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Rugby, like all ball
sports, can be affected by the weather tremendously; however,
it's very unlikely that a game will be called off. The most likely affect
will be on the way the game is played and the tactics used
by the teams.
Wind
The design of rugby stadiums can play a part in the impact
of the weather. The wind can come into the stadium and buffet
off the stands and blow the ball around. This may not only
affect the handling abilities of the players, and demand more
skill, but it could also affect the tactics of the match.
If its particularly strong, teams are likely to choose to
play into the wind in the first half and then use it to their
advantage in the latter stages of the game to kick the ball
further.
Kicking at goal will
be made harder as well, and the players will have to take
note of the way the wind is blowing as it will affect which
direction to aim in, and how hard the ball needs to be kicked
Rain
The main impact of rain during a rugby game will be the affect
on the pitch. A lot of the bigger clubs will have underground
draining systems so the surface doesn't get too wet and covered
in puddles. However, if the rain's extremely heavy, or the
club doesn't have such a system in place, conditions under
foot can be quite tricky. Even with studded boots, getting
good grip on the ground will be harder with more rain. Also,
if the ground is quite soft, it will slow the players down,
and also tire them out quicker.
Rain can affect visibility while playing
Visibility on the pitch
is likely to be affected by the rain. The heavier it is the
harder it will be to see. This will change the way the game
is played as players won't be able to see their team mates
as well. Long passes or kicks are likely to be reduced, and
short passes will most likely be the norm. Kicking at goal
is going to be affected too, because if the rain's really
bad, it will be harder to see the posts.
If the players get
particularly wet, they're going to get colder too, and with
that is the risk of their body temperature cooling. While this may not be a problem the majority of times
however on a harsh winter's day
in the UK that could lead to illness, cramp, or other more
serious injuries.
Sun
The glare of the sun can also affect the game. If it shines
into the eyes of the players they may temporarily not be able
to see their team mates, so increases the margin of error
when passing. It can however be used as an advantage, by confusing
or off-putting the opposition, especially with things like
chip-kicks.
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