The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the blue riband race of the National Hunt season. With four days of exhilarating horse racing action, it all builds up to Friday’s showpiece event and the 2020 renewal could be very special indeed.

So often the highlight of the week, winning the Gold Cup is a dream for jockeys, trainers and owners around the world. Here, we look at the biggest Cheltenham Gold Cup trends and statistics for punters to consider ahead of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival.

Gold Cup Trends & Statistics

As is the case with every race at the Cheltenham Festival, there are a few important trends that punters must note. Here are some of the biggest Gold Cup trends to follow:

• 20 out of the last 20 winners had all previously won a Grade 1 over fences.
• 20/20 went off no bigger than 20/1 in the horse racing betting.
• Last 20 winners – no older than nine years old.
• All 20 hadn’t ran in the 30 days prior to the Cheltenham Festival.
• 20/20 had no more than two falls over fences in their career.
• 19/20 had between one and five previous starts at Cheltenham.
• 19 out of 20 winners had previously failed to finish no more than three times.
• 18 out of 20 winners’ last win before Cheltenham was in a Grade 1 or 2.

Top Trainers For The Cheltenham Gold Cup

The legendary Tom Dreaper is the most successful trainer in Gold Cup history with five winners but Paul Nicholls is breathing down his neck with four successes, most recently in 2009. Clan Des Obeaux will be flying the flag for the Nicholls stable in 2020…

Willie Mullins finally got off the mark in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the 26th attempt in 2019 as Al Boum Photo recorded a famous success.

However, Nicky Henderson is the second-most successful active horse racing trainer with two Gold Cup wins, with Bobs Worth claiming victory back in 2013.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Prize Money

According to figures for the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, the total prize fund available for the Gold Cup was £625,000.

With approximately £350,000 going to winning connections, it is one of the most lucrative races in National Hunt racing.

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*Credit for the photo in this article belongs to Alamy*

This week at 888sport we have gone “Non-Runner, No Bet” (NRNB) on several of the top races at The Festival in order to give you the best possible chance of backing a winner or two at one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

The Champion Hurdle, Mares’ Hurdle, Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup are all part of our NRNB offer.

Let’s take an early look through each of these races and see if we can identify some value bets:

 

Day One: Champion Hurdle

The Nicky Henderson-trained Epatente (3/1) currently heads the market on the back of her five-length victory in last month's Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

She was however disappointing when favourite for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at last season's Festival so punters may be looking to take her on with something else.

The recent Matheson Hurdle scorer Sharjah (8/1) is an interesting contender from the Willie Mullins stable.

Brought down at the third in last year’s race, the seven-year-old has gone from strength to strength and can be a formidable player if the ground comes up right - he certainly ticks all the boxes in our Champion Hurdle trends.

 

Day One: Mares’ Hurdle

After Benie Des Dieux registered an impressive 21-length triumph in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park the other day, she rapidly cemented herself as the horse they have to beat in the Mares’ Hurdle and we make her a 4/5 Non-Runner No Bet chance to do so.

The popular mare Lady Buttons won the Yorkshire Rose at Doncaster again in fine style at the weekend and at 16/1 she will be a popular each-way fancy for her fans and punters alike.

 

Day Two: Champion Chase

Defi Du Seuil (7/4) reinforced his Cheltenham Festival claims by landing the Clarence House Chase at Ascot on his latest run and will certainly be giving the Altior (7/2) team plenty to think about should they meet in the 2020 Champion Chase.

Henry De Bromhead's improving chaser A Plus Tard was a winner at last year’s Festival and the Cheveley Park-owned gelding has the ability to ruffle a few feathers in this contest.

 

Day Three: Ryanair Chase

Riders Onthe Storm (8/1) was the emphatic winner of the Graduation Chase at Ascot and must come into the reckoning here based upon that run.

At longer odds, Politologue (20/1) probably won’t have to contend with any of the big superstars for a change and looks an attractive price given his back class.

Day Three: Stayers Chase

Paisley Park is looking increasingly like one of the sure things of the 2020 Festival and Non-Runner No Bet odds of 5/6 may look huge come raceday itself.

Summerville Boy (10/1) should be in the fray and is a backable price if you fancy taking on the favourite. Though the Stayers Hurdle statistics and trends point to a Paisley Park success...

 

Day 4: Gold Cup

Al Boum Photo is a 4/1 shot in our horse racing betting odds to retain his title but punters will be wise to the fact that Gold Cup winners rarely score back-to-back wins and will perhaps looking for a new contender?

The Gordon Elliott-trained Delta Work is a rapidly improving chaser and the recent Savills Chase winner can improve again to become one of the best in the business. At 8/1 he’s too hard to ignore.

 

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Tom Hevezi / AP Photo*

0-9 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

0-9

10-meter law -  When a player is tackled any time, all defenders, except two markers, have to retreat 10 meters from the play-the-ball area.

18th man -  A player is chosen as a back-up to the authorized 17-man squad for a match. The 18th man generally practices with the team earlier to a match and perhaps called into the team if any player is injured or ill earlier to the start of the match.

20-meter restart -  Play will continue again from the 20metre line if: an attacking player touches the ball prior it goes out of play above the dead-ball line, apart from a penalty or a kick-off or if a defending player picks a kick from usual play from another team player on the full inside their in-goal area.

40/20 rule -  When a player is 40 meters (not more than that) away from his try line and able to a kick a ball in usually play which bounces and touches his opponents, 20-meter area, his side resume the game with a tap 20m from the touchline and level with where the ball went out of play generally 10m (not more than that) to the goal line of defending team.

A

A-defender -  The defender present in the defensive line which is either right or left of the play-the-ball.

Above the horizontal -  One determining factor of a dangerous tackle. When defenders lift an attacking player off the ground to the point where their feet are higher than their head. Lifting in such a way can be a pioneer to the outlawed spear tackle.

B

Backs -  Refers to the player's group generally numbered 9 through 15 who do not take part in scrums and line outs, apart from the scrum-half.

Ball and all -  A type of tackle, which helps the player being tackled to become able to offload the ball to a team member. It is useful to continue the attack before the tackle has been completed.

Ball-carrier -  The player who has the ball in hand.

Ball-carrying arm -  An instance wherein a tackle can be considered completed when the ball-carrying arm of attacking player touches the ground simultaneously that a defending player is in contact with the attacker.

Banana kick -  A medium-range kick, which goes to offside of the kicker instead of in front, for chasers further afield. The aim of this kick can't be predictable as compare to conventional kicks and therefore named banana kick since the rise and fall of the ball is in a curve manner that looks like a banana.

Binding -  The careful way players grip and grasp each other to create a safe scrum, ruck, or maul. This important skill ensures the safety of players.

Black dot -  The crossbar's underside, which connects the goalposts. It generally has a black color marking in the center, therefore called the "black dot".

Break -  A breach of defender's line by the player in possession of the ball on the attacking team.

Bridging -  This refers to a team that is gathering or binding players mutually at the play-the-ball into a scrum-like formation.

Bust -  When a player breaks an attempted tackle by the other side.

C

Cannonball -  A dangerous tackle wherein a defender attacks the player's leg and being held upright by other tacklers.

Captain -  The player has chosen to guide a team on the field during a match.

Changeover -  Another phrase for handover. The attacking side has to surrender the ball to the opponent after it has been tackled six times. After that, the opponent picks up play from the point at which the tackle took place.

Charge-down -  When a player blocks the attacker's kick by outstretched arms and hands.

Chicken-wing -  To slow down the play-the-ball, a shoulder lock wrestling technique is generally used, which puts "undue pressure" on the joints of players. It is liable to be punished by under Section 15, Law 1.

Completion rate -  Refer to the duration of the ball's possession by a team for a full set of six tackles.

Cover defence -  The attempt to tackle an attacker who has breached the mainline of defenders.

Crusher tackle -  A risky tackle wherein a grounded player's chin is forcefully down towards his torso.

