Quote ="G1"When was throwing punches every rugby?'"
It's always been a part of the sport on the occasions when the need arises. Let's say your full-back gets king-hit around the head, would you condemn your pack of forwards if they sought immediate retribution .... indeed weren't you disappointed when the Leeds pack allowed an opposition stand-off get away with such a challenge while highlighting the different approach taken by the St Helens pack.
Quote ="G1"Maybe you would prefer boxing?'"
I don't mind boxing. I have an immense amount of admiration for anyone who dedicates their life to a noble art and is willing to put themselves to the ultimate test but it's appeal is somewhat limited.
There's already a sanitised version of rugby, it's called Union and to me it's a pale immitation of the game it could be, that game is League but it appears it may be on a path that leads to emasculation.