© Getty Mako Vunipola Editor’s note: The opinions in this article are the author’s, as published by our content partner, and do not necessarily represent the views of MSN or Microsoft.
There are few better sights in world sport than a big forward rumbling over the try line and looking around in disbelief.
Don't just take our word for it:
For decades, maybe even centuries, the prevailing wisdom in rugby has been that the forwards will win you the ball, and backs will win you the game. Or, as former Welsh Rugby Union president and late war hero Sir Tasker Watkins put it:
"In 1823, William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball in his arms and ran with it. And for the next 156 years forwards have been trying to work out why."
Haka challenges: seven top responses to the All Blacks ritual
England have been fined for crossing the halfway line in their response to New Zealand's haka before last week's Rugby World Cup semi-final.The ninth Rugby World Cup is being held in Japan from Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, 2019. A total of 20 teams, including New Zealand, Japan, England, Australia and France, have qualified. Here is a look at some of the best photos from the tournament so far.
England vs South Africa Rugby World Cup final talking points. From increased expectancy to the return of Cheslin Kolbe and a vital set -piece battle , here's our comprehensive preview of Saturday's World Cup final between England and South Africa in Yokohama
Saturday's final between England and South Africa , who among those teams are most equipped to come out on top of what will be an intensely bruising battle England 's appearance in the final marks the first time in competition history that a team which was eliminated in the group stages four years
As the 2019 Rugby World Cup is coming to its gripping conclusion, the wisdom of the past is firmly being challenged, and it's the pack up forward that's proving critical to putting the points on the board.
Signs of the change have been present for a while, but have increasingly sped into focus. Before this World Cup, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen pulled a selection surprise, omitting stalwart prop Owen Franks, citing the change of forward play and the increased need for mobility for his omission.
"Unfortunately as the three selectors, we believe the game requires us to have big, mobile number ones and number threes and in this case we feel the guys we've named are more so than [Franks], therefore we had to make a tough decision."
The changing game at World Cup time
Since the introduction of the Rugby World Cup in 1987, a curious phenomenon occurs at the biggest stage in rugby; forwards get over the try line more than at any other time between World Cups.
World Rugby reveals shortlist for IRP Try of the Year
The contenders for the International Rugby Players Try of the Year have been revealed, with the winner to be announced in Tokyo this Sunday.Three of the tries shortlisted were scored at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan with the other contender scored by Italy captain Sergio Parisse in their Test against Russia in August.
Rugby World Cup final : England v South Africa . South Africa head coach Ressie Erasmus expects winger Cheslin Kolbe to be available for Saturday's World Cup final England still massive favourites but a bit concerning on how overly confident people are and comments about huge margins!
England coach Eddie Jones has warned South Africa that Saturday's Rugby World Cup final is the game he has been planning for since he took control of the team in January 2016. The match at the 72,000-capacity Yokohama International Stadium is set to be the final match in charge for Erasmus
As a total percentage of tries, the forward eight score a far greater proportion of tries come World Cup time than they do during the major annual international competitions, namely the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship (and their predecessors).
This ticks down slightly when the RWC moves to the knockout stages, but still is up 4 per cent from the long term Six Nations/Rugby Championship average.
That change means forward play has become more important than just retaining possession and drawing penalties for kickers to gain a lazy three points — they are instead now being used as key attacking weapons.
Pictures: Best pictures from the 2019 Rugby World Cup
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The ninth Rugby World Cup is being held in Japan from Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, 2019. A total of 20 teams, including New Zealand, Japan, England, Australia and France, had qualified, with the final being played between England and South Africa. Here is a look at some of the best photos from the tournament so far.
