsers a 40 car spec series in the real Esperantes (and not the Batman villian former Viper GT1 ones that race) and I was walking by the padock and was a little disapointed that they gave into temptation and painted one of them pink. I muttered something about it and a guy next to me said, "Pussy Pink, right?" Often I don't like the people who like the things I like.

F1 is pretty bad with it, with the padock girls and all. The sad thing is, having raced myself (I'm a dude) I can tell you-women are better. Racing is patronage, so you don't see that on the pro level, but put a little boy in a kart or a quarter midget and a little girl, my money is on the girl-and I'll be eating Sizzler.

I'm actually (next weekend I start) filming a documentary on a female dirt track racer that was 2nd in her class her rookie year (last year). We're going to be following her around this season documenting (duh) her trials and tribulations. I'm really looking forward to it, even though it will rub salt in the wound that I never got to the big cars...

As a side note, that's the way to do ovals-put the fastest accelerating cars this side of dragsters-with open wheels-on small dirt ovals. Balls. Even if you're a chick.

Well if we are going on the number of people who both watch and play the sport, Football (soccer - wanna kill the muppet from cambridge who came up with that nickname!) is the biggest game on the planet...

As for best? All in the eye of the beholder i'm afraid... :p

And Cannot Think Of A Name, I meant no offence. Laguna Seca should have a Grand Prix as it's one of the greatest tracks in the world, especially the chicane with the sudden drop in it, I love a track with gradient changes!
None really taken-just local pride. If I lived near Watkins Glen I might feel the opposite....might, damn Turn 8 is beautiful. Did you ever see 'the pass?' Crazy talk.

I like camping right above turn 9 so I can watch the cars cascade down the corkscrew. The best part (almost) is the pace lap where the pace car comes screaming over the crest and scurrying down the hill while the cars can barely contain themselves behind it. It almost looks like they are going to eat it. Especially during the Historics and its the old Can-Am cars. F'n great.

I really wish Willie Brown (mayor of San Francisco) had swung getting SF a F1 street race-that would have rocked, though I don't think he would have ultimately gotten the city to go with it...sigh...

BRING ON THE RUGBY UNION!
there's nothing better than watching the ACT Brumbies smash the christ out Otago, or even Queensland in the AIS stadium in canberra.

Cricket is the shit, too. I could watch it all day.

Rugby League sucks, though. A lot.

At least with soccer you have stupid holigans to make the news. Has there ever even been a fight over drunken basketball supporters? uh? Boring.
After big and important soccer matches, you can have people beaten to death. That is exciting.

Has there ever even been a fight over drunken basketball supporters? uh? Boring.


Actually... I saw something on the Worlds Most Amazing Videos, or some such crap, about a load of basketball supporters who started a huge riot and beat the crap out of each other. It was fairly entertaining :)

Actually... I saw something on the Worlds Most Amazing Videos, or some such crap, about a load of basketball supporters who started a huge riot and beat the crap out of each other. It was fairly entertaining :)
My bad. They are no match for the holigans though.

I'm still waiting for the riot police to be called in at the basketball.

:D

well as the issue was raised...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/1175159.stm

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241119008

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/funny_old_game/1455214.stm

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,146267,00.html

I'm still waiting for the riot police to be called in at the basketball.


The wonders of Google search! (http://www.hri.org/news/greek/apeen/1998/98-05-25_1.apeen.html)



21 charged after basketball match violence

The twenty-one young fans of Panathinaikos basketball team arrested in incidents in Athens last night after their team won the Greek championship today appeared before the public prosecutor and charged with a number of offences. Eleven were arrested at or near the Olympic Stadium complex where Panathinaikos of Athens beat PAOK Thessaloniki 68-58 in the fifth and final game of the playoff finals. Ten more were detained after celebrations in Omonia Square got out of hand. Riot police had to use teargas to disperse the fans after a car was torched and metro worksite facilities in the centre of the square caught fire.


:D

You say that, but us forwards do experience it. Generally, its from the terror on the face of the poor back thats got two locks bearing down on him. Granted, it's not first hand, but we know the fear.

I'm the same, started out as a hooker, then moved to tight-head, then finally to lock, where with any luck I'll stay for a bit.

That's not fear we experience as forwards, it's anticipation :)

21 charged after basketball match violence

The twenty-one young fans of Panathinaikos basketball team arrested in incidents in Athens last night after their team won the Greek championship today appeared before the public prosecutor and charged with a number of offences. Eleven were arrested at or near the Olympic Stadium complex where Panathinaikos of Athens beat PAOK Thessaloniki 68-58 in the fifth and final game of the playoff finals. Ten more were detained after celebrations in Omonia Square got out of hand. Riot police had to use teargas to disperse the fans after a car was torched and metro worksite facilities in the centre of the square caught fire.

wow :p
wasn't expecting that to actually have happened!

