Knowing a Ruck from a Maul in Rugby

Sometimes it can be tricky for rugby players — and spectators! — to understand the slight difference between a ruck and a maul. But here’s a simple explanation that should help:

• In a ruck, the ball is on the ground.

  
  



• In a maul, the ball is generally in the hands of a player.

  
  

To put it simply: Off the ground, it’s a maul; on the ground, it’s a ruck.

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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/knowing-a-ruck-from-a-maul-in-rugby.html