At Rugby World Cup, South African Star Cherishes His Chance
Bongi Mbonambi was lying in bed at home in Cape Town in February 2018, thinking about the next day’s home opener in the Super Rugby league, when it happened. “About 4 or 5 in the morning, I had this sharp pain in my stomach and said to my wife, ‘Something’s wrong,’” Mbonambi said. “And it wouldn’t go away.”The pain was so bad he couldn’t stand up straight, and with good reason: He had a ruptured appendix. Surgery solved the immediate problem, but a few days later, he again told his wife, “Something’s wrong.”A CT scan showed that a complication in the operation had created a life-threatening problem in his intestines.
me that England have already been anointed champions - the World Cup final will be a dogfight But South Africa are formidable and have great togetherness in their camp The World Cup is littered with teams who failed to back up a huge performance
England 's Owen Farrell, Jonny May and Kyle Sinckler are all fit for Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against South Africa . Hang on to your seats, because it's the last dip of the rollercoaster." England produced what many critics described as the greatest performance in their history to see off three-time
(Pictured) New Zealand players perform the Haka dance before their third-place play-off against Wales on Nov. 1.
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Wales' Adam Beard (top L) during a lineout on Nov. 1.
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New Zealand's Ben Smith (C) in action before scoring their third try on Nov. 1.
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Wales' Josh Adams (R) evades New Zealand's Beauden Barrett on Nov. 1.
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New Zealand's Rieko Ioane (L) in action on Nov. 1.
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Wales' Tomos Williams (2nd L) in action with New Zealand's Liam Coltman (2nd R) on Nov. 1.
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Japan's former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko wave to the crowd on Nov. 1.
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Wales' Dan Biggar (L) tries to win the ball away from South Africa's Duane Vermeulen during their semifinal game in Yokohama on Oct. 27.
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South Africa's Faf de Klerk tries to make a run for it on Oct. 27.
Prince Harry lands in Tokyo without Meghan and baby son Archie and meets with boccia players ahead of the Rugby World Cup Final
The Duke of Sussex landed in Japan on Saturday without his wife, Meghan Markle, and their infant son, Archie, who both stayed behind in the United Kingdom.The Duke of Sussex landed in Japan on Saturday alone, having left his wife Meghan Markle at home with their infant son Archie.
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George North of Wales (C) gets into a tussle for the ball on Oct. 27.
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The players seen during a scrum on Oct. 27.
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Welsh fans show their support on Oct. 27.
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England players huddle after their win over New Zealand in the semifinal on Oct. 26.
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The New Zealand team performs the haka before their game against England on Oct. 26.
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England's Ben Youngs kicks the ball on Oct. 26.
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Players in action during a line out on Oct. 26.
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English players attempt to tackle New Zealand's Brodie Retallick (C) on Oct. 26.
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England's Sam Underhill (R) tackles New Zealand's Sevu Reece on Oct. 26.
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Wales' Liam Williams narrowly manages to kick the ball before being grappled by Maxime Médard of France during their quarterfinal game in Oita on Oct. 20.
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The two teams try to outpower each other in a scrum on Oct. 20.
'This is a stepping stone': Johnny Wilkinson praises England's Rugby World Cup performance but says it HAS to turn into something bigger
Johnny Wilkinson says England can take several positives out of the 2019 Rugby World Cup display despite falling short in the final against South Africa and challenged them to build greater success.Pictures: 100 best pictures from the 2019 Rugby World Cup
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Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa scores his team's first try against Japan during their quarterfinal game in Tokyo on Oct. 20.
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South Africa's Willie Le Roux gets into an aerial tussle with Japan's Michael Leitch on Oct. 20.
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South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi vies for the ball with Japan's Kotaro Matsushima on Oct. 20.
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Ireland's James Ryan is lifted to win a ball in lineout during the quarterfinal match between New Zealand and Ireland on Oct. 19.
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Ireland's Jacob Stockdale (L) in action on Oct. 19.
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New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga converts a try on Oct. 19.
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Ireland's Robbie Henshaw (R) is tackled by New Zealand's Sevu Reece on Oct. 19.
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New Zealand players perform the Haka before the game on Oct. 19.
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England's Maro Itoje (top, C) during a lineout in the game against Australia on Oct. 19.
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Australia's Kurtley Beale is chased by England's defenders on Oct. 19.
