Patrick Mahomes Praises Louis Rees-Zammit │ The Group Compares The Football & The Rugby Ball

[@rorzf1butler781]

Never had much interest in the NFL but as a Welshman I’ve been following LRZ moving over. Only 3 million of us so a small nation but we’ve always punched above our weight in the sporting world. Really interesting video. Will watch again

[@ChiefConcerns]

Awesome !! Glad to have you

[@raleghhowes2778]

Guys - from a rugby fan just checking on LRZ’s progress, well done! Thanks, this was a great discussion. Two things to add: 1. A lot of discussion of LRZ’s position and prospects in the NFL are missing the fact that in rugby he played winger, which is a wide attacking position roughly comparable to WR in NFL, where his main task was beating defenders in space using his speed - check his rugby highlights and this is usually how he scored. He did not so often have to run into congested parts of the field, go into contact with bigger players, or make tackles himself. So while he may have more rounded skills than some NFL players, in rugby he did in fact play in a relatively specialised position and would not have been tackling as often as say, a centre or flanker. This could be relevent to how well he adapts to playing RB - yes he's used to getting 'pitches' (passes we call them), but he's maybe less used than everyone is thinking to running into traffic. 2. This eternal debate ‘which is tougher, NFL or rugby?’ is really boring and usually brought up by rugby guys, as in ‘we don’t wear pads so we’re tougher’. As you guys nailed, they are similar but different sports and this is comparing apples to oranges. Rugby is more flowing with the same 15 players on each team playing most or all of the game; the NFL is broken up into downs with bigger teams that switch out, so it’s about making impact in short bursts. Plus the rules of tackling are different in both sports, partly related to pads/no pads, so you can do things in NFL that would be illegal and life-threatening in rugby. So you guys got it - they’re both tough sports, in different ways - NFL with more weighting towards explosive strength and impact, rugby with more weighting towards stamina and endurance strength.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Glad to have you! Yeah, the whole tougher debate is silly. You can’t compare these 2 things. A lot of skills can be carried over and that’s all that matters

[@neilcampbell9383]

As a rugby fan that was a really great discussion. I learned a huge amount about the challenges he will face. We all hope that he does well but we are pretty realistic about his chances given the incredible standard of competition. In his favour he is at the height of his physical powers, has a great work ethic, is smart and really wants to succeed. I’ll be really interested to see the rugby coaches perspective. 🙂👍🙂

[@mattiasthomas6744]

Really enjoyed this conversation, very sensible on the prospects for LRZ. As a Welsh man I'm really hoping he can make the practice squad. One thing I would mention on the subject of velocity - even though it is a sideways pitch, the best rugby players can throw a spin pass that will sting your hands so hopefully he is used to that!

[@ChiefConcerns]

Appreciate that! We’ve been getting a lot of hate from rugby fans, idk why lol

[@craigacronin]

Really hoping this pans out for LRZ and the Chiefs. He's so marketable, such a grounded guy for his age. Well spoken and clean cut with an excellent family around him. I'm definitely taking more interest in the NFL since the move, this is going to be hard but he has the work ethic.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Hope it works out!!

[@grahambetteridge1441]

No need to rush he has signed for 3years so give him time

[@kurupt7154]

This is probably one of the best videos I’ve seen on the Rugby to NFL or potential NFL to rugby pipeline! Players from either side of the fence aren’t lacking toughness or athleticism or size or whatever it’s just learning how to play the game and going up against people who have been born and bred playing the game since childhood! I definitely think LRZ wants to win because he’s from wales and they haven’t won anything in years 😂🙏🏽 all jokes aside I hope he carries on working hard and goes well

[@ChiefConcerns]

Appreciate you, friend.

[@Drotokogan]

A couple of bits of info that hopefully might help. In rugby lateral passes are made at high speed over a long distance but the passing technique is totally different. The pass is made by pulling the ball across your body, spinning it with the outside hand. When catching a highball in rugby players are trained to turn their body add catch against the chest. This is because in rugby if you fumble backwards you can pick up the ball and run with it but if you fumble forwards a scrum is awarded to the opposition where you dropped it. The catch is made against the chest because the ball is simply too big to safely catch in your hand when it's coming from a great height. Hope that helps.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Appreciate you!

[@MarkHughes-vm8ov]

Being welsh I think LRZ will be a very special surprise in the nfl ,this guy can do anything but give him the ball his ability to find space is incredible he has done it all his career against the very best in the world

[@ChiefConcerns]

Can’t wait to see him!!

[@MooseUK]

Best in the World?. Best in about 10 countries that play the sport seriously, you mean.