Cut out pass -  When attacking player passes the ball across the front of one of their team member and caught by a team member positioned more away. This pass perhaps used to move the ball more quickly away from defenders who are closing in and probably focusing on the player who is "cut out". Sometimes called cut out ball, face ball, or face pass as well.

D

Dead -  The ball is believed to be dead when it goes out of play beyond the dead-ball line.

Dead ball line-A boundary placed at each end of the playing field. The dead-ball line is out of play.

Dominant tackle -  A referee might call Dominant! since tackled player tries to prove the dominance of the defender over the attacking player during tackling. It is considered a good technique, which gives the defender extra time before the attacker must be free to play-the-ball.

Double movement -  An illegal movement attempted by a player to score a try. It is generally considered as an offense of illegally locating the ball over the try-line when a player is confirmed as ‘tackled’ and thus out of the game.

Downward pressure -  One of the important criteria, which must be fulfilled to get a try from the referee.

Drop goal -  This goal is scored when a player kicks the ball from the hand through the goalposts of another team. The ball is dropped to the field and is kicked just after the bounce - often difficult skill to master.

E

Engage -  This term is described in two ways: An attacking side engages, or attracts, a defender or defenders to manipulate their defensive position and take advantage of the attacking team. Or markers are essential to "engage" at the play-the-ball, which means they have to be in proper proximity to it.

F

Facial -  When a defending player makes a contact with the player-carrying ball during or after the completion of a tackle forcefully and illegitimately touching his face.

Falcon -  When the ball makes a contact with a person's head, usually accidentally.

Fend -  When the ball carrier repelling a tackler by his arm, also called "hand-off".

Field goal -  Also known as a flying kick or speculator, a way to scoring in the game. Generally, a player kicks the ball from the ground without using their hands in open play above the crossbar.

First 5/8th -  This refers to the back that wears jersey number ten and receives the ball from the scrum-half. Also known as Out-half, Outside half or 1st 5/8th, and Fly half.

Fixture -  Another phrase used for a rugby match.

First receiver -  The first person to receive the ball, from a scrum-half. This is usually the fly-half, but perhaps different player if the fly-half is not available, or a forward who will drive.

Flat -  Attacking play technique described by a lack of depth along the line of attacking players.

Flat pass -  This pass includes the ball-carrier and a team member being level when the pass is received. The player who is going to catch the ball perhaps runs faster than the ball-carrier, aiming for a space in the defense.

Flop -  A player who is not in the completion of a tackle tries to delay the ball-carrier from getting to their feet rapidly afterward by falling on top of those involved. The referee can give a penalty to the attacking side after noticing this tactic.

Four-tackle rule -  Introduced in December 1966. The rule finished the condition, a by-product from the opening of the play-the-ball in 1906, whereby teams have an unrestricted number of tackles. The tackle limit was raised from four to six tackles in 1972 to improve "disjointed" play.

G

Ger 'em onside -  A fraud of "get them onside" screamed to game officials in some northern England accents. The phrase is used mainly to convey dissatisfaction with the distance back from the play-the-ball, which the referee has taken the defending players.

Go -  In competitions below some authorities, the referee will call "Go" to convey the defensive line that they might go forward after an attacker has played the ball. It is used to cut stoppages to deal with offside offenses by defenders. This call perhaps used by the referee as part of a series: "Move, hold, go".

Golden point -  A sudden death overtime system generally utilizes to resolve drawn rugby league matches. When the scores are level after 80 minutes of a match, five minutes are played, the teams switch ends with no break, and a further five minutes are played. Scoring in this extra ten-minute period secures a win for the scoring team, and the game completes at that point.

Goose step -  When a player changes running style from a sprint to high kicking to slow down a defender.

Grapple tackle -  A tackling technique, considered controversial, as the tackler tries to hinder the ball carrier by applying a choke hold-like man-oeuvre. Although players may be penalized for its use, it is hard to enforce.

Grounding -  When a player places the ball down properly over the try line to score a try. The referee's decision to give a try depends on whether the ball was grounded properly or not.

H

Half break -  A situation wherein a ball carrier can get through the defensive line but is tackled earlier, they can make a clean break.

Handover -  When a team gives the ball to the opponent after being tackled six times.

Held -  Being held denotes that a tackler must carry on holding the ball-carrier until the ball-carrier is on the land. The referee announces "held" to declare a complete tackle if the ball-carrier is held motionless by defenders.

Hit-up -  This term is used for the ball carrier to run directly into the defensive line of the opponent.

Hold -  In competitions underneath some authorities, the referee will convey the defensive line that it is very early to go forward on attackers at the play-the-ball by calling "Hold!".

I

In and out -  A running curve formed by an attacking player. Often tried by quick attacking players once the main line of defending players has been break when they are left with the end player to beat. The ball-carrier curves their run more in the field, trying to make indecision in the defender, earlier than turning towards the corner and trying to reach the goal line first to score a try.

Inside backs -  Refers to a back who has the responsibility to make a gap for the outside backs outside him, i.e. the scrum-half, the fly-half, and the inside center.

Interception -  This refers to a passing play wherein the ball is received by the other team. A pass, which is intercepted by another team player.

Interchange -  If any team member is injured or just not playing good, they can be swap by a substitute, known as an interchange. Every team includes four interchange replacements that can use at any time during the game, however, the interchange is not able to substitute any player who has been sent to the sin-bin.

L

Limited tackles -  This rule was introduced in 1966, primarily with a four-tackle rule. The team has a ball that must surrender it their opponents, after using their tackles. Four tackle was the limit until it was increased to six tackles in 1972, which formed the six-tackle rule.

Line speed -  The defensive team's speed in rushing forwards to meet up the ball carrier from the tackle. Because the defensive team must retreat 10 meters after each tackle, the most important factor of defense is how much of 10 meters they can recover before contact with the ball carrier.

Loose carry -  A referee might decide that an attacking player did not adequately protect their possession of the ball as they came into contact with defenders; this is referred to as a loose carry. This interpretation permits a referee to decide if they believe the attacking player has done a knock-on or whether the defenders stripped the ball with the aim.

M

McIntyre system -  A playoff system formed by Ken McIntyre, an Australian lawyer, historian, and English lecturer, for the Victorian Football League in 1931, offers a benefit to teams or competitors qualifying higher.

Marker -  The defending site may place two of their players, called markers at the play-the-ball opposite the tackled player and the dummy-half from the attacking side.

Milking -  The attacker when in the ruck will fall to the field when touched by the defender trying to gain a penalty. If the umpire is not conned he may scream "Milking!".

Momentum rule -  This rule is related to forward passes law. It has been judged by the momentum of the player that whether a ball has been illegally passed forward or not.

O

One-on-one tackle -  A colloquial term describing a phase of play in rugby league wherein a single defender tries to tackle the ball carrier.

Optional kick -  The way to bring the ball back into play. The player can kick the ball in any way and in any direction.

Outhalf/Outside half -  Refers to the back, who wears jersey number ten and generally gets the ball from the scrum-half.

P

PacRim -  The spring tournament held every year between the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, and Japan's national men's team.

Parramatta Wall -  A set-piece move with many variations wherein attackers stands side-by-side before their goal line while their team members try to obscure the ball and confuse the defenders of the other team. The name is derived from the Parramatta Eels.

Placer -  The player who used to hold the ball in place for a kicker for the duration of a place kick try.

Play-the-ball -  Restarting play in different instances during a game, however, most-commonly instantly following a tackle.

Powerplay -  When the player runs the ball on the fifth tackle instead of kicking it.

Punt-out -  Between 1897 and 1902, Punt-out was a choice for the way to restart play after the ball had gone into touch. Players generally kick the ball from the touch-line into play, in any direction. Also known as Kick-in.

R

Referee - The sole umpire and timekeeper of the game.

Rooks -  This refers to a person who has an excellent knowledge of the Rugby League.

S

Scramble -  The defense's state following a break, with players moving back, attempting to make a cover tackle or getting back onside if the attacking player has already been tackled.

Second man play -  A move that involves a decoy runner.