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England's Owen Farrell (C) scores a penalty on Oct. 19.
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Australia's Samu Kerevi (L) tries to evade a tackle on Oct. 19.
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England's Anthony Watson (L) in action on Oct. 19.
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Australia's Michael Hooper (C) runs as England defenders try to tackle him on Oct. 19.
Proud Mapimpi reflects on long journey to World Cup glory
An emotional Makazole Mapimpi said he had come a "long way" after the winger became the first South African to score a Rugby World Cup final try during the Springboks' 32-12 triumph over England on Saturday. South Africa's two previous World Cup successes, against New Zealand in 1995 and England 12 years later, had seen them kick all their points.Pictures: 100 best pictures from the 2019 Rugby World Cup 1/100 SLIDES © Peter Cziborra/Reuters South Africa defeated England 32-12 to win the ninth Rugby World Cup title. The tournament was held in Japan from Sept. 20 to Nov.
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England's Henry Slade is stopped by Australian players on Oct. 19.
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Rob Simmons of Australia makes his way onto the field against Georgia on Oct. 11.
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Giorgi Nemsadze of Georgia claims a lineout ball on Oct. 11.
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Australian and Georgian packs compete on Oct. 11.
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Australia's wing Marika Koroibete (C) runs to score a try on Oct. 11.
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Argentina's Santiago Carreras (C) in action against the U.S. on Oct. 9.
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Russia's Ramil Gaisin and Vladimir Ostroushko during the match against Scotland on Oct. 9.
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Wales' Wyn Jones enters the pitch before the match against Fiji on Oct. 9.
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Fiji's Semi Radradra in action on Oct. 9.
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Wales' Ross Moriarty during a lineout on Oct. 9.
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A general view during the match between South Africa and Canada on Oct. 8.
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South Africa's Cobus Reinach (C) scores a try on Oct. 8.
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The All-Blacks perform the Haka before their game against Namibia in Chofu on Oct. 6.
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Tjiuee Uanivi of Namibia and Shannon Frizell of New Zealand vie for the ball at a line out on Oct. 6.
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Team Japan and Samoa walk onto the pitch before their game in Toyota on Oct. 5.
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Team Samoa performs the Siva Tau prior to their match against Japan on Oct. 5.
Rugby World Cup 2019: Beaumont praises Japan after 'one of the greatest, if not the greatest' tournament
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont commended Japan for staging a tournament that "has changed the face of rugby forever".World Rugby opted to take the tournament to Asia for the first time with the aim of boosting the sport's popularity on the continent.
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Tevita Kuridrani of Australia dives to score a try against Uruguay in Oita on Oct. 5.
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Fiji's Waisea Nayacalevu tries to tackle Soso Matiashvili of Georgia in Higashi-osaka on Oct. 3.
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Fiji's Frank Lomani leaps for the ball during the game against Georgia on Oct. 3.
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England's George Ford (C) celebrates his try against Argentina in Chofu on Oct. 5.
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The All-Blacks perform the Haka prior to their game against Canada in Oita on Oct. 2.
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New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams reaches out to score a try in the game on Oct. 2.
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New Zealand's TJ Perenara drops the ball in the game on Oct. 2.
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French prop Cyril Baille is tackled by team U.S. during their game in Fukuoka on Oct. 2.
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France's Gaël Fickou reacts after scoring a try on Oct. 2.
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Dane Haylett-Petty of Australia goes over to score his team's second try during the group-stage match against Wales in Chofu on Sept. 29.
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David Pocock of Australia is tackled by Aaron Wainwright and Rhys Patchell of Wales on Sept. 29.
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Namibia's Desiderius Sethie is tackled by South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi during a Pool B game at the City in Toyota, Japan, on Sept. 28.
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Namibia's Tjiuee Uanivi (L) and South Africa's Lood de Jager compete for lineout ball on Sept. 28.
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Players of teams Japan and Ireland compete for a high ball during their group-stage match in Fukuroi on Sept. 28.