Oh, if there are any Huddersfield Town fans out there :p (http://img226.exs.cx/img226/8315/mendesstand2dl.jpg) !!!!!

cricket has got to be the boringest crap 'sport' in history, baseball is exciting. Who the f**k would watch the same match for 5 days in a row? At least baseball ends after a few hours so you can look forward to the next game.

American football is the greatest sport in history. The superbowl is the greatest sports event in history.


rugby is by far more of a mens sport th
an american football...those puffs even have to ware padding.
there is nothing rong with cricket

Rugby League is, in my opinion, the best sport in the world. This does not mean I have a problem with other sports, nor does it mean that I don't respect your opinions on this subject. Rugby League is probably the only sport where the top competion is found in Australia (not counting aussie rules, since its played no where else), something I am fiercely patriotic about. The game sadly has little international participation, with only England, France and New Zealand regularly playing against us and sporadic world cups. This does not mean it is played world wide, since many nations do play it, but mainly on an amateur level. I know that many of you will not agree with me, and this is fine. All I can say is please don't judge any sport until you have experienced it, whether by playing it or watching it. If you are interested in judging rugby league, the website www.nrl.com.au has a video archive of all recent games, I suggest any of the State of Origin games, in terms of game quality, they are the equivalent to MLB's World Series or NFL's Superbowl, or the FIFA world cup.

Allow me to borrow a feature from Jo Whiley's show on Radio 1 entitled "Rocks and sucks".

What rocks = Rugby Union
What sucks = Rugby League

Nuff said.

No, curling sucks.

Allow me to borrow a feature from Jo Whiley's show on Radio 1 entitled "Rocks and sucks".

What rocks = Rugby Union
What sucks = Rugby League

Nuff said.

Jo Whiley should stick to music! ;)

I have played both, though only at school level, League was the best and safest to play (no bloody loose scrums), but I always prefer to watch Union.

Jo Whiley should stick to music!

Too right, let the Saviour do a six hour show instead of her.

League was the... safest to play (no bloody loose scrums), but I always prefer to watch Union.

Precisely. Union has an added sense of danger, makes it more fun to play, and far more interesting to watch. Granted, hookers do get broken necks from time to time, but since I don't play as a hooker any more, I'm not bothered.

Precisely. Union has an added sense of danger, makes it more fun to play, and far more interesting to watch. Granted, hookers do get broken necks from time to time, but since I don't play as a hooker any more, I'm not bothered.


I always played winger so my job was just running :D If people could catch me then i was in trouble, but until i screwed my ligaments up that didn't happen often :D

I always played winger so my job was just running :D If people could catch me then i was in trouble, but until i screwed my ligaments up that didn't happen often :D

I've never had the pace or the femininity to play anywhere other than forward, generally front-row, until I recently moved to lock. Yeah, I broke my leg in a match a few years ago, took me a long time to get back into again.

I've never had the pace or the femininity to play anywhere other than forward, generally front-row, until I recently moved to lock. Yeah, I broke my leg in a match a few years ago, took me a long time to get back into again.

Ok, for the insult you can have a :upyours: (but in a nice way! lol) I did play front row too as i was big for my ages so I know what its like to play there!

After tearing my ligaments though, i was never as fast again and lost a lot of fitness...

:D

well as the issue was raised...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/1175159.stm

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241119008

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/funny_old_game/1455214.stm

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,146267,00.html
http://www.hooligans.cz/in/eng/docs/napoli.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2181042.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_797000/797601.stm
http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=282
http://www.hooligans.cz/in/eng/ph/match_18.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/2271859.stm
http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/movie/pid/6093129/a/Hooligans+and+Thugs+Soccers+Most+Violent+Fan+Fights.htm

more?
Is there anybody who still think soccer is boring?

Ok, for the insult you can have a :upyours: I did play front row too as i was big for my ages so I know what its like to play there!

After tearing my ligaments though, i was never as fast again and lost a lot of fitness...

Yeah, took me a lot of work to get back up to match fitness. Finally there now though. You sure you didn't do your ligaments in carrying all your cashmere scarfs and beauty products around?

(j/k)

Yeah, took me a lot of work to get back up to match fitness. Finally there now though. You sure you didn't do your ligaments in carrying all your cashmere scarfs and beauty products around?

(j/k)

Just caus you lard arses in the middle are too slow to actually move anywhere than in between the two 22's :p :D and considering you barely ever PASS the ball and decide running a the other fat bloke bloke with a grudge standing 5 yards away from you would be an infinitely better idea for the team...i think you have been in too many scrums ;)

Ah, rugby, the sport of gentlemen.

If you fairies at the back actually did something other than comparing hair gels and wiping mud off your shirts whilst standing around reading Heat magazine, perhaps we'd have more choice when it comes to passing the ball.

Ah, rugby, the sport of gentlemen.

If you fairies at the back actually did something other than comparing hair gels and wiping mud off your shirts whilst standing around reading Heat magazine, perhaps we'd have more choice when it comes to passing the ball.