Send off -  After many cruel foul, the referee can choose to expel a player from the game. The player cannot be a substitute, which results in one person short in a team. Generally, the sent off the player is banned for one match, however, depending on the offense severity, the player can be banned for more than one match to life.

Scissors move -  An attempt causing disruption and violation in the defense of the other team. The attacker carrying the ball ahead will turn at an angle to their left or right, generally drawing with them the defender covering them and sometimes taking on another defender by running towards them. A team member of the ball carrier will run crossways and onward in the other direction just at the back of the ball carrier, getting a pass since they cross and then running on towards the disruption's point in the defense.

See you later -  A phrase occasionally used in a commentary that refers to a hand-off or fends.

Shape -  Positing of players in the field. Generally used when talking about the attacker's position when they are supporting the ball-carrier after a break.

Short side - The play-the-ball side has a shorter distance to the touchline.

Shot -  This phrase is used to admire a big hit on an opponent. Commentators generally say "Shot" when they observe a big, dominant tackle.

Sidestep -  An attempt for evading defenders by the attackers carrying the ball. By stepping to the side, the attacker is testing the defender's reaction and hoping to gain time and gap to move forward the ball.

Six-tackle rule -  This rule was brought in 1972, varying the rules on limited tackles, alleviating the "disjointed" play experienced with the four-tackle rule.

Sliding defence -  This defense needs that spaces are left at both edges of the field at the defensive line's end that aims to squeeze more players around the region of play. The attacking team gets less opportunity to run through the line.

Stand-off -  Also called "five-eighth", known to be the most skillful players in a team, generally a playmaker, and a tactical kicker for the team. This player has good interaction with the other playmaker positions and generally involved in most passing moves.

State of Origin -  Representative series wherein players are chosen for the states or territories where they initially played or played junior football mainly. The most famous rugby league state of origin is New South Wales vs Queensland in Australia.

Steeden -  Sports good manufacturer of Australia well known for manufacturing rugby league footballs.

Strip the ball -  The defender's action to remove the ball from the possession of the attacker. This is permitted if there is only one defender in contact with the attacking player.

Substitute -  Along with the 13 players on the playing field, each team can choose four substitutes as a replacement during the game.

Summer rugby -  In the northern hemisphere, rugby league led by Britain has gravitated rapidly towards playing in the summer instead of in the earlier winter seasons. The initial variation was made by the top level of competition in the UK when Super League I introduced in 1996 and played through the summer. Since then all the others are playing in summer.

Support -  Supporting players are putting themselves in a spot where they can assist a teammate. Effective support play is useful to make ground towards the opposition' end of the field or to score.

Surrender tackle -  A referee might call Surrender when a player almost collapses in the tackle. The referee will permit the defenders more time to free the tackled player. The ball carrier has an intention to earn an unfair advantage by having a quick play-the-ball and continuation of play.

Swinging arm -  Defender perhaps penalized by the referee if he caught using a swinging arm against the ball carrier in the tackle.

T

Threequarters -  Also called "outside backs", include the wingers and centers. This term was invented as the strategy and player formations of rugby football in the 1880s. The players located between the halves and the full-back were called the quarters; during the years when it becomes mandatory to have three players there, they were collectively called the three quarters.

U

Umbrella defence -  Also called "up and in defense" needs that players do not extend across the whole field. The defensive line is mainly susceptible to the edges around the wings, thus the best defensive measure in such a situation is a preventative measure. That means the aim is to prevent the attacking team from going to the wings or to interrupt any passes towards the boundary of the field.

Up the jumper -  Playing style planned to cut the opportunity of attacking players committing errors. This is generally accomplished by limiting passes in number and risk.

W

Wing forward -  Any of the two forwards, who wear jersey number 6 or 7. Also called breakaways they join the scrum outside of the locks just after the outside hip of the props. They can engage on the same side of the scrum or can focus on the weak side or strong side both. Also called Flanker.

Z

Zam-buk -  It refers to an antiseptic that cleans the wound and prevents infection. The 'Zam-Buk' term found its way into rugby league by the St Johns ambulance-men who keep it in their kit-bags to take care of players on the field and sidelines.

0-9 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

0-9

22 meter drop out -  The way match is restarted, using a dropkick, once the defending team has touched the ball down behind their try-line or when the ball has gone out over the dead-ball line.

A

Acting half-back -  Also known as the dummy half, refers to the player standing behind the play-the-ball and save the ball, before passing, running or kicking the ball. This player is generally the hooker, which collects the ball instantly, passes it to a teammate, or makes an opponent run.

Advantage - The period after an infringement, wherein the non-offending team has the chance to gain sufficient territory or strategic opportunity to negate the necessity to stop the game because of the infringement. The referee will indicate an advantage with their arm out horizontally, in the direction of the non-infringing team. If no strategic or territorial advantage is earned, the referee will whistle, and give the result that had been delayed. If adequate advantage is earned, the referee will call "advantage over", and play will resume.

Advantage line - It is an imaginary line (also known as the gain line), drawn crossways the mid of the pitch when there is a break in open play, for example, a ruck, maul or scrum. Going forward across the gain line signifies a gain in territory.

All blacks - Refers to the national rugby union team of New Zealand.

Ankle tap - A tackle, generally of the final variety that includes a dive and a slap to the ankle of the attacker. It causes his legs colliding with each other. Also called Tap Tackle.

Attack team - The team having possession of the ball and trying to score continuously.

B

Back - Refers to a defensive player behind a forward

Ball back -  In both types of rugby, if the ball comes into touch, then the play is started again (generally by a line-out in rugby union) with the point equal where the ball left the field of play.

Barbarian - An invitational rugby union team located in Britain, generally known as the Barbarian Football Club, or the Baa-Baas.

Behind - This term refers that both feet of players are behind the position in question.

Behind ball - A ball being passed behind one optional runner to another.

Bind - In both types of rugby, the players who are designated forwards binding together in three rows form a scrum (a method of restarting play in rugby football). The scrum after that 'engages' with the opponent team so that the players' heads are connected with those of the other side's front row. In rugby union, the referee who calls 'crouch, bind, set' vocally coordinated the start of the practice.

Bledisloe cup - A rugby union contest between Australia and New Zealand's national teams began since the 1930s. New Zealand won this trophy 47th time this year, while Australia has won 12 times.

Blind side - Also known as the Weakside. From a located piece, ruck or maul, the short side of the field.

Blitz defense - A defensive tactic, which relies on the complete defensive line moving ahead towards their marked man as one, once the ball leaves the base of a ruck or maul. Usually, the inside center leads this charge. The tactic is helpful to stop the attacking team behind the gain line and forcing interceptions and charged down kicks.

Blood bin - Also known as a blood replacement. A player having a visible bleeding injury may be replaced up to fifteen minutes (running time, not game time), at this period, a player receives first-aid treatment to prevent the flow of blood and dress the wound. The player then goes back to the pitch to resume playing.

Bomb - Generally called up and under, a high kick planned to send the ball straight up so players can get under it before it comes down. It permits the attacking team to interrupt the defensive line, take the defense's force off them, and put offensive force on their opponents. Though, the kicking team can lose possession of the ball, after which the opposing team may defense.

Bonus points - A technique of deciding table points from a rugby union game. It was executed to persuade attacking play throughout a match, to put off repetitive goal-kicking, and to reward teams for "coming close" in losing efforts.

Box kick - A high over-the-shoulder kick executed by scrum-halves in an intense attacking or defensive situations.

Breach - Any unintentional or purposeful non-compliance with the rules of the game.

Breakdown - A colloquial phrase for the short time of open play quickly after a tackle and before and during the ensuing ruck. During this period, teams compete for control of the ball, primarily with their hands and then use feet in the ruck.

C

Calcutta cup - The match played between England and Scotland every year during the Six Nations Championship.

Cap - When a player plays a match he/she gets a cap, however, this phrase is mostly used to note the number of official games a player has emerged for his/her national team against another national team.

Caution - A player who is intentionally or frequently infringing the laws is cautioned, and he/she gets a yellow card. He/she might be suspended for ten minutes from the ground.

