Cheating in Rugby?

Question

While watching the Italy-Scotland game the other day, an Italian player went down as though he had been hit by a runaway train. The commentators picked up on it immediately and compared it (not surprisingly ) with football. It was blatantly obvious that he was playacting.

Is it not ironic that it would be an Italian player involved in this, since they are the ones "credited" with introducing it to the round ball game decades ago.

I just hope the authorities 'nip it in the bud' and deal with any further incidents quickly and harshly....unlike their counterparts at FIFA and UEFA, who seem incapable of eliminating this disgraceful conduct.

Answer 1

I totally agree with you.  There should be a rule that allows ref's to award penalties for "diving".  I have to disagree with you on the particular incident you pointed out though... I think it was quite obvious he took a shot to the ovaries.

Answer 2

Its not just the fake falls....

a lot of rugby players after being tackle near the head (not head high) act a lot to get the penalty the most common is staying down and forcing time stoppages especially when their team is under pressure if you watch a close game it happens a lot.

Answer 3

The oscar for best bit of acting so far in this WC must surely go to France's Chabal. He was rewarded by a poor Namibian receiving a red card.

Answer 4

Well as it has already been pointed out, the Italian team are not up to competing with any of the top 6 sides in the world so they have to compensate in some way. Putting in a bit of filth on the blind side or gamesmanship like the "dive" you mentioned have become second nature to them.

It does nothing for the game of rugby and generally at least one of the many cameras will pick any incidents up and expose the culprit as the B grade actor that he is :-)

Answer 5

its been happening in sports since day one,league,rugby,football,netball,basket... any contact sport its called"milking a penalty" or "a hollywood"

Answer 6

really? wow. unfortunately i don't get rugby in california.

avid supporter of england.

dude, this sucks. did u watch materazzi fall like a tree when zidane headbutted him in the chest?

and now their rugby players. i guess its a cultural or something with em.

thankfully, their rugby players are not good enough to even get to the knockout stage.

Answer 7

Well rugby players general self regulate such action at scrum time :)

Of course if your South African you can always bite your opponents or if Australian just bowl under arm.

As kiwis, we always play fair and never cheat ;) but if its culturally accepted to play dirty, then referees should act. (unless they too cheat and fall over when pushed by Palo Dicanio).

Personally, It is far easier to deal to cheaters in a rugby game as a player, as a bit of biff always goes down well. I reckon it all has to do with eating too much pasta before a game.

Answer 8

As Leighton James, ex Welsh international football player, pointed out, diving in football was unheard of until the introduction of European players into the UK!

An Irish player, one of the front row players  did it against Georgia, the commentator said then "look at that, he is like Ronaldo who has eaten two many pies" PML!

But it does need to be stamped out.  Also I have noticed that more players are questioning the ref's decision, something never seen in rugby before but is common practise in soccer!

Hope the IRB do nip this nonsense in the bud!