The importance of internationals in football is rapidly diminishing whereas in rugby they are the absolute pinnacle for players and fans alike. Nothing unites a nation like a major rugby international.
7. The tackles
Simply watch and enjoy.
8. Blood
As rugby becomes more and more savage in the professional era, blood substitutions are a regular occurrence. It may be slightly morbid to enjoy them, like watching F1 for the crashes, but it speaks of a certain grit that football just can’t muster.
9. The Passion
Players love their clubs, but nothing can compare to playing for your country.
10. Songs
There’s no denying that Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is rousing stuff – and that’s before you get to the Celtic eye-moisteners of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau and Flower of Scotland.