Center - This refers to the players, who wear shirt numbers 12 and 13. They are separated into inside and outside the center.

Charge down - When the opposing player blocking the kick of an attacking player.

Chip kick  - Refers to a short shallow kick generally take place over the head of an onrushing defender to be rapidly retrieved or caught by the kicker or one of their supporting players.
    
Clearance kick - A kick of the ball into touch that eases stress on a side under serious attack.
    
Converter - After one side has scored a try, they are given a "conversion" kick at goal. The scoring team's kicker gets an opportunity to place-kick the ball between the goalposts and above the crossbar. If the player's kick is successful, the scoring team gets another two points.
    
Converting a try - When a player tries to kick a goal.
    
Corner post - A post conquered by a flag located at the intersection of each touchline and goal line. The post should be of non-rigid material and should not be less than 1.25m high.
    
Counter attack transition - The opportunity to begin an attack after an episode of defending.
    
Counter rucking - When the team secured the ball at a ruck, and the other team forced them off the ball to get possession, the defending team is said to have "counter-rucked."
    
Crash tackle/crash ball - An attacking technique where a player gets a quick pass and runs straight at the defensive line of opposition. The crash ball runner tries to commit two or more opposing players to the tackle, then try to make the ball obtainable to team-mates by passing on in the tackle or recycling the ball immediately from the ruck.
    
D

Defending team - This refers to the team whose half play is going on.

Differential penalty - A penalty, which may not be kicked for a goal by the penalty-taking team. This type of penalty is given when technical rule violations take place during the time a scrum exists. Whether in the scrum or outside, this penalty can be awarded against any player.

Double marker - The two players permitted to go up against the 'play the balls' positions.

Drag and drop - 'Drag' is running and pulling a defender out of position, 'drop' is passing the ball to a player running a 'hook line'.

Drift - A running line 'drifting' crosswise a challenger.

Drop goal - A goal scored when a player kicks the ball from the hand through the goal of the opposing team, but the ball has to touch the ground before dropped and kicked. It scores three points. The team given a free kick cannot score a dropped goal until the ball next turn out dead, or until an opposing team has played or touched it, or has a deal with the ball carrier.

Drop kick - A type of kick, which includes anyone dropping a ball and then kicking when it falls on the ground, contrary to a punt in which the dropper kicks the ball without letting it fall on the ground first.

Dropout - The way play is started again, using a dropkick, after the defensive side has touched the ball down after its try-line or when the ball has gone out over the dead-ball line.

Dummy - A feigned pass planned to mislead an opponent ready to make a tackle.

Dummy half -  The player behind the play the ball condition (also called acting half-back).

Dummy pass - An offensive trick, where the ball carrier moves as if to pass the ball to a team member, but run continuously with the ball himself; the aim is to mislead defenders into marking the would-be pass receiver, making space for the ball carrier to run into. The player is said to have "sold the dummy" when this trick works perfectly.

Dummy runner - One more offensive approach; attacker runs towards the opponent as if running onto a pass, just for the ball to be passed to other players, keep on by the ball carrier or kicked forwards. This approach draws defenders away from the ball and makes a gap for the attackers.

Dump tackle - A tackling tactic in which the tackler wraps his arms around the thighs of the player with the possession of the ball and lifts him a short distance in the air before powerfully driving him to the ground. The tackler has to go to ground with the ball carrier for the tackle to be permissible.

E

Eagles - This refers to the United States of America's National team.

Ellis - The person, when a student at Rugby School, recognized with inspiring the new game of rugby football in 1823.

F

Face ball - A ball, which is passed across the face of one optional runner to another. Also called a cutout ball, Cut out pass, or face pass. This pass perhaps used to move the ball more rapidly away from defenders who are closing in and possibly to be aiming at the player who is "cut out".

Feed - The phrase used to describe an action wherein the ball is thrown into the scrum via the scrum-half.

Field of play - The region between the goal lines and the touchlines are referred to as the field of play.

Five meter scrum - When a player commits scrum offense within five meters of either try line, or a player takes the ball over his try line and touches it down, the referee will give a scrum on the five-meter line; this is to stop all but the most vicious packs from driving the ball over the try line within the scrum.

Flanker - Also called breakaways or wing forwards, who wear shirt numbers 6 and 7. These players have all-round qualities such as speed, power, fitness, tackling and handling skills. Flankers are constantly involved in the game since they are the real ball-winners at the breakdown, particularly the number 7. The two flankers generally don't unite to the scrum in a set position. 

Fly half - Called by different names, this player generally wears shirt number 10. In New Zealand, this player refers to the first five-eighth, generally, the back-line player mostly passed the ball from the scrum-half or half-back, and thus make lots of key strategic decisions during a game. Often fly-half is also the goal kicker since the position needs good kicking skills.

Foot up - The jargon used to describe an action where a hooker puts his foot onward before the ball is moved by the scrum-half.

Forward - Towards the opponent’s dead-ball line. Players who create and challenge scrums, usually powerful and bulkier team members. These players unite together to form scrums. They will create a line-out and are occupied in almost all rucks and mauls.

Forward pass - As all rugby, match passes are directed backward, a forward pass is an illicit movement of the ball. A penalty scrum results in favor of the opponent when this situation takes place.

Foul play - The deliberate violation of the laws of the game.

Fourth official - Someone who has the responsibility to control replacements and substitutes. He has the right to substitute referee or touch judge in case of injury to either of them.

Free kick - Also known as a short-arm penalty. This penalty is generally given to a team for a technical offense committed by the opponents e.g. numbers at the lineout or time-wasting at a scrum. It is given for calling a mark. A team is not able to kick for goal and the normal twenty-meter rule applies for kicking for position from a free-kick. The referee generally raised the arm to signal the free-kick.

Front five - A common shared name for the front (props and hooker) and second row (locks) forwards. Also called Tight Five.

Frontrow - The common phrase for the prop/hooker/prop combination at the front of a scrum.

Full time - It refers to the end of the game. Also called No-side.

Fullback - The player who generally wear jersey No.15 and plays deep behind the backline. It is a dangerous attacking position in an attack hitting holes unexpectedly at pace; in defense, it's main responsibility is to cover all strategic kicks down the field by the opponent.

G

Garryowen -  Refers to an 'up and under' a kick invented to stay in the field of play and permit the kicking team to fight for possession of the ball. By necessity, garryowen is shorter in distance but has a higher trajectory than a usual clearance kick.

General player - In rugby, general players have good speed, strength, determination, self-discipline and good knowledge of the laws.

Goal - An area toward which rugby players try to take a ball or puck and generally through or into which it must go to score points.

Goal from mark - An earlier scoring move in rugby, which takes place when a player "marked" the ball by making a fair catch and shouting "mark". From this spot, the player could not be tackled and he/she had the choice of a free-kick. It was likely to score a goal from a place-kick or drop-kick.

Goalline - A line facing goal post and which a team tries to advance the ball or puck towards to score a goal or points.

Grand slam - Rugby Union competition, which takes place when one team in the Six Nations Championship (or its Five Nations antecedent) cope to beat all the others during one year's competition. Total 39 times this has been achieved, the first time by Wales in 1908, and in recent times by Wales in 2019. England won 13 Grand Slams.

Grounding the ball - Holding and touching the ball to the ground in-goal, or placing hand, arm or front of the body between waist and neck (the front torso) on top of the ball that is on the ground in-goal.

Group of death - This term describes a group with having the strongest competitors, all of which are possible winners of the tournament.

Grubber kick - A type of kick in which the ball roll and tumble across the ground. Generally, the ball has irregular bounces, which creates difficulty for the defending team to pick it up without causing a knock-on.

H

Haka - A cultural ritual display with a tune performed by many Southern Pacific teams as a challenge before a match.

Half time - A fifteen-minute interval, which splits the two halves of the match.

Halfback - This refers to the player who lines up behind and to one part of the quarterback in the backfield. He is usually the fastest member of the backfield and the featured running back.

