US public reacts hilariously to Test
In a rare moment for US television, a rugby test match was played on prime time television and the viewer reaction was priceless.
The US may not be a big force in international rugby but the country has a long history of playing the game, thanks to their European roots.
It is completely foreign to a majority of the population. There is no national professional league, and even though some colleges have excellent rugby programs, beyond that, participation in the sport isn't very high.
So when the match was showed, people didn't quite know what to expect:
Some were fascinated by what they saw:
Rugby is pretty wild
— Dylan Jones (@DjonesBigWork) November 1, 2014
Football players have NOTHING on Rugby. Turn on NBC and watch something truly incredible. Rugby is nuts!!!!!
— Jared Firstbrook (@jedijared182) November 1, 2014
Others proudly knew nothing about the sport, but understood things were not going in the favour of the home team:
Know absolutely nothing about Rugby. But The All Blacks beat the living daylights out of the USA
— Eddie Mannix (@EJMannix) November 1, 2014
As the bizarre US commentary team philosophised about how long it would be until the US were as good as the All Blacks (yep, that really happened), some viewers were dumbfounded that America could be beaten so soundly in the sporting arena.
Come on, USA. We both know the All Blacks are amazing, but…so are we. Redeem thyselves! #rugby #USAvNZL #USAvAllBlacks
— Brittany McChesney (@brittmick) November 1, 2014
I can't believe the USA Rugby Eagles did so bad against New Zealand All Blacks. ???? #Rugby #USAvNZL
— Brandon Chavez (@Bchavez1897) November 1, 2014
Assuming most Americans were unfamiliar with the game, the rules of rugby were recited at every chance. However, the use of US sports broadcast terminology in rugby coverage bordered on the ridiculous.
Can we please all call any linebreak in rugby a "rumble" from now on please. Thank you. #USAvAllBlacks
— David McGovern (@daveo_irl) November 1, 2014
Just watched USA vs The All Blacks. Wow, American commentators make rugby even better. "And Israel Dagg crosses for a 5!"
— A_Misty_Infidel (@A_Misty_Infidel) November 1, 2014
The NBC commentators for the @AllBlacks game have been unintentionally hysterical.
— Kat Arnett (@katarnett) November 1, 2014
NBC has given up commentating the game & are now talking about @AllBlacks players not eating deep dish pizza.
— Kat Arnett (@katarnett) November 1, 2014