Believe me, we are waiting for the ball! I get fed up standing around waiting for you guys to work out which way is forward after you latest case of concussion ;)

Believe me, we are waiting for the ball! I get fed up standing around waiting for you guys to work out which way is forward after you latest case of concussion ;)

Nice...

Honestly, you complain when you don't get the ball, and then when we finally manage to get your attention and get you to put the nail varnish down, you run off crying to your girlfriend because the opposing front row tackle you immediately and you chipped a nail. We can't win.

oi, haven't read the whole thread, but just wanted to throw this out there for all us Americans arguing which sport is better...

If you want a real American sport, endorsed largely by other nations as well, (ahem, canada...) then look at Lacrosse.

-The first sport in North America, played by Native Americans.
-Field is as large as a football field.
-"Fastest game on two feet".
-Takes the stick skills and goalscoring of hockey to have success.
-Takes the athleticism and hard-hitting action of Am. Football and Rugby.
-A random score in lacrosse looks like 9-7 or 13-6, far better than the ubiquitous 0-1 or 0-0 of futbol.
-The goalies are skilled and totally awesome. The goal is large enough to make saves a challenge (unlike hockey) and small enough to make them a more common occurance than in soccer.
-9 field players and one goalie per team, makes fast breaks common but breakaways rare: defensive/offensive sets GREATLY resemble basketball.
-Passing the ball and retaining possession is easier than hockey (where the puck is constantly at risk of interception since it generally slides on the ice for passes) but harder than soccer (where people are bouncing the ball off their heads and chests to keep the ball away).
-Faceoffs in lacrosse are some of the only moves in any sport where breaking the other player's wrist is considered a fully legal, skilled accomplishment, and is encouraged by coaches.
-Defenseman have 6-foot-long poles with meshed heads on the top, allowing for wicked poke and slapchecks from literally nine to ten feet away.
-It is not a penalty to hit the opposing player with your metal stick.
-Lacrosse's fanbase, though small, is some of the most decidedly attached to their sport. If someone played lacrosse on any level, chances lean heavily towards their loving the sport and never giving it up or switching sports. It is totally unique.
-Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the world.... imagine that.

Go to www.lax.com and i'm sure they have something about the origins and rules of lacrosse if you look for it.

Nice...

Honestly, you complain when you don't get the ball, and then when we finally manage to get your attention and get you to put the nail varnish down, you run off crying to your girlfriend because the opposing front row tackle you immediately and you chipped a nail. We can't win.

:eek: Actually something like that did happen once...got the ball, ran inside, got caught...just mind...went down then some 15st angry forward crashed onto my left hand with his boot studs ripping half the muscles and ligaments in my left hand...couldn't pick stuff up or play Counter Strike for weeks... :mad: I just think its the lazy people between the forwards and the wingers who are the problem, as half the time we want the ball to bypass them so we can actually do stuff with it!

Agreed. Its those with a number between 6 and 12 that cause the most problems.

Agreed. Its those with a number between 6 and 12 that cause the most problems.

Yup...

Job of Fowards: Get the ball and pass it

Job of wingers: Recieve ball, score the tries, take the glory ;)

Job of those in between: Cannon fodder and to get in the way...

Is there anybody who still think soccer is boring?

Yes, the fans are more exciting than the athletes. You could dispense with the teams and just have the fans throw beer bottles and trample each other.

A large scale scrum with 60,000 fans involved, and no ball, no athletes, and no referees. Of course, there would be two teams (of about 30,000 each).

A lot more exciting than soccer.

Yup...

Job of Fowards: Get the ball and pass it

Job of wingers: Recieve ball, score the tries, take the glory ;)

Job of those in between: Cannon fodder and to get in the way...

"It's the same the whole world over
It's the scrum that gets the blame
It's the backs that get the glory
Ain't it all a bloody shame!"

You may appreciate this, courtesy of Maggots.org:

Ten Commandments of Rugby (http://www.maggots.org/commandments.htm)

See this is one thing that puzzles me. I have seen some football (soccer) games that have been fantastic games, flowing football, great techniques, tricks, 50 yards pin point passes etc etc, but have ended 0-0. Why do you need a score and not just settle for a draw? Doesn't make it any more boring in my view...

"It's the same the whole world over
It's the scrum that gets the blame
It's the backs that get the glory
Ain't it all a bloody shame!"

You may appreciate this, courtesy of Maggots.org:

Ten Commandments of Rugby (http://www.maggots.org/commandments.htm)

Aye, that is truly appreciated!

I particularly like the fourth one, it's oh so very true.

I particularly like the fourth one, it's oh so very true.

LOL, yup :rolleyes:

Agreed. Its those with a number between 6 and 12 that cause the most problems.