Handoff - When the team owns the ball, the offense, has four downs to proceed with the ball ten yards towards the end zone of other teams. If the offense attains ten yards, it gets an extra set of four downs or in case of failure; it loses possession of the ball. The ball gets into play by a snap. All players generally stand up facing each other at or at the back of scrimmage's line. Players can then move on the ball in two ways i.e. either by running with the ball, also called rushing or one ball carrier can hand the ball to another which is called a handoff.

Handover - When a player surrenders the ball to the opponent after a team has been tackled the statutory number of consecutive times.

Heels - After play-the-ball takes place, the player can roll the ball back to another player with his foot, and play resumes again.

High tackle - A type of tackle in which the tackler grabs the ball carrier above the line of the shoulders (generally around the neck or at the line of the chin and jaw).

Highball - It is a form of kick where player kicked the ball very high into the air that gives time to chase after it and compete for possession. This tactic was popularized by the Garryowen Football Club by using it frequently in their game plan.

Home nations - The collective word for the teams of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The first Home Nations Championship was played in 1883 between these countries.

Hook - He refers to the hooker's act when he tries to reach the ball with his foot in the scrum.

Hookers -  It refers to the player who wears the number 2 shirt. He is located in the center position of the front row of the scrum and uses his feet to 'hook' the ball back. Because of the pressure put on the body by the scrum and the necessity to use both arms to connect to other players, it is known as the most dangerous spot to play.

Hookline - This refers to a running line for receiving the ball inside the ball carrier, which is running across in front of the defense.

Hospital pass - A pass that is received by a partner a split second before he is tackled hard by one or more of the other team members, after which he is likely to have medical treatment. A useful approach to settle scores with team-mates.

I

In goal - The scoring region extending 6-11 meters (6.6-12 yards) from every goal line to every dead ball line, also called an in-goal area.

In possession - This term is used to describe that a player has a ball in his/her hand.

Injury time - In professional rugby matches, the referee openly stops and starts time for more long interruptions (injuries, referrals to the TV referee) so that even when the allotted 40 minutes have finished, play continues until the duration for these stoppages is added. Generally, a game has two halves of 40 minutes with injury time added on at the end of each half.

Irb - World Rugby is the world governing body of rugby union called which was formed as the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) in 1886 by Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Later, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, and eighty other members joined this board. In 1998, this governing body was renamed as the International Rugby Board (IRB).

J

Jumper - A common phrase for a rugby jersey. Also, the phrase used for a player in a lineout, generally at the 2, 4, and 6 positions, jumping to grab or intercept the throw.

K

Kick tennis - Style of the game set apart by both teams frequently kicking from hand to the opposition, rather than running at the other team and risking a turnover. It is called kick tennis as the ball moves back and forth like in a tennis match. It is generally boring to watch and also called aerial ping-pong.

Kickoff - After the toss, the winning captain decides the direction his team shall play, or choose to take the kick that begins the game. Generally, a dropkick from the center-point of the halfway line begins both halves of the match.

Kicks - To hit the ball with the foot, or moving the feet and legs rapidly and violently.

Knock on - Losing, falling, or knocking the ball frontward from a player's hand, which causes the ball being given to the other team in a scrum.

L

Latcher/Latching On - This refers to a player who joins himself to the ballcarrier in open play to add his strength and weight to an effort to break the line and get yards. If the defense can stop the ballcarrier and hold him up, a maul generally forms. Though latching on does not automatically form a maul.

Late Tackle - A tackle carried out on a player who has already passed or kicked away the ball. Since it is prohibited to tackle a player who does not have the ball, this would be a penalty offense and if it would be harsh or wild, then it may result in yellow or red Cards. If this tackle takes place after a kick and a penalty is given, the non-offending team has the choice of taking the penalty where the ball landed.

League - Rugby's version played generally with thirteen players under different laws than Rugby Union. The two systems deviated over professionalism and until rugby union went specialized in 1995, there was inherent antagonism between the two systems.

Lifting - The act to lift the lineout jumper into the air for a comfortable catch or intercept the throw.

Line Break - This refers to an act by which the player having possession of the ball gets through the other team's defensive line without being tackled.

Line Out - In rugby union, this is a way by which play is started again after the ball has gone into touch. The opposing team gets a line-out when the ball goes out of the field of play. This is formed by both team players "lining up" inside the touchline and a player from the side, which did not keep the ball into touch throwing the ball back into play.

Line-Out Code - This refers to a coded part of the information, used to communicate intent about a line-out within one team in a match without providing information away to the opponent. The benefit in line-out comes from knowing earlier how the throw will be made.

Lock - This term signifies the players wearing shirts numbers 4 and 5. Locks are extremely tall, athletic and have a great standing jump along with excellent strength. This makes them the first targets at line-outs. They also form good ball carriers, knocking holes in the defense around the ruck and maul.

Loose Arms - An offense is done by the hooker if he/she does not set into the scrum with both arms around the prop's neck and front row onward.

Loose Balls  - During a play when the ball is not carried by a player and not being scrimmaged.

Loose Forward - This refers to the playing position in which one of several forwards who play behind or sides of the scrum and who are not bound completely into it.

Loose Head - A team given a scrum because of a mistake by the other team is awarded the loosehead and feed of that scrum. The "loosehead" denotes that the prop closest to the player who feeds the scrum (puts the ball in) will be a team member.

M

Mark - An action wherein a player standing inside his twenty-two-meter line takes a forward kick by an opponent and shouts "mark", entitling himself to a free kick

Maul - It is all about physical power and strength. When approx. three players from either side are facing each other, challenging the player with the ball, moving towards a goal line. However, the maul is different from the ruck as the ball remains in hand, not on the ground.

Medical Joker - When any professional rugby club signs a player as an injury replacement. This phrase is derived from the French joker médical and usually connected with France's top league.

Mismatch - Refers to a condition in a game wherein a back is one-on-one with a forward. This is useful for the attacking side, since forwards are very slow to stop backs, and backs are very small to stop forwards.

Mulligriber - A style of kick, which is directed towards the ground and gets a bounce. Often applied in a condition where either the ball has to be placed in a particular position (i.e. on the try line) or to purposely stop the opposition from being able to catch the ball on the full.

Mutual Infringement - This refers to the reason for the play's stoppage, which is not the fault of either team.

N

No Side - An outdated phrase used for describing the end of the match. Outdated by full time.

North - Before professionalism in rugby union, players would usually convert to rugby league — which was a rewarded sport — thus becoming not qualified to play rugby union again.

Not Straight - Call by the referee when a lineout throw or the supplying of the ball into the scrum is incorrectly towards the team in possession, stopping any competition for the ball. It is penalized by resetting the set-piece and give possession of the ball to the other team.

Number 8 - Players who wear shirts number 8. This position is known only by the shirt number of the player. Number eight should have excellent strategic awareness to coordinate scrums and ruck moves with the scrum-half.

O

Obstruction - Offense whereby a player intentionally impedes another team player who does not have the ball.

Offload - When a player holding the ball is overcast by the opposition, however, he/she manages to pass the ball to a team member before the complete tackle.

Off-Load Pass - When a player made a short pass before he tackled or reaches the ground. The player usually turns his/her face towards a team member and tossing the ball into the air to catch.

Offside - An imaginary line is present during rucks, scrums, lineouts, and mauls, above which any player crossing before the set-piece, commits a penalty.

On Side - This refers to the position when a player is behind the related offside line for the particular phase of play. Onside players generally take an active part in the game.

On The Full - When the ball is kicked into touch with no initial bounce inside playing field it is called the ball is kicked into touch on the full. A player receiving the ball after a kick before it bounces has caught it on the full.

Open Side - It is the opposite of the blindside (the narrow part of the pitch regarding a scrum or a breakdown in play). It is the other side, in which 'Open' means unimpeded.

Out of Play - Not in a situation to be officially or feasibly played.

Overlap - The situation in a match when there are more attacking players (usually backs) on one side of the field as compare to the defending players.

Overload - When the player's body is adjusted to the training stress when worked harder than normal or longer than normal. 

