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History of rugby video games: 2011-present

Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge (Sidhe, Tru Blu Entertainment) – 2011:

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This was the first arrival of rugby onto the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 consoles. It was met with a largely positive reception with the fluid gameplay, in particular, being highly praised. The game was clearly short on detail, however, many of the player graphics were well off the desired effect and certain refereeing decisions gave the wrong outcome.

Rugby World Cup 2011 (HB Studios, 505 Games) – 2011

Opposed to the simulation-style game released the same year, this title was much more styled as an arcade game. It was designed to be easy pick-up-and-play that used much of the gameplay style used in EA Sports ‘Rugby’ series. The biggest issue this game had was the lack of game modes and expansion, which made the full price hard to justify.

Rugby Challenge 2: The Lions Tour Edition (Sidhe, Tru Blu Entertainment) – 2013

A marginal advancement on the previous game, this sequel received largely negative reviews, however, the career mode and the inclusion of the British and Irish Lions tour were seen as a major improvement.

Rugby 15 (HB Studios, Bigben Interactive/Maximum Games) – 2014

Not much needs to be said about this game, other than IGN referring to it as an “utter disaster” and Official Xbox Magazine describing it as “easily the worst sports game we’ve played.”

Rugby World Cup 2015 (HB Studios, Bigben Interactive/Plug In Digital) – 2015

Similar to the previous world cup game, this edition was seen to be very bare in terms of actual gameplay features, and only a minor improvement on the previous year’s Rugby 2015 title.

Rugby Challenge 3 (Wicked Witch Software, Tru Blu Entertainment) – 2016

This was the third instalment in the series, with updated graphics for the new generation of consoles released at the time.
It made a significant step forward with the introduction of Rugby Sevens into the franchise for the first time, however, this edition no longer had licences for the Top 14 or the Pro 12.

Rugby 18 (Eko Software, Bigben Interactive) – 2017

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Described by Games Radar as a ”woefully inadequate representation of one of the world’s most popular sports”, this was one title that did not live up to expectations. Despite the clear efforts to improve graphics and provide a hugely improved amount of licences, this game had gameplay levels that you would find disappointing on a Nintendo GameCube.

Rugby 20 (Eko Software, Nacon) – 2022

An improved game on its predecessor, Rugby 20 introduced the Six Nations Championship which should have given players hours of excitement if it weren’t for the severe lack of international licensing.

Rugby Challenge 4 (Wicked Witch Software, Tru Blu Entertainment) – 2020

This title was delayed for many months due to the Coronavirus pandemic, so when it was finally released it was met with much anticipation. The anticipation was partially rewarded with much-improved player graphics and licensing, but very much let down with the gameplay being essentially a copy and paste from the previous model.

Rugby 22 (Eko Software, Nacon) – 2022

Widely regarded as the most complete rugby game we’ve seen since 2008. Despite missing some major licenses, Rugby 2022 provides the most lifelike game of rugby we have seen on consoles. The ability to control pods to build phases leads to some very satisfying scores.
There are of course glitches and issues that you would expect without the backing of a big budget you may get from the likes of EA Sports, but certainly an improvement on what we’ve seen before.

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O
Oh no, not him again? 2 hours ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
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TRENDING Everyone is saying the same thing after agonising England loss Everyone is saying the same thing after agonising England loss
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