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Japan's players celebrate after defeating Ireland 19-12, on Sept. 28.
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Rob Kearney of Ireland is tackled by Japan's Amanaki Lelei Mafi on Sept. 28.
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Japan's Kenki Fukuoka scores a try against Ireland on Sept. 28.
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Argentina's Santiago Carreras and Tonga's Viliami Lolohea compete for the ball during the group-stage match in Higashiosaka on Sept. 28.
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Javier Ortega Desio of Argentina runs at the Tongan defense on Sept. 28.
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Tonga players perform the Sipi Tau dance prior to their group-stage match against Argentina on Sept. 28.
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Jonathan Joseph of England takes on AJ MacGinty of U.S. during a Group C game at Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe, Japan, on Sept. 26.
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England's Ruaridh McConnochie scores his sides fifth try on Sept. 26.
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Willi Heinz of England kicks the ball on Sept. 26.
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The U.S. and England players in action on Sept. 26.
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Tyler Ardron of Canada is tackled by Matteo Minozzi of Italy during their match in Fukuoka on Sept. 26.
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Italy's Braam Steyn powers through to score his team's first try of the match on Sept. 26.
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The players try to win a line out ball on Sept. 26.
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Canada's Peter Nelson takes a catch during the match on Sept. 26.
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Italy's Matteo Minozzi (L) collides with teammate Jayden Hayward on Sept. 26.
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Fiji's Mosese Voka gets tackled hard on Sept. 25.
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Russia's Vasily Dorofeev gets tackled by Samoa's Alapati Leiua during their match in Kumagaya, on Sept. 24.
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Samoa's Chris Vui is seen in a scrum on Sept. 24.
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Team Samoa perform the Siva Tau before the match on Sept. 24.
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Wales' Gareth Davies in action as they defeat Georgia 43-14 on Sept. 23.
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A general view of the pitch and crowd during a lineout as Wales take on Georgia on Sept. 23.
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Georgia's Gela Aprasidze in action against Wales on Sept. 23.
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Wales' George North scores their sixth try against Georgia on Sept. 23.
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Georgia's Beka Gorgadze in action during their pool match against Wales on Sept. 23.
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Georgia fans before the match against Wales on Sept. 23.
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England's Billy Vunipola blasts through the Tongan defense during their match in Sapporo on Sept. 22.
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England's Manu Tuilagi gestures after scoring his team's second try against Tonga on Sept. 22.
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Players from Tonga perform their traditional challenge of Sipi Tau prior to the match against England on Dec. 22.
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Scotland's Finn Russell grabs the ball during a match against Ireland in Yokohama on Sept. 22.
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Ireland's Conor Murray makes a run for it on Sept. 22.
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Italy's Maxime Mbanda gets tackled by Namibian lock Tjiuee Uanivi during their match in Osaka on Sept. 22.
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Italy's Luca Morisi tries to power through the Namibian defense on Sept. 22.
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New Zealand's Beauden Barrett (L) in action against South Africa on Sept. 21.
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South Africa's Lukhanyo Am tackles New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga on Sept. 21.
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South Africa's Faf de Klerk (C) in action against New Zealand on Sept. 21.
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Photographers capture the Haka performace on Sep. 21.
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French players applaud fans after defeating Argentina on Sept. 21.
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Pablo Matera of Argentina is tackled during a Group C game against France at Tokyo Stadium on Sept. 21.
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Players in action during the game between Argentina and France on Sept. 21.
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France fans cheer on the team on Sept. 21.
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France's Sébastien Vahaamahina (L) and Arthur Iturria (R) tackle Argentina's Jerónimo de la Fuente on Sept. 21.
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Marika Koroibete (C) of Australia is tackled by Semi Radradra and Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji during a Group D game at Sapporo Dome on Sept. 21.
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Fiji's Peceli Yato scores during the game against Australia on Sept. 21.
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The players of Fiji and Australia teams in action on Sept. 21.
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Fiji players perform the Cibi prior to their match against Australia on Sept. 21.
