It’s match day, and you and your crew have secured your table for the big rugby game. The pub is full, and there are groups like yours everywhere. Are they all talking about the same things you are, or are there things they know that you don’t?
Here’s what everyone at the pub on game day is really talking about, before, during and after the game.
Pre-game speculation
Before kick-off, there’s a lot to discuss. First, they’ll discuss the team, mentioning any injuries, replacements, players who seem to be on or off their game and what their overall chances are of winning. Next, they’ll talk about the opposing team—the same topics apply. Injuries or substitutions and their chances of winning based on the last few games they’ve played factor heavily here.
The conversation often turns to reminiscing about previous games and former legendary moments. If anyone in the group happens to support the opposing team (how dare they!), it’s also the perfect opportunity for the rivalry banter to kick in—make sure you keep that going for the rest of the game, though.
Then comes the fun part: what the score is likely to be. This is where the money talk comes in. Placing a bet on who wins and loses is part of the whole deal, but you win more if you predict the score. At this point, everyone whips out their phones. Some compare the latest UK bonus offers, while others jump straight to the odds for today’s game.
This action sets off a whole next level of discussion as they try to see who’s getting the best odds. Decisions made, bets placed, and everyone settles back to get ready for the warmup.
Thirty minutes before kick-off is when the real speculation chat starts. As the players come onto the ground, everyone in the pub is glued to the TV while they assess who is in the starting line-up. This is when the surprise inclusions and withdrawals appear.
One final topic before kick-off: who the refs are. One notorious ref, and the view of the match gets skewed before any foot even touches a ball.
During the game
Match time is the rowdiest time of the day; you can’t even hear what your mate next to you is saying, let alone the table next to you, but they’ll likely be talking about every single play as it happens.
Everyone in the pub is going to question every ref decision that goes against your team. Standing up and shouting at the TV is standard match-day behaviour, so feel free to join in. Awarded penalty kicks are another biggie, just one of these could determine a team’s win or loss.
Player performance also comes under scrutiny, comparing what they did this game compared to others, or why they’re off their game today.
Yellow or red cards shown by the refs make for lively chat. Does the player deserve to go to the sin bin or be sent off? Is there an opposing team player who should have been shown a card that wasn’t?
An unexpected player injury instantly sparks more speculation. First, everyone will express concern over the extent of the injury and the impact on the player himself. Then, if he can’t play, who’s going to sub in for him, and will that likely change the outcome of the game?
Substitutions happen and are fuel for further discussion. Does the group agree with the sub and think their team will benefit from this decision?
Score anxiety will be the underlying discussion throughout the entire game, speculating whether the team can win.
Half-Time conversation
This brief yet very heated 10-minute conversation surrounds what the group predicts will happen during the second half. Any surprise plays or goals will weigh heavily on the chat, as will any changes in the weather or temperature. Predictions will be made on what needs to happen for the remainder of the game if their team has a chance of keeping or getting the lead.
Don’t forget to get that next round of pints sorted as the next 40 minutes are going to require all your attention, and comments, of course.
After the match
Get ready for an even bigger influx of pub patrons, including some of the players. It’s estimated that around 78% of players have a pint or two after the game, and this is when the Monday morning quarterbacking kicks in. Suddenly, everyone is a coach.
The mood in the pub is either going to be extreme elation or quiet reflection. Either way, there’s a lot to discuss. Every goal, for either team, every ref decision and every card issued gets torn apart and analysed to the nth degree.
Key turning points are a popular discussion topic followed by the what-if scenarios. Then the talk will likely turn to the next match and what can be expected. League position, table points and future opportunities all feature as the next topics of conversation.
For those in the group who placed bets, now is the time to celebrate or commiserate. Is someone in the group buying the next round, or is this the last call for the day?
Pub talk is your talk
There you have it. It’s probably come as no surprise that the tables around you are talking about the exact same thing you are. Pre-game speculation, disagreement with match calls and the all-popular armchair coaching as the dust settles. Don’t worry, your group isn’t missing out on anything; you’re across everything there is to talk about on match day. Another pint, anyone?