Hey. The back row is what stops either of you getting mashed every five seconds. It is what covers for the winger when he fluffs a high ball, it is what removes the oppositions arse from the face of the lock, it is where the game is won or lost.
Have you no respect for your betters? ;)

Hey. The back row is what stops either of you getting mashed every five seconds. It is what covers for the winger when he fluffs a high ball, it is what removes the oppositions arse from the face of the lock, it is where the game is won or lost.
Have you no respect for your betters? ;)

Nope :p

Hey. The back row is what stops either of you getting mashed every five seconds. It is what covers for the winger when he fluffs a high ball, it is what removes the oppositions arse from the face of the lock, it is where the game is won or lost.
Have you no respect for your betters? ;)

:D

Fine, I'll let the two fl(w)ankers in. Numbers 8-12 instead. Better now? Since you just HAD to be included.

Nope :p

So go play RL then :p

As an American who has only played rugby a few times, I have several questions:

1. Why is it that everyone (not just the opposing team) seem to think (on occasion) that I am the ball?

2. Why is it that in nearly every game, I get hit in the head and can't remember half of the game later?

I have a hard time finding a game fun if I can't remember half of the game.

My most common line when playing rugby, "are we playing rugby?" (when being aroused from unconsciousness).

So go play RL then :p

Or indeed football.

As an American who has only played rugby a few times, I have several questions:

1. Why is it that everyone (not just the opposing team) seem to think (on occasion) that I am the ball?

2. Why is it that in nearly every game, I get hit in the head and can't remember half of the game later?

I have a hard time finding a game fun if I can't remember half of the game.

My most common line when playing rugby, "are we playing rugby?" (when being aroused from unconsciousness).

Welcome to the world of a RU forward.

:D

Fine, I'll let the two fl(w)ankers in. Numbers 8-12 instead. Better now? Since you just HAD to be included.

Nope. No. 8 is important. I can accept that nos 10 through 12 are a waste of hair gel but. The srum half is sometimes an honorary member of the front row union. It depends on the guy you have there.

Or indeed football.

Only if he's been to acting school :D

As an American who has only played rugby a few times, I have several questions:

1. Why is it that everyone (not just the opposing team) seem to think (on occasion) that I am the ball?

2. Why is it that in nearly every game, I get hit in the head and can't remember half of the game later?

I have a hard time finding a game fun if I can't remember half of the game.

My most common line when playing rugby, "are we playing rugby?" (when being aroused from unconsciousness).

1. Because you are.

2. Soft skull syndrome. You need to train more demolishing walls with your head.

3. You are not supposed to remeber the half that occurs in the bar after the game anyway, and the answer to your most common question is, "We were."

The number 8 is the like hermaphrodite of the rugby world. Isn't quite sur eof his role in life.

"Generally, these guys are not all bad, but I, personally, have to wonder about any forward who brings a hair brush and a change of clothes to a game."

And as for scrum halfs, kind of like the hottest ugly chick. A tough back? Get out of it.


Only if he's been to acting school :D

Well he was a winger....

Only if he's been to acting school :D

"Learn to dive" written by any south american footballer ;)


I play (have played) all three RU, RL, Football and i enjoy em all so :p to you all!

"Learn to dive" written by any south american footballer ;)


and plagiarised by any mediterranian based player. :rolleyes:

1. Because you are.

2. Soft skull syndrome. You need to train more demolishing walls with your head.

3. You are not supposed to remeber the half that occurs in the bar after the game anyway, and the answer to your most common question is, "We were."

I seem to be the one most frequently knocked out.

Hmm. I was the one most frequently knocked out in intramural boxing in university, so maybe there's something to it.

Perhaps having a hard skull is a better asset than most other physical characteristics for a rugby player.

1. Because you are.

2. Soft skull syndrome. You need to train more demolishing walls with your head.

3. You are not supposed to remeber the half that occurs in the bar after the game anyway, and the answer to your most common question is, "We were."

I seem to be the one most frequently knocked out.

Hmm. I was the one most frequently knocked out in intramural boxing in university, so maybe there's something to it.

Perhaps having a hard skull is a better asset than most other physical characteristics for a rugby player.

and plagiarised by any mediterranian based player. :rolleyes:

Yup...i mean apart from Craig Belemy (forgive the smilie but :mp5: ) the actual British players aren't divers as much...we just play a different way...

The number 8 is the like hermaphrodite of the rugby world. Isn't quite sure of his role in life.

"Generally, these guys are not all bad, but I, personally, have to wonder about any forward who brings a hair brush and a change of clothes to a game."

And as for scrum halfs, kind of like the hottest ugly chick. A tough back? Get out of it.


Yeah, the hair brush does make you wonder?

Scrum half depends if you play a nine man game or not. We converted a hooker into a scrum half, and the ball almost never went out to the double digit crowd. Good old fashioned RU.

Yup...i mean apart from Craig Belemy (forgive the smilie but :mp5: ) the actual British players aren't divers as much...we just play a different way...

Agreed. Bloody arrogant welsh git.



Yeah, the hair brush does make you wonder?

Scrum half depends if you play a nine man game or not. We converted a hooker into a scrum half, and the ball almost never went out to the double digit crowd. Good old fashioned RU.