P

Pack - Another name was given to the forward's players, especially when they are bound for a scrum.

Pass - When a player transfers a ball to a team member by throwing it.

Penalised - To subject to a penalty, this perhaps awarded if the rules are broken in the game. The referee usually blows the whistle to stop play except the non-offending team get an advantage from what you did.

Penalty - Punishment is given for a violation of game law or rule. The referee generally blows the whistle to discontinue play unless the non-offending team has benefited from what they did.

Penalty kick - If any of the team commits a penalty violation the opposition can take the choice of a place kick at goal from where the violation occurred (or, if the offense take place when a player was in the course of kicking the ball, the non-offending team can choose to take the kick from where the ball landed which perhaps more beneficial). This is known as a penalty kick. A successful penalty kick can worth three points.

Penalty Try - This is announced when the referee thinks a team illegally prevented a try from possibly being scored. From 2018, it scores an instant seven points, with no change having to be taken.

Phase - This refers to the time duration a ball is in play between breakdowns. For instance, the primary phase would be winning the ball at the lineout and passing to a center who is tackled. The next phase would be winning the ball back from the consequent breakdown and attacking yet again.

Pills - A small circular or rounded mass of medicine or vitamins, which player swallow without chewing.

Pitch - This is called the rugby playing field or paddock. It is the playing surface, which is exclusively covered with grass. The markings and dimensions of a rugby playing pitch are defined in Section 1 of the Laws of the Game.

Place Kick - A kicking style generally used when teams have the chance to kick for points at goal. There are two situations when players can take place kick i.e. for penalties (three points) and conversions (two points).

Play Area - The area surrounded by, but not including, the touchlines and dead-ball lines.

Playing field - Also called a pitch or paddock, which is the playing area for the rugby, exclusively covered with grass. This area is bounded by, but not include, the touchlines and dead ball lines.

Pop Pass - Generally, short passes where the player "hangs" the ball in the gap for the receiver to run on to it. Often the player with the ball already drawn away from his opposite players, making space for his team-member to create the break.

Prop - Refers to a forward at both ends of the front row of a scrum.

Puma - Refers to the South African Rugby union team, which contest in the First Division of the 2012 Currie Cup. The team gets their players from Mpumalanga Province and plays at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, having before played at the Puma Stadium in Witbank.

Punters - A special player who gets the snapped ball straight from the scrimmage line and then punts (kicks) the ball to the other team to limit any field place advantage. Punters may even occasionally involve in fake punts in those same conditions when they throw or run the ball rather than punting.

Pushover Try - When a try scored by the forward pack as an entity in a scrum by pushing the other side's scrum pack backward crossways the try line while dragging the ball below them. Generally scored from a five-meter scrum, the try is often given when the number 8 or scrum-half touches the ball down later than it crosses the try line.

R

Red Card - This card signifies that a player has been sent off and cannot take part in the game further. During international games, a player who did an offense under Law 9 – Foul Play showed a red card. Red cards are generally given for serious offenses.

Red Zone - This term is used by coaches for describing the area of the field between the try line and around 22 meters out, wherein it is most likely a try perhaps scored or conceded.

Restart - When a player takes a kick from the center line after the opponent has scored points.

Round the Corner Kicking - A style of placekicking wherein the kicker approaches the ball from an angle and swings his kicking leg in an arc, rather than facing straight toward the goal-posts. It was initially credited to Wilf Wooler in the 1930s.

Ruck - It is formed when a player is tackled, goes to ground and frees the ball. Both the teams – with their players still on their feet – will try to get the ball while it is free on the ground by driving over the ball to make it accessible for their team-member, who usually following up behind. Players can even try to free the ball from opponents by scraping at the ball with their feet, called ‘rucking’.

Rugger - An informal phrase used for the game.

Ruggerbugger - This term in the dictionary refers to a male follower of rugby culture. A dated phrase used to describe an individual who played rugby.

RWC - Acronym for the Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition for men.

S

Scrum - Called scrummage, a method to restart play in rugby football. It engages players packing closely together with their heads down and trying to get possession of the ball. It is used after an accidental violation or when the ball has gone out of play. In rugby union, it involves two teams' eight forwards, with each team binding in three rows.

Scrum down - The scrum is a way to restart play after a violation of rules and is formed by eight players per side (the forwards), who ‘scrum down’ to create the scrum before the ball is placed in. It is the responsibility of the ‘hooker’ at the front to manage the ball within the scrum.

Scrum Half - This refers to the key player of the scrum. He/she generally throws the ball into the scrum, progresses to the hindmost foot of the scrum, picks the ball up, and passes out to the fly-half who then transfers the ball to the backline. Once the scrum-half picks the ball up, the opponent may fight for the ball and try to tackle whichever player is in possession.

Selector - Someone responsible to choose players for a team. Usually, this phrase is used in the context of team selection for a national, county, state or local representative side, wherein the selector, or "selection panel", take action under the right of the applicable national or local administrative body.

Set Piece - This refers to a condition when the ball is returned to open play, for instance following a stoppage, especially in a forward area of the field. Also known as, set play.

Seven - Rugby union's variant invented in Scotland and played with a total of seven players. It includes three forwards and four backs. Each half usually lasts only seven minutes, however, it can be extended. The lack of players generally results in a free-flowing game.

Shoeing - A ruck commonly forms at the breakdown over the players present in the tackle. Where players present on the ground on the other side of the ruck do not move away instantly, players on their feet perhaps tempted to "help" them move by pushing them away with their shoes. This potentially risky act is against the law and if done intentionally (or recklessly) may cause penalties and yellow or red cards.

Short Arm Penalty - Awarded for the technical offense done by the opposing team such as numbers at the line out or time-wasting at a scrum. In this penalty, a free kick is awarded, however, if they kick for touch the opposition gets the throw-in.

Sipi Tau - A Tongan war dance carried out by the Tonga national team earlier than their international matches.

Siva Tau - This refers to a Samoan war dance executed by the Samoa national team earlier than their international matches.

Six Nations - This competition takes place yearly, which involves the European, teams England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each country has to play the other five once.

Spear Tackle - An unsafe tackle wherein a player is picked up by the tackler and rotated so that they are upside down. After that, the tackler drops or drives the player into the field generally head, neck or shoulder initially.

Springboks - Name given to the South African national rugby union team. It is the national team of a country governed by the South African Rugby Union.

Static Passing - Passing even as in a stationary position. 

Stellenbosch Law - This refers to a rugby union's set of experimental laws considered by World Rugby, at that time called the International Rugby Board (IRB), from 2006 through 2008. The trials finished in late 2008, with the International Rugby Board picking to accept roughly half of the proposed changes.

Strike - Trying to secure possession of the ball, generally by heeling it, in a scrum.

Super 14 - A round-robin contest in which each team plays with every other team once, with six or seven home matches and six or seven away matches.

Switch - A simple adjustment of direction: a player locating on one side of a scrum, ruck or maul gets the ball and then passes it to others on the opposite side.

T

Tackle - It occurs when one or more opponent players [tackler(s)] grab the player with the ball and succeed in bringing/pulling him/her to ground and holding them there. Once briefly seized, the tackler(s) must free the tackled player who must then him/herself right away free or try to pass the ball so that play can carry on.

Take - A well-performed catch of a kicked ball.

Tap kick - Usually, at the time of a penalty kick or free-kick, the attacking players make a line behind their kicker. When signaled, the players charge ahead. After that, the kicker tap-kicks the ball and passes to one of the players behind.

Tap penalty - Often taken instantly to exploit lack of organization in the opponent's retreating defense, is where a player falls the ball onto his foot and kicks it up into his arms (or puts it on the field and kicks it a little distance before taking it up again) and then takes the ball onward.

Tap Tackle - It is executed when a defending player is not able to get closer to the ball carrier, however, he can dive at the other player's feet and, with extended arm, deliver a tap or hook to the player's foot (or feet) that causes the player to stumble.

