Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead: RUGBY

I've always enjoyed watching sports, no matter what the outcome. While in France, I've been introduced to 2 new sports practically unknown in the States: Handball and Rugby.

Handball was an interesting experience, but Rugby...

I had seen bits and pieces of the recent matches between Scotland and England and Scotland and Wales, but today was my first full-game experience. And it was awesome.

For those of you who are not in the know, Rugby is similar to American football, but there is no padding, the ball is bigger, and you are only allowed to pass backwards and kick forwards. Also, scrums are scary. Scratch that-- the whole game is slightly scary. Lots of hitting and tackling and hurling and trampling involved. Observe:

And below is an aforementioned scrum:

This game was extremely intense, and France ended up beating Ireland in their own stadium 25 to 22. It was really difficult to tell who was going to win until the very end, and both teams played admirably and suffered many broken noses and cuts and bruises.

Despite all the on-field violence, opposing fans are downright friendly with one another, as are the opposing players. Having so much agression concentrated on the field of play must aid in relieving the animosity everywhere else. That is just a theory. It has yet to be tested.

This is my first real experience with the game of Rugby, and it has converted me into a fan.

GO BLUE!!! (France, not Michigan)

ps: I think one of the reasons France won is because we have this guy:

His presence on the field is accompanied by boos from the fans of the opposing team. Why? Because there is no defeating Sebastian Chaval.

Update:

In other news, I am feeling much less sicky-icky and have a Valentine's Day special planned for all of you lovely people tomorrow.