I must admit I did play one game as a Scrum Half, and it wasn't all that bad. Was knackered by the end of it, but even so, good fun.

It is strange how some players allways get injured, and some don't, I've been injured twice... once on a bog of a pitch I caught a high ball, out ran the oppersit Winger, beat the Full Back and the to be an arrogant bitch...I slid in and ended up with a great rock sticking out of my leg, cut open the entire leg,. I was out for 2 months. Great try, but not fun...

The other time was when I got caught cutting inside by a number 8, seeing as I'm light and only weigh 7-8 stone I got dumped, big time...onto our coach. Seeing as this was aginst Harrogate a fight immidetly broke out and I ended up kicked in badly...didn't do too bad but I strained a mucle.

The problem now is that I'm too slow, where I used to outrun people I now can't and am only used as a defensive Winger, I've got good tackling and passing and an engien and I'm tall, but I've no speed.

There trying me at Flanker, Center and Number 8 now, and I have to say being a forwards hard work...though you don't need much Grey matter. :)

Well I'm currently nursing a severely bruised chest, and as it turned out, a fractured rib too, thanks to ending up at the bottom of a ruck. I've broken fingers, generally when scrums collapse, and there was the time I broke my leg after a shocking tackle.

I also have to agree. It doesn't take a genius to be a forward, you just get someone to point you in the right direction , and keep on going. Although it is fun to tackle cocky wingers who are about two thirds your size. They generally don't move for a while after I've tackled them. Not well known for subtlety, me.

Well I'm currently nursing a severely bruised chest, and as it turned out, a fractured rib too, thanks to ending up at the bottom of a ruck. I've broken fingers, generally when scrums collapse, and there was the time I broke my leg after a shocking tackle.

I also have to agree. It doesn't take a genius to be a forward, you just get someone to point you in the right direction , and keep on going. Although it is fun to tackle cocky wingers who are about two thirds your size. They generally don't move for a while after I've tackled them. Not well known for subtlety, me.
I don't think forwards are to bright other than my teams back row...if you want to see a subtle back row you should see them. There all bloody quick and clever, and big too.

Forwards are getting more clever though.

It won't be long before we won't need any of the backs at all. The forwards will get quicker and start getting tries, and rightfully getting the praise they deserve, instead of losing it to some long-haired ponce who stinks of hair gel and aftershave, and does nothing except catch a ball and touch it down, then claims glory for himself.

Couldn't agree more with the author, especially regarding flankers and number 8s.

Well I assure you i've never taken a hair brush to a game although I did once play alongside another flanker who ended the match with a clean shirt. I would like to try playing lock, but i'm not really tall enough.

It won't be long before we won't need any of the backs at all. The forwards will get quicker and start getting tries, and rightfully getting the praise they deserve, instead of losing it to some long-haired ponce who stinks of hair gel and aftershave, and does nothing except catch a ball and touch it down, then claims glory for himself.
And we do all the tackling and keep the ball alive...

London is set to play host to this year's gay rugby world cup over the last holiday weekend in May.

The tournament, named the Bingham Cup, will be staged at Esher Rugby Football Club in south-west London.

It commemorates American gay rugby player Mark Kendall Bingham, who died on one of the planes hijacked by terrorist on 11 September 2001.

More than 27 international teams will take part in the cup, which aims to break down prejudice in sport.

It is described as an international rugby competition "predominantly for gay and bisexual men" which does not bar straight players from taking part.

"It would be bizarre for us to put the same discrimination barriers in place - but in reverse.

"We welcome straight players, but homophobes need not apply," say organizers.

Mark Kendall Bingham played with the San Francisco Fog team prior to his death on 11 September.

He is believed to have been one of the passengers who stormed the cockpit of Flight 93, overcoming the hijackers and bringing the plane down in Pennsylvania.

Teams from the USA, Canada, France, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand will take part, while London will be represented by the Kings Cross Steelers RFC.

Steelers' captain Peter Thompson, 27, admitted he had given up rugby before he found the team because of prejudice.

"I could not take my partner to the game. I could not be myself," he said.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, the Metropolitan Police and the president of the Rugby Football Union are among those supporting the event, which was first staged in 2002 in San Francisco.

Aww man youre all wrong, the best sport in the world is by far...

Ultimate Frisbee!

woohoo!

Seriously though, Football (Voetball, Fussball, whatever) is the third most popular game in the history of this planet* for a very good reason. Its the simplest. All you need is a ball and four coats/bags. OK so in the professional game you have to incorporate such needless stuff like 'crossbars' and 'pitch dimensions' and 'goalkeepers' but at its bare bones football is the most beautiful of games. As much as i'd totally enjoy dressing as a brightly coloured sofa and having twelve LA Riots fudge-backer-quarter-liners jump on me, before going off and shouting 'forty eight' twelve times, it just doesn't seem as exciting to play or to watch.

*behind 'witchburning' and 'island-annexing'

http://www.cafelucky.com/trash/premgoals.wmv

http://www.cafelucky.com/trash/premgoals.wmv

Awesomeness. Good find dude.