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Australian players huddle prior to their game against Fiji on Sept. 21.
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Japanese players bow after winning their first Pool A match against Russia at the Tokyo Stadium on Sept. 20.
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Japan's Timothy Lafaele celebrates with Lomano Lemeki after defeating Russia 30-10 on Sept. 20.
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South Africa's RG Snyman (C) is tackled by players of Namibia on Sept. 28.
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Dmitry Gerasimov of Russia is tackled by Shota Horie of Japan on Sept. 20.
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Russia's Nikita Vavilin in ball-in-hand action with Japan's Pieter Labuschagné tackling on Sept. 20.
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Japan's Isileli Nakajima in action with Russia's Andrei Ostrikov and Vasily Dorofeev on Sept. 20.
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Japan fans cheer during the match against Russia on Sept. 20.
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Japan's Ryohei Yamanaka is tackled by Russia's Dmitry Perov on Sept. 20.
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Kotaro Matsushima of Japan is challenged by Dmitry Gerasimov of Russia on his way to scoring his team's first try on Sept. 20.
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Japan's Michael Leitch in action during the opening match against Russia on Sept. 20.
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The Japan and Russia teams line up before the match on Sept. 20.
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A fireworks display during the opening ceremony at the Tokyo Stadium on Sept. 20.
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Fans pose outside the stadium on Sept. 20.
The Southern Hemisphere won the style battle
There's another shift that has made the packhorses up front more important — the severe decline in scores from penalties over time.
Despite the modern kicking style being pioneered by Irish flanker James Murphy-O'Connor in the 1940s and Australian fans being treated to the sight of lock John Eales stroking the ball over the bar in the early 90s, almost every kicker at international level is a back — usually a fly half.
Think Dan Carter or Johnny Wilkinson slotting three points from another post code. Accurate kickers with big boots are still key to winning rugby, just less than they used to be.
At the 2019 RWC there has been 2.8 tries for every penalty, aided by chaotic weather and wind conditions for much of the tournament. The torrid conditions for kicking has further emphases the importance of the lunks up front, but even looking at the non-RWC trends the tide is clearly changing.
The free-flowing rugby associated with nations from the Southern Hemisphere, who have been active in pursuing rule changes and innovations to promote fast play and try scoring, seem to be winning the stylistic fight in world rugby. Until recent years, far more penalties were kicked in the Six Nations, but particularly since the introduction of bonus points for more than four tries in a match, the number of tries has rocketed.
Come World Cup time, sides have always looked to get the ball down in the in-goal area as a preference, but this has significantly ticked up in recent years. At the same time, conversion rates for kickers hasn't significantly improved at the World Cup — symbolic of the high proportion of tries coming from wingers and the increase from forward play (often from set plays near the line).
The battle of the styles in the final
In the final, the two sides somewhat represent the stereotypes of their hemispheres — South Africa as the heaviest try scoring side, and Owen Farrell playing a large role with his mighty leg.
Both sides have a similar amount of tries from their forward pack (with South Africa slightly ahead), and both have been aggressive (especially against the Tier 2 nations) in seeking the try line.
But beyond the trend of the cup being won (and lost) on the backs of forwards, 2019 has also been the cup of the scrum-halves.
This World Cup has seen the highest proportion of tries coming from the number nine of any World Cup, rendering the position more important than ever. Beyond the increase in scoring, there's a vast difference in how different scrum-halves use the ball.
Springbok number nine Faf de Klerk has been more active in kicking the ball in hand than any other scrum-half in the tournament — indicating the Springboks' desire to gain territory first before attacking for the line later. The English side would be familiar with de Klerk's play, with the South African plying his trade with Sale Sharks since 2017.
This kick-first style was on show in the semi-final against Wales, where he recorded a massive 12 kicks against only 16 passes in the first half.
By contrast, long-term England scrum-half Ben Youngs is more of a distributor than anything else — willing to let Farrell on his outside do the bulk of the kicking when required. While not as kick-averse as Japan's Yutaka Nagare, the Leicester Tigers product has been far more willing to swing the ball to allow his outside backs the room to do damage, such as in setting up Tuilagi's try against New Zealand in the semi-final.