Ten - It is a variation of rugby union wherein teams include ten players, usually five forwards and five backs. Matches are very shorter, generally played as two ten-minute halves. Also called ten-a-side and Xs.

Ten Meter Law - An offside's form intended to stop injury to a defending player who tries to catch a ball, which has been kicked forward by the attacking side.

Test - The term specifically used for matches between two national teams.

Test Match - An international rugby union matches generally contested between two senior national teams with full (Test) status.

Tight Five - In a rugby union scrum, this term refers to the five non-loose forwards.

Tighthead - This refers to the position which is to the right of the hooker with his head placed between the opponent hooker and the opponent loosehead prop. The main role of a prop is to offer stability at the scrum and support the hooker to quickly win the ball.

TMO - Stands for Television match official usually called the video referee, who monitors the match in television-recorded matches.

Touch - The outside area which includes the two touch-lines. Touch-lines are generally not part of the playing area as they are part of touch. The ball, and players with the ball, is not considered to be in touch until he/she touches the floor.

Touch Down - This term generally describes grounding the ball by the defensive team in their in-goal.

Touch Judge - One of the officials whose responsibility is to monitor the touch-line in a match. He can raise a flag if the ball (or player with the ball) goes into touch. Touch judges even stand behind the posts to verify that a goal has been scored subsequent a penalty kick or conversion of a try.

Touching the Ball - Five points are given for touching the ball down in the goal area of another team.

Touch-in-Goal - Generally refers to the sides of the in-goal areas. Any of the four regions of a rugby field back of the goal lines extended and outside of the touch-in-goal lines.

Touchline - Either of the lines, which bound the long sides of the rugby playing field.

Tri Nations - The annual contest between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa's men's national rugby team.

Truck and Trailer - A colloquial phrase for an accidental obstacle. "Truck and trailer" take place when a player with the ball leaves a maul, along with one or more of his team member. Usually, if players leave maul with one or more running before the ball carrier, denying the opponent a prospect to tackle or compete for the ball, it’s an obstacle. The player with the ball is the trailer and the obstructing players are said to be the truck.

Try - Refers to the Holy Grail of rugby and worth 5 points for the team! A player grounds the ball on or at the back of the other team's goal line.

Try Line - The goal line is generally called the "try line" though that phrase does not mention in the Laws of the Game. Straight white lines one at both the end extending across the whole width of the pitch passing straight through the goalposts, defining the boundary between the "field of play" and the "in-goal". 

Tunnel - The gap formed between the front rows in a scrum or the gap formed between the two lines of forwards in a lineout.

Turnover - When one side takes possession of the ball, mainly at the breakdown, they are said to have turned the ball over to the opponent. This can take place as defending players stealing the ball from a lonely attacker, counter rucking, a knock-on, a cut off a pass or the ball not rising from a maul (in which the referee gives the scrum feed to the opponent).

Twenty Metre Restart - It is awarded when the ball was caught on the full in the in-goal region by the defending team member.

Twenty Two Metre Drop-Out - A dropkick taking place from behind the twenty two meter line if a team touches down in its in-goal region but did not take the ball over the try line, or if the ball is kicked above the dead ball line from any other play except the kick-off. The ball merely has to cross the line, but if the ball goes straight into touch a scrum is given to the receiving team at the center-point of the twenty-two meter line.

U

Uncontested Scrum - A scrum wherein the team throwing-in gets possession without competition, with neither team being permitted to push from the mark.

Union - Another phrase used to describe the most popular form of rugby, which includes 15, 10, or 7 players per side. The local, regional, or national organizing committee for rugby games is also often known as a union.

Unload the Tackle - Getting off another team player after making a tackle.

Up and Under - A planned kick popped extremely high but not far, permitting the kicker and supporting players to come underneath it easily. The kick is planned to put great pressure on opponents trying to catch the ball. Also known as a Garryowen.

Upright Tackle - A tackle in rugby league is believed to be inclusive when the elbow of the arm holding the ball touches the ground, or the player is held in an upright tackle. The ball cannot be moving forward and a play-the-ball or handover must occur.

Use it or Lose it - When a maul discontinues moving onward the referee will usually shout "use it or lose it" to the team, which has the ball. This means this team must pass the ball within 5 seconds. If they are unable to do so, the referee will call a scrum and the team not having the ball at the start of the maul will be given the feed.

V

Video Referee - Television match official (TMO), generally known as the video referee. This person monitors the match in television recorded matches and could be called upon by the referee if he is in doubt of the result of a rugby situation.

Voluntary Tackle - This situation occurs when a player having the ball stops play without being tackled

W

Wallaby - Represent the Australia national rugby union team. It is the envoy national team in the sport of rugby union for the nation of Australia. The team initially played at Sydney in 1899, winning their initial test match against the opponent British Isles team.

Weak Side - Also known as the Blindside, from a set-piece, ruck or maul, the short side of the field. 

Webb Ellis Trophy - This trophy is named in the remembrance of William Webb Ellis, who is generally credited as the inventor of rugby football. It is awarded to the winner of the men's Rugby World Cup, the leading contest in the international rugby union of men.

Wheel - A scrum, which has turned through 90 degrees or more is said to have "wheeled". The referee usually calls the scrum to be reset, with the ball being rotated over if the attacking team is believed to have been intentionally or frequently wheeling the scrum.

William Webb - An English Anglican clergyman who is believed to be an inventor of rugby football in 1823.  According to history, William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it during a school football game in 1823, therefore formed the 'rugby' style of play. 

Wings - Generally refers to the quickest players in the team and are indefinable runners who use their speed to avoid tackles.

X

XY - Refers to the first fifteen selected players of a rugby club or team. A team might even use XV in their name, pronounced as fifteen.

Y

Yellowcard - World Rugby Law defines that any player who commends an offense under Law 9 – Foul Play showed a yellow card and suspended from the match for ten minutes; in this period the player cannot be replaced too. Receiving this card is generally called being sent to the "sin bin".

Z

Zero Tackle - It is a rule which describes if the defensive team 'knocks on' or touches the ball when it is in the air, and the ball is quickly received by the attacking team, the referee might choose to restart the tackle count in place of awarding a scrum; called the zero tackle rule as the subsequent tackle is counted as 'tackle zero' and not the general 'tackle one'.

Run at Doncaster the Sky Bet Chase (registered as the Great Yorkshire Chase) is a Listed Handicap run over 3m.

The 2019 Sky Bet Chase produced a decisive result when the ever prominent Go Conquer beat his rivals by an impressive six lengths. The runner-up (Monbeg River), the third (Calipto) and the sixth (Dingo Dollar) from that race all reoppose again this year.

Trainer Alan King has a fine record in this race in recent years, winning it twice with Ziga Boy in 2016 and 2017. This year he saddles Dingo Dollar, Azzerti and Good Man Pat.

 

Sky Bet Chase: Trends

• Age - 9 of the last 10 winners were aged between 7 & 9.
• Weight - 9 of the last 10 winners carried 11-02 or less.
• Official Rating - 9 of the last 10 winners were rated 145 or less.
• Recent Runs - 8 of the last 10 winners finished in the first 3 in 1 of their last 2 starts.
• Last Time Out - All of the last 10 winners came here with a break of at least 25 days.
• Season Runs (Since November 1st) - All of the last 10 winners had between 1 & 3 runs.
• Distance - 9 of the last 10 winners had previously won over 3 miles or further.
• Price - The average winning SP in the last 10 renewals is 9/1 in horse racing odds.
• Favourites - Only two favourites have won in the last 10 renewals.
• Irish Bred – 6 of the last 10 winners were bred in Ireland.

Fourteen runners go to post on Saturday and here is our runner-by-runner guide:

Ok Corral (Nicky Henderson)

Last season's Hampton Novices' Chase winner will need to put a disappointing run in the Ladbrokes Trophy behind him if he is to figure under joint-top weight here.

The ten-year-old is reunited with his winning jockey from last January, Derek O’Connor.

Calipto (Venetia Williams)

Venetia Williams has never won this race but she will be hoping to remedy that with Calipto, who was a decent third in this contest last year.