London is set to play host to this year's gay rugby world cup over the last holiday weekend in May.

The tournament, named the Bingham Cup, will be staged at Esher Rugby Football Club in south-west London.

It commemorates American gay rugby player Mark Kendall Bingham, who died on one of the planes hijacked by terrorist on 11 September 2001.

More than 27 international teams will take part in the cup, which aims to break down prejudice in sport.

It is described as an international rugby competition "predominantly for gay and bisexual men" which does not bar straight players from taking part.

"It would be bizarre for us to put the same discrimination barriers in place - but in reverse.

"We welcome straight players, but homophobes need not apply," say organizers.

Mark Kendall Bingham played with the San Francisco Fog team prior to his death on 11 September.

He is believed to have been one of the passengers who stormed the cockpit of Flight 93, overcoming the hijackers and bringing the plane down in Pennsylvania.

Teams from the USA, Canada, France, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand will take part, while London will be represented by the Kings Cross Steelers RFC.

Steelers' captain Peter Thompson, 27, admitted he had given up rugby before he found the team because of prejudice.

"I could not take my partner to the game. I could not be myself," he said.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, the Metropolitan Police and the president of the Rugby Football Union are among those supporting the event, which was first staged in 2002 in San Francisco.
Cool, might go down and watch that.

Cool, might go down and watch that.

I find it interesting that in the US, when they mention Bingham (the guy who said, "Let's Roll" and proceeded to get heroic and kick some ass), they mention that he was gay, but they almost never mention that he was a rugby player.

If I was picking people to break down a door and administer an asskicking, rugby players spring to mind.

God help whoever tries to hijack a plane that happens to be carrying a rugby team.

Aww man youre all wrong, the best sport in the world is by far...

Ultimate Frisbee!


Hey you play at uni or? I'm good mates with the Bradford Uni team...I train with them pretty often too, tis a great sport...except for when you play indoors and more often than not smack into the wall after a great catch!

http://www.cafelucky.com/trash/premgoals.wmv

ARGH! They ALWAYS include that goal against Bradford....grrrrr


Ok so it was amazing but still...enough salt in the would as it is!!!!

Football kicks ass. Being a linemen has been one of the funnest things in my life.

As does Lacrosse. Being a Lacrosse goalie has probably been the most painful yet rewarding thing ever.

Football kicks ass. Being a linemen has been one of the funnest things in my life.

I assume you mean American football, caus the last thing I want to be in a game of Football (soccer) is the linesman! :D

Football kicks ass. Being a linemen has been one of the funnest things in my life.

As does Lacrosse. Being a Lacrosse goalie has probably been the most painful yet rewarding thing ever.

D line only for fun. O line is just knackering and selfless. All kudos to those who play it, just I always found the defensive side much more rewarding (*crunch*)

Defense rocks - Safety, namely.

I think every game has rules. Every game... except cricket.

I don't understand cricket.

Baseball, well, you can follow how the points are scored, but in cricket?

How the heck do you make some 300+ points?

In baseball you have different coloured clothes, you can keep the teams apart. In Cricket? They all look the same, at least for me.

I think it's one of those British things to make everyone from continental Europe look stupid.

Former colonies are allowed to play as well, mainly because to try to make up for the imperial rule that was enforced on them. Brits... crazy...

Besides, baseball is more fun when you play it yourself. Gotta love sliding into a baseman when running for the base :D

American Football, well, I think it's boring as hell. Some nut once told me it's chess on the grass, well, if it's that, then it's the chess my mother would play against my grandmother, but not the chess by a grandmaster. I watched the superbowl twice, first time, accidently, I nearly fell asleep. Second time I only waited for the USAF fly-by.

Football (soccer), I hate it. Mainly because all teams in this country here suck ass. But even the German or Italian teams are that interesting.

I think I'll stick to icehockey and kendo, and a round of airsoft every now and then.

My favorite sport is that in which humans propell themselves the fastest.

Any guesses?

Cricket has plenty of rules.
http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/hosking/cricket/explanation.htm

American pro football is tops, in my book. With pro baseball (i like collegiate baseball, too) and pro wrestling (although, it's mainly entertainment now and not the serious sport it used to be) coming in at a close second.

... and pro wrestling (although, it's mainly entertainment now and not the serious sport it used to be) ... :eek:

When?

When was it a serious sport?


I must have missed that 5 minutes...

:eek:

When?

When was it a serious sport?


I must have missed that 5 minutes...

Maybe 20 or 25 years ago, wrestling (i'm talking about WWF) was indeed taken seriously by the participants. There was never as much showboating as there is now. I am talking about the years when Bruno Sammartino, Andre the Giant, George 'The Animal' Steel, Bob Backland and his tag team partner Tony (whose last name escapes me at the moment), Jimmy Snuka, and even Hulk Hogan, to name a few, wrestled. In my opinion, they were exhibiting their athletic ability. Now it's all hair and body and costumes and showboating - well, unless you're talking about The Ultimate Warrior. I'd like him even if he couldn't wrestle.

who the f**k cares what sissy boy Euro's think?

