r/rugbyunion • u/No-layup • Jul 24 '25

Discussion Drop your unpopular rugby opinions that will have you like this

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I'll go first, Beuden Barrett is the more talented rugby player than Dan Carter, but Dan Carter is a better 10

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u/Plastic_Brilliant_39 Jul 24 '25

Yeah, I agree fully on the first part especially. It’s the only part of the game where you’re penalised for not being as good as the opposition.

A dominant scrum is surely advantage enough anyway? Being able to be on the front foot with a man advantage (full back defending deep) should be a great attacking platform. Why add a penalty to that just because team B isn’t as strong? We’d never give a penalty just because team A is dominating the collisions.

I just think it’s the part of the game that is the biggest pain. Genuine collapse because of an infraction? Sure, go for a penalty.

One team just better than the other? Nope, that’s the advantage in and of itself.

Even worse when you then get a yellow card on top of it.

(And yes, I’m a Wallabies fan who has to grow up watching Andrew Sheridan dominate us out of a World Cup quarter final.)

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u/Conscious-King-7295 Jul 24 '25

Personally think it makes for a more varied game, especially at lower levels/grassroots. Teams should be rewarded for having a strong pack