Since accounting for Black Corton in last year’s Swinley Chase he has failed to sparkle in his two runs since, but may have just needed his Chepstow return.

Dingo Dollar (Alan King)

Dingo Dollar was went off the favourite for this race last year but could only manage sixth place and he is well fancied again this term.

He ran with credit to finish fifth behind De Rasher Counter, beaten just over eight lengths in the Ladbrokes Trophy and is probably King’s number one here.

Burbank (Nicky Henderson)

The Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding was a nine-length winner of a novice handicap chase at Newbury last month and looks a very interesting prospect going forward.

He has as an entry in the Golden Miller at The Festival after this so is worth watching out for.

Cobra De Mai (Dan Skelton)

7lb claimer William Marshall takes the ride on this Skelton runner which for many is a tip in itself for the eight-year-old, who has been the subject of a famous horse racing gamble this week.

His bare form figures don’t look like anything to write home about but he is very well handicapped in this heat.

Quarenta (Jonjo O’Neill)

The Jonjo’s team up here with the rather quirky Quarenta who was last seen finishing a close head second to Just A Sting at Kempton.

He will almost certainly see out the trip and will not be inconvenienced by the going either.

Solomon Grey (Dan Skelton)

Finished tailed-off in 1965 Chase won by Cyrname at Ascot last time but this is a more realistic target for the consistently placed grey.

The step up in trip may be of some concern however.

Azzerti (Alan King)

Azzerti made a winning reappearance when just edging out Chef d'Equipe in a ding-donger at Newbury and ran a reasonable enough race in the Ascot Silver Cup last time.

Jockey Adrian Heskin regularly goes well on these McNeill family horses and a big run is expected on Saturday.

Looksnowtlikebrian (Tim Vaughan)

He looked to have a big future in staying handicaps after he scooted up at Carlisle in November 2018 but has failed to show anything like that form since.

He has the potential to be a sleeping giant in this field but he needs to bounce back very quickly.

Good Man Pat (Alan King)

This horse featured in quite a few “horses to follow” guides a couple of seasons ago and the seven-year-old might just have his optimum conditions at Doncaster this weekend.

His fourth to Militarian and Ascot was highly encouraging and the 7lb jockey allowance that will be coming off his back will be highly advantageous too.

Chidswell (Nicky Richards)

A veteran performer who still appears to be at the top of his game after finishing runner-up in a competitive Veterans’ Chase at Kelso last time.

He was the winner of the 888sport Grimthorpe Chase here last season, accounting easily for Dingo Dollar, so has to be taken very seriously. Champion jumps jockey “elect”, Brian Hughes takes the ride.

Ravenhill Road (Sue Smith)

Winner of an eight-runner handicap at Haydock last time by two lengths from Gold Opera and comes into this race on a very attractive weight.

Danny Cook and Sue Smith have been firing in plenty of winners of late and Smith won this race in 2018 with Wakanda.

Fingerontheswitch (Neil Mulholland)

He was successful just a fortnight ago in a trappy event at Kempton, scoring by 10 lengths from Touch Kick.

The ten-year-old has races 42 times under Rules, winning 8 of them, and cannot be dismissed lightly.

Monbeg River (Martin Todhunter)

The eleven-year-old is a prominent front runner who tends to run pretty well after a fairly long break.

On this occasion he has had 90 days off and will be hoping to go one better than last year when he finished a gallant runner-up to Go Conquer.

Sky Bet Chase: Prediction

This is a thoroughly open renewal of the Great Yorkshire Chase and the market is full of each-way value in my opinion.

I really believe Good Man Pat (nap) can come of age in this race and Alexander Thorne (7) is a very promising conditional jockey.
Chidswell (nb) won the Grimthorpe Chase here over a further distance than this and must come into the reckoning.

888sport suggests: Good Man Pat and Chidswell (e/w)

 

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Darron Cummings / AP Photo*

The FA Cup Fourth Round doesn’t have the same reputation for upsets as the Third Round, but maybe it should do.

Although the teams from the Premier League and Championship have already played a round, and a lot of the lower sides have been knocked out, the potential is still there for a shock or two.

FA Cup betting is a tricky business. Sometimes rotation can provide a curveball, sometimes the fancied team just aren’t at the races.

Often the underdogs have defied the odds in the Third Round and throw themselves into their Fourth Round matchup with confidence they can do it again. Predicting the FA Cup is never easy.

The five matches below are some of the greatest Fourth Round shocks in the history of the FA Cup, and one unlucky manager is on the list twice…

Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City (2015)

Chelsea going up 2-0 at Stamford Bridge used to mean game over. Most Premier League sides are out of it at that stage.

Bradford, a League One side, weren’t going down without a fight. They scored four goals, including three in the final 15 minutes, to stun Jose Mourinho’s side.

Given that Chelsea were en route to the Premier League title and named a very experienced side, this ranks as one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history.

The Stamford Bridge faithful were left in shock. Bradford, meanwhile, were jubilant, and went on to beat Sunderland in the Fifth Round.

Even for a club always associated with drama, this was a shocking day in Chelsea’s history.

Newport County 2-0 Middlesbrough (2019)

Newport County snatched a replay from the jaws of defeat at the Riverside.

Former Boro academy player Matthew Dolan scored an equaliser in the 93rd minute to take the tie back to Rodney Parade, a venue that has unsettled plenty of higher level opposition over the years and hosted a cupset in the Third Round against Leicester.

Newport outplayed Boro and were well-deserving of their eventual 2-0 win through second-half goals from Robbie Willmott and Padraig Amond.

The pair of shock wins were extremely lucrative for the League Two side, who almost dropped out of the Football League in 2017 and reformed as recently as 1989.

A 4-1 defeat to Manchester City followed in the next round for Newport, but they kept Pep Guardiola’s side quiet for 51 minutes and were in the game until Phil Foden made it 2-0 in the 75th minute.

Norwich City 0-1 Luton Town (2013)

Recent history wasn’t on Luton’s side as they travelled to Carrow Road in 2013. No non-league team had knocked top-flight opposition out of the FA Cup since 1989, when Sutton United toppled Coventry City.

Only six years before this meeting, Luton and Norwich were playing each other in the Championship, but financial issues and a streak of relegations saw Luton drop down to the Conference.

Harry Kane had chances for the Canaries in the first half, though the hosts struggled to play with any fluency. Chris Hughton chucked Grant Holt on at half-time, the threat of a replay scaring a team in a bitter relegation battle.

As Norwich chased the game, opportunities opened up for the visitors, however, and Scott Rendell scored late on to secure an historic victory.

Manchester City 0-2 Middlesbrough (2015)

For the second season on the bounce, Manchester City were knocked out by Championship opponents as they lost 2-0 at home to Middlesbrough in 2015.

Aitor Karanka’s Boro boasted the best defensive record in the Championship at the time and were resolute against a talented City team.

Both of Boro’s goals came after half-time with then Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford capitalising on sloppy defensive play and Kike securing the tie in added time. Frank Lampard struck the post for City and Tomas Mejias pulled off several superb saves.

Few sports betting experts will have tipped Boro to win at the Etihad, but they stuck to their gameplan and deserved victory against a City team that were vulnerable defensively.

 

AFC Wimbledon 4-2 West Ham United (2019)

The second time Manuel Pellegrini appears on this list, AFC Wimbledon’s positive approach was rewarded with the greatest day in the club’s history in the fourth round of the 2018/19 FA Cup.

West Ham’s first half was abysmal. Wimbledon, bottom of League One, were 2-0 up at the break and quickly made it three after. Pellegrini, evidently furious with his team, made three changes at half-time.

Two of them, Lucas Perez and Felipe Anderson, scored in the second half, pulling it back to 3-2. It wasn’t to be for the Hammers, though, as Toby Sibbick made it 4-2 in the final minutes to secure the most improbable for wins.

While the result was wonderful for Wimbledon, some could West Ham’s approach to this match to argue that the FA Cup is struggling.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Tim Ireland / AP Photo*