Its exactly that attiude which makes Europeans angry at Americans. Shear ignorence. The World Cup is doubltless the greatest single sport event in History. Certianly its the largest ever, encompasing the greatest number of nations.

I think every game has rules. Every game... except cricket.

I don't understand cricket.

Baseball, well, you can follow how the points are scored, but in cricket?

How the heck do you make some 300+ points?

In baseball you have different coloured clothes, you can keep the teams apart. In Cricket? They all look the same, at least for me.

I think it's one of those British things to make everyone from continental Europe look stupid.

Former colonies are allowed to play as well, mainly because to try to make up for the imperial rule that was enforced on them. Brits... crazy...

Besides, baseball is more fun when you play it yourself. Gotta love sliding into a baseman when running for the base :D


I've never understood baseball, it always seems to me to be stupid, you try to hit the ball with the bat, and nearly always fail. Must be some skill I've never learned....

Okay, Cricket rules. Right, you have two teams, pritty easy to tll them apart. The Batting (Attacking) side wear pads and carry bats, the other feilding (Defending) team don't. Except for the Wicket keeper, who stands beside the stumps.

The batting side is allowed two players on at once and there aim is to score as many runs as possable. You score by;

Running between the stumps (1 run) both must make it.
Hitting the ball to the boundry, if it dosn't bounce you get 6 runs, if it does you get 4.
If the bowler bowls a wide(Bowls it so wide you can't hit it.)
If the bowler bowls a no-ball (Where he bounces it 3 times, or he bowls it over your head)
If you get a bye/leg bye. This happens if you don't hit the ball but you run.

the defending teams job is to get the batters out. You get the out by;

Hitting the stumps with the ball when the batter isn't in his crease or hasn't got his bat the the crease. Or when the bowler hits the stumps from his bowl.

When you catch the batter out.

If the batter is out then another batter goes 'in' once 10 batters are out your innings ends.

The bowler is the one who bowls the ball from the other end. And the 'keepers the one who wears padding and glover and stands directly behing the stumps trying to stop the ball going trough for a bye or if the batter edges it.

Maybe 20 or 25 years ago, wrestling (i'm talking about WWF) was indeed taken seriously by the participants. There was never as much showboating as there is now. I am talking about the years when Bruno Sammartino, Andre the Giant, George 'The Animal' Steel, Bob Backland and his tag team partner Tony (whose last name escapes me at the moment), Jimmy Snuka, and even Hulk Hogan, to name a few, wrestled. In my opinion, they were exhibiting their athletic ability. Now it's all hair and body and costumes and showboating - well, unless you're talking about The Ultimate Warrior. I'd like him even if he couldn't wrestle. :rolleyes: I see I didn't miss anything, some people just have a different idea of what serious means.

:rolleyes: I see I didn't miss anything, some people just have a different idea of what serious means.

True dat. And how about if I put it this way - wrestling appeared to be a more serious sport years ago than what it is today.

Do you like Ultimate Fighting?

My favorite sport is that in which humans propell themselves the fastest.

Any guesses?

There are space shuttle races!??!?! COOL! :p :D

I'm an Englishman, i love American Football, the skill, the passion, the fact that it is not a sissy sport, the hits are real, the armour is to stop people being killed. Also it is one of the most inclusive sports as you dont have to have the physique of a sprinter to play it. You can be 6"7 330 pounds and still play and get paid millions.

I do love Rugby, Tennis and Cricket too, but my interest in them has waned a bit and as for football, well, i have got fed up of that sport to be honest, the over paid chavs who play it and the ridiculous amounts that is spent by Chelsea just ruin it. At least in the NFL there is a salary cap and revenue sharing that ensures all teams compete on an equal footing and have a limit on how much to spend on players. Meaning that their is equality and games are exciting almost all the time.

I also agree that baseball is the most boring sport known to man, endless it is and so repetitive, basketball is the same, its fun to play but to watch? Team A goes down one end and scores, Team B then scores at the other, and so on, and then oh no team B missed! Shock horror!!!

I also agree that baseball is the most boring sport known to man, endless it is and so repetitive, basketball is the same, its fun to play but to watch? Team A goes down one end and scores, Team B then scores at the other, and so on, and then oh no team B missed! Shock horror!!!


Well, Baseball is quite the boring thing to watch, except for those heated moments in the 9th Inning, where you might just barely have a chance at a comeback. And Basketball is a bit boring to watch, for some teams, anyway. For Basketball, it really does depend on the team. Some teams have a lot of good players who really do make the game that much more fun as a spectator sport.

And... A Londoner who likes American Football? I've never seen it. Not once.

Well, Baseball is quite the boring thing to watch, except for those heated moments in the 9th Inning, where you might just barely have a chance at a comeback. And Basketball is a bit boring to watch, for some teams, anyway. For Basketball, it really does depend on the team. Some teams have a lot of good players who really do make the game that much more fun as a spectator sport.

