Bokke (Springboks) plays union

I’m 72 now and was first introduced to Rugby Union at age 5 when my Dad would take me to games at the local oval (and to away games around suburban Sydney) following our local club Gordon Rugby.

Rugby Union remains my favourite winter sport while cricket is my favourite summer sport.

A rugby union team consists of 15 players, divided into Forwards (1–8) who contest set-pieces and rucks, and Backs (9–15) who handle attacking play and defense. Positions are numbered 1-15, typically split into a Front Row (1-3), Second Row (4-5), Back Row (6-8), Half-backs (9-10), Centres (12-13), and Back Three (11, 14-15).
(16-23 is replacements)
Forwards (The Pack)
Forwards are generally larger and stronger, responsible for securing possession.

1. Loose-head Prop: Part of the front row, binds on the left of the hooker in scrums.
2. Hooker: Throws the ball into lineouts and hooks the ball in scrums.
3. Tight-head Prop: Part of the front row, binds on the right of the hooker; vital for scrum stability.
4. & 5. Second Row (Locks): Tallest players who provide power in scrums and jump in lineouts.
6. & 7. Flankers (Blindside/Openside): Fast, aggressive defenders who secure the ball at breakdowns.
8. Number 8: Controls the ball at the back of the scrum and links forwards and backs.

Backs
Backs are faster, more agile players responsible for running, passing, and kicking.

9. Scrum-half: Links forwards and backs, acts as the primary passer from breakdowns.
10. Fly-half: Dictates play, makes tactical decisions, and is often the primary kicker.
12. Inside Centre: Strong runner/tackler who plays close to the fly-half.
13. Outside Centre: Agile, fast runner with good passing skills to create space.
11. & 14. Wingers: Among the fastest players, responsible for finishing attacks and scoring.
15. Full-back: The last line of defense, skilled in catching high balls and counter-attacking.

Womens rugby is awesome too man, not gonna lie.

We grow up with Rugby in South Africa..because of the Springboks most children watch the game as a toddler... And most schools offer Rugby so they start playing from the time they start school.

Props for taking intrest in this wonderful sport. You should start playing its super fun

6:25 the try line is basically the endzone

As a South African, I really hope to see more Americans get into Rugby. Would be amazing to face a stronger better US team. Props that you want to learn the rules, it's an awesome sport and we need newer better opponents for the Bokke (Springboks the real Green and Gold team) to crush.

To your question, "when did you get in to rugby?" At the age 3 sitting with my grandfather watching one of his favorite Local team's Golden Loins and seeing his passion for the sport.

10:52 to answer your question on substitutions, subs are limited with rugby - only 8 subs in rugby union. Also, once a player has been brought off the field and replaced by a sub, they can’t go back on for the rest of the game - substitutions are allowed only once. So ALL players basically need to be fit and strong enough to play the full 80 minutes non-stop, even the big heavy guys.

Great video bro good job for taking the time to educate yourself on the topic

Started rugby at 8 years old, at school in England, played till I was 25. Picked it back up at 48 and stopped after a long term injury 2 years later, even though the mind wanted to keep going in this barbarously beautiful game, the body could no longer follow suit.
Yes, watch our fellow women rugby players, though it is much newer, they are excellent, with the sport growing in importance and support, and some star players.

You can watch the most recent game that was this past Saturday in Baltimore between Springboks and All Blacks

I really like that you are genuinely interested and are truly paying attention. Way to go!

17:08 History lesson put me to sleep as well brother, but great recovery though🤣🤣 Love the effort. From a proud South African Bok.💪💪 Rugby union is the one you should mostly focus on id suggest, its way more renowned around the world. Recommendation game would be the rugby world cup match between South Africa vs France 2023 quarter finals as some of my fellow mates have pointed out down in the comments.

bro i just wanna say i love the way u exploring our national sports ( rugby) and it really show me as a south african how much u interested in this sport and not alot of Americans enjoy this sport thx for  the love of rugby

Cheslin Kolbe from the Springboks

A fun union game to watch, or just watch the extended highlights of, was the 2023 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final between South Africa and France. Best match ever.

Great video man! My personal favourite Rugby Union match is the South Africa Vs Japan game from the 2015 world cup, they call that game the Brighton Miracle!

From South Africa, you are doing well carry on what you doing and hope you will enjoy the sport.

Loving the SA-love! Quick tip to correctly pronounce "Springboks" (which isn't only our national rugby team but also our national animal, a type of antelope found in southern Africa).
It's "spring" (like the season) + "box" (like the container)
If singular "Springbok", you pronounce it as "spring" + "bock"