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12 essential phrases for bluffing your way through the Rugby World Cup

Here’s how to blag your way into sounding like an expert.

WE ARE EIGHT days into the 2015 Rugby World Cup and it’s fair to say that the whole country is buzzing with excitement.

It’s near impossible to walk down the street and not a hear someone mention not only Joe and the lads, but all the upsets and tries we’ve witnessed so far.

But, what about those that don’t follow rugby – but would still like to join in a conversation in the pub or at the water-cooler for once?

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are a few key phrases that, if used at the right time, can make you sound like you know what you’re talking about.

(But if someone calls you on it, you’re on your own mate…)

1. “Dominating the breakdown will be crucial”

Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

The ‘breakdown’ is a term used for the period of open play after a tackle, before and during the ruck. You’ll hear referees, and probably a lot of people standing beside you, shouting things like “hands away” or protesting that someone is offside.

Once all the shouting and complaining has died down, hit them with this line.

2. “Ireland have to maintain their discipline”

Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

If Ireland are losing or in a close match, use this with gusto. And often.

 3. “Good hands”

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

This phrase is great because it can be used at any time. You could be talking about the person throwing the pass or the person catching it – it doesn’t matter.

Say this any time, really. Sprinke it throughout conversation.

4. “Have to get over the gain line”

The gain line is the line on a rugby field you are always attempting to cross. But you will never see it. Got it?

It basically comes into play during scrums, line-outs and breakdowns in play.

5. “The forwards will really need to front up”

“Jesus, we need the forwards to front up and gain a measure of superiority here.” This is a great line if Ireland are being overpowered in the scrum etc.

6. “Play the percentages”

James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

So, essentially what you’re saying here is that you think the team in question should play it safe. Take the points where they can get them, penalties etc, with the least amount of risk involved.

With that in mind, don’t go telling everyone that asks your opinion that Ireland should ‘play the percentages’.

Save it, you might be stuck for a line later in the tournament.

7. “The lineout is malfunctioning”

Inpho / Billy Stickland Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland

This is another handy one. Anytime Ireland fail to catch the ball from a lineout, especially if it’s their own, just claim it’s malfunctioning and they “need to sort it out.”

8. “You never know which France will turn up”

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Any mention of the French is inevitably accompanied by this phrase. Their maddening inconsistency is an accepted fact among all rugby fans so use this freely before, during and after all France games.

9. “Richie McCaw was born offside”

Inpho / Billy Stickland Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland

The All Blacks captain is well known for spending a lot of amount of time offside. Hence, he was “born offside.” Simple, right?

10. “We need to dominate them in the set piece”

Inpho / Billy Stickland Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland

This is similar to the lineout malfunctioning. This will come in useful for someone asking your opinion before or during a game. It’s a fairly general statement and they can’t really disagree with you.

11. “It will come down with snow on it”

Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

If you hear someone mention the term “Garryowen”, they’re referring to when a player kicks the ball relatively straight up into the air ahead of them so that their teammates can give chase and get under it before it comes down.

Depending on how high they kick it, this phrase is a generally a safe bet for a chuckle or two.

12. “HEEAAAAAVVVEEE”

Colm O'Neill / INPHO Colm O'Neill / INPHO / INPHO

Last, but not least, is this fun one.

If you have ever been to a rugby game, you will be familiar with “HEEEAAAAVVVEEE” echoing around you. You don’t even need to know when to use it. Once you hear people around you, join in and enjoy!

Got any more? Let us know down below in the comments…

Did you know? Despite the fact that only 20 countries compete in the Rugby World Cup, it is broadcast to a massive 207 Nations from every corner of the globe! Check out more facts just like these along with amazing offers that will help you through those 80 minutes at our rugby hub on centra.ie.

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