And... A Londoner who likes American Football? I've never seen it. Not once.

*off topic

You're moving to Pittsburgh? May I say, I am certain you'll love it, no matter what part you're moving to.

And back on topic-

I find baseball exciting, well, I did - I haven't watched it since the big guns of the Pittsburgh Pirates left and went elsewherel - I'm talking about Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, etc. It can be a thrilling sport, if you're a faithful watcher and you focus on certain team members. A winning team helps, too, to make it an enjoyable sport to follow.

And... A Londoner who likes American Football? I've never seen it. Not once.

I'm one. I even played it.

That is correct about Baseball. The Houston Astros have plenty of good players to watch, and they make some really miraculous comebacks.

And yeah, I'm planning to move to Pittsburgh to go to college. Seems to be a lot nice than Houston, and that's enough for me!

I'm one. I even played it.


I see, I see.

What position?

That is correct about Baseball. The Houston Astros have plenty of good players to watch, and they make some really miraculous comebacks.

And yeah, I'm planning to move to Pittsburgh to go to college. Seems to be a lot nice than Houston, and that's enough for me!

Good Luck in school!! Are you, by chance, going to Pitt?

Of course. Main reason? Carnegie-Mellon doesn't have a big Football program that I can attempt to get in!

Of course. Main reason? Carnegie-Mellon doesn't have a big Football program that I can attempt to get in!

GREAT!!!! A football player (what position?)!!

Quarterback. Though I haven't had any experience since 3rd Grade, I'm sure I've improved a great deal.

So far, I can throw around 60-ish yards (accurately), I run almost a 4.7 40, I can move around easily (agility is great for me), and I can also take a beating.

Though I guess the most important aspect is intelligence, not physique. I can learn very quickly, and I know how to command groups of people. So, I think I'll have a pretty good shot in college.

I've never understood baseball, it always seems to me to be stupid, you try to hit the ball with the bat, and nearly always fail. Must be some skill I've never learned....

Okay, Cricket rules. Right, you have two teams, pritty easy to tll them apart. The Batting (Attacking) side wear pads and carry bats, the other feilding (Defending) team don't. Except for the Wicket keeper, who stands beside the stumps.

The batting side is allowed two players on at once and there aim is to score as many runs as possable. You score by;

Running between the stumps (1 run) both must make it.
Hitting the ball to the boundry, if it dosn't bounce you get 6 runs, if it does you get 4.
If the bowler bowls a wide(Bowls it so wide you can't hit it.)
If the bowler bowls a no-ball (Where he bounces it 3 times, or he bowls it over your head)
If you get a bye/leg bye. This happens if you don't hit the ball but you run.

the defending teams job is to get the batters out. You get the out by;

Hitting the stumps with the ball when the batter isn't in his crease or hasn't got his bat the the crease. Or when the bowler hits the stumps from his bowl.

When you catch the batter out.

If the batter is out then another batter goes 'in' once 10 batters are out your innings ends.

The bowler is the one who bowls the ball from the other end. And the 'keepers the one who wears padding and glover and stands directly behing the stumps trying to stop the ball going trough for a bye or if the batter edges it.

WTF kind of rules are those? Did some drunks come up with that? lol

WTF kind of rules are those? Did some drunks come up with that? lol
No, there just the BASIC rules. It make sence when you play it honest.

Rugby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
although the 6 nations isn't going too well

Rugby is the king of sports, american football is good but it stops too much and cricket is awful, the new 20-20 thing is ok i spose, but 5 day tests are so boring

cricket is the most boring spectator sport i have ever seen, its ok to play but i dont really care about the rules, im a rugby player after all

You're all wrong...polo is the best sport anyone ever invented!!!!
Galloping, hitting balls, crashing into people...what more do you want?? :D

Also sexy men in breeches *sigh* ;)

Ypu don't have to stick to one game, I play hundreds, I currently am in a team (Mainly school): Rugby, Football, cricket, Rounders, Cross Country Running, Fell Racing, Netball, Basketball, Hockey, Water Polo.

Rugby League has sexy men in tight shorts, also cycling

Let's just forget about baseball, football(soccer) and cricket, they all suck..... The best sports are definatly american footbal and Rugby. Rugby because it is fast-paced and its one of the best sport i've ever watched and played. It"s "hardcore" in the sense where you have to be able to dish out tackles and take them from other players who are usually bigger than you. American/Canadian football is the other best sprot because unlike Rugby, where its all about strength, speed, and luck and a little bit of strategy, American/Canadian football is about 70% strategy and 30% luck. So its a beautiful sport to look at in term of the different strategies used when a team attacks or defends.
P.S. : Hockey used to be fun until all of those damn lazy bastards came with their huge salaries, and then they start crying that they don't get paid enough and they stop playing!!!!

Hmm... boxing is dead sexy. :)

Haha. Thanks!