England aren't afraid to attack, and to use their loose forwards to attack with the ball in hand. Billy Vunipola and Tom Curry have been used by battering rams by England — running the ball a lot for a relatively low amount of territory. However, this work allows the English side to build a solid base to attack from.
In the most recent Six Nations, England racked up 24 tries — 10 more than the grand slam winning Wales side.
South Africa also aren't afraid to score, crossing for more tries than any other team in the 2019 Rugby Championship. However, a lot of the South African attacks with ball in hand have come from the backs, particularly Damien de Allende and Willie le Roux.
Given the difference in the way that the sides play, almost every result is on the table on Saturday night — making the game a must watch.
Mining magnate and Western Force backer Andrew Forrest wants heads to roll at Rugby Australia after the Wallabies unsuccessful World Cup campaign in Japan.The Wallabies were thumped 40-16 by England in the quarter-finals, continuing a bleak period for rugby in Australia both on and off the field. 
England have been fined for crossing the halfway line in their response to New Zealand's haka before last week's Rugby World Cup semi-final.The ninth Rugby World Cup is being held in Japan from Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, 2019. A total of 20 teams, including New Zealand, Japan, England, Australia and France, have qualified. Here is a look at some of the best photos from the tournament so far. 
The contenders for the International Rugby Players Try of the Year have been revealed, with the winner to be announced in Tokyo this Sunday.Three of the tries shortlisted were scored at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan with the other contender scored by Italy captain Sergio Parisse in their Test against Russia in August. 
Bongi Mbonambi was lying in bed at home in Cape Town in February 2018, thinking about the next day’s home opener in the Super Rugby league, when it happened. “About 4 or 5 in the morning, I had this sharp pain in my stomach and said to my wife, ‘Something’s wrong,’” Mbonambi said. “And it wouldn’t go away.”The pain was so bad he couldn’t stand up straight, and with good reason: He had a ruptured appendix. Surgery solved the immediate problem, but a few days later, he again told his wife, “Something’s wrong.”A CT scan showed that a complication in the operation had created a life-threatening problem in his intestines. 
The Duke of Sussex landed in Japan on Saturday without his wife, Meghan Markle, and their infant son, Archie, who both stayed behind in the United Kingdom.The Duke of Sussex landed in Japan on Saturday alone, having left his wife Meghan Markle at home with their infant son Archie. 
Johnny Wilkinson says England can take several positives out of the 2019 Rugby World Cup display despite falling short in the final against South Africa and challenged them to build greater success.Pictures: 100 best pictures from the 2019 Rugby World Cup 
An emotional Makazole Mapimpi said he had come a "long way" after the winger became the first South African to score a Rugby World Cup final try during the Springboks' 32-12 triumph over England on Saturday. South Africa's two previous World Cup successes, against New Zealand in 1995 and England 12 years later, had seen them kick all their points.Pictures: 100 best pictures from the 2019 Rugby World Cup 1/100 SLIDES © Peter Cziborra/Reuters South Africa defeated England 32-12 to win the ninth Rugby World Cup title. The tournament was held in Japan from Sept. 20 to Nov. 
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont commended Japan for staging a tournament that "has changed the face of rugby forever".World Rugby opted to take the tournament to Asia for the first time with the aim of boosting the sport's popularity on the continent. 
Forrest blames RA for Wallabies' Cup flop 
Haka challenges: seven top responses to the All Blacks ritual 
World Rugby reveals shortlist for IRP Try of the Year 
At Rugby World Cup, South African Star Cherishes His Chance 
Prince Harry lands in Tokyo without Meghan and baby son Archie and meets with... 
'This is a stepping stone': Johnny Wilkinson praises England's Rugby World Cup 
Proud Mapimpi reflects on long journey to World Cup glory 
Rugby World Cup 2019: Beaumont praises Japan after 'one of the greatest, if... 