[@blueberrywilbur315]

He’s done rugby they are completely different. He has some athletic attributes that may be helpful in the NFL. It will be sometime before we can see if those help him in the NFL. It also will depend on the Chiefs or whatever team he lands on wants to invest in his development, definitely not guaranteed he makes it on the Chiefs.

[@arcticchrisx7724]

@@MooseUKthat’s 9 more countries than seriously play American Football

[@MooseUK]

@@arcticchrisx7724 Probably more people playing American Football in the US, than play Rugby in those countries combined.

[@ltaylor2799]

it will be interesting to see the coverage if LRZ plays a slot receiver at some point, because he catches the ball differently it might surprise the defense how he’s pulling it down or maybe it makes it easier idk. excited to see how he looks in pads at training camp. hope he makes it, bc I’d love to see what Andy dreams up for him.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Yeah, it will be extremely exciting

[@RomanticTuna]

Something else to consider about Rugby is that play doesnt stop when someone is tackled, the endurance required to hit, maintain possession, get up and go again and again and again, before there's a break is an additional factor for Eugby players. Plus there's not offensive, defensive and special teams. This means that NFL guys are fresher each time they go in to a play, so they're hitting almost fresh every time, which has to hurt... In Rugby that element of endurance requried has meant theres now a whole set of substitution tactics that have crept in over the last few years to keep the pack frsh amd strong as long as possible.

[@ChiefConcerns]

His endurance will be elite

[@alunmorgan2352]

Lrz is a smart guy. He will do whats best for him and i believe will listen to your coaches. If he is told the practice squad is best for him i dont believe he will just go to any team

[@ChiefConcerns]

For sure!

[@jay2dadee922]

Me either, because team would have to invest their time to develop him in that system, time consuming and may not be worth it👍🏾

[@lawrencegillies]

In rugby you can't hit someone in the air until he lands, you can't tackle above the shoulder and if you pick someone up in the tackle, you're responsible for putting him down safely, also no spearing into the pitch, so in that regard he won't be used to some types of hits. That said, I've been wondering for a while if there would be an advantage to some rugby tackling techniques in football. I think the boxing glove analogy is probably sound in terms of how hard the hits are. Over all he's a great broken field runner and he'll thrive on chaos and extended plays. Oh, yeah, he probably has the habit of catching to the side so that, if he drops the ball, it goes backwards and doesn't bounce forwards off him, which would be a turnover in rugby

[@ChiefConcerns]

Can’t wait to see him thrive

[@benturney5767]

The boxing glove analogy doesn’t really apply, you can hit at 100% but the tackle rules are a little more strict so most tackles you take a bit off to make sure that your technique is on the right side of the rules. LRZ has taken plenty of 100% tackles from some of the toughest guys in world rugby, he definitely isn’t just a pretty boy. He is a long way behind in terms of knowledge and experience of course so he will make plenty of mistakes but you would be a fool to underestimate his tackling, catching, movement, physicality and overall toughness. It will be interesting to see how he develops.

[@javimarulu4247]

i like very much the kick off role and tricky plays

[@ChiefConcerns]

Gonna be fun

[@james8527]

Im a kiwi who loves football, but rugby is in our blood. When it comes to catching and ball skills (including kicking and tackling) you are a full rounded player.... im pulling for lrz.... Jonah lomu would of been derrick Henry before derrick Henry.

[@ChiefConcerns]

LRZ is an athletic freak, he could be a guy

[@thehandoftheking3314]

Man, Jonah was so good

[@mirandahotspring4019]

Louis Rees-Zammit played for Wales at an international level, scoring 14 tries in 32 caps. That's a pretty good pedigree to bring to any sport! One thing guys, you don't "pitch" the ball in Rugby, you pass it. One handed spiral passes are rare, most passes are two handed. Rugby is a much more kinetic and fluid game where play is continuous and only pauses when the ball goes out of play or a foul occurs.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Thank you for that Miranda 🤝

[@tullochgorum6323]

I suspect that there's a lot of potential for expanding the role of laterals in the NFL. With good rugby technique they can be pretty reliable, and defences wouldn't be prepared to counter them.

[@mrhlawrence]

Curious to know if the preseason games are televised? I've been very impressed with Mahomes as a Wales Rugby follower just the sort of person you would want to build a team around.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Some are, but you can find em all online at stream east

[@jenscee7679]

One thing to understand is that LRZ is already an elite level athlete. The problem is that US football is probably the most professional sport in the world and a very technical sport. It’ll be tough but make no mistake about his ability as a runner.

[@jay2dadee922]

Appreciate that insight👍🏾

[@ChiefConcerns]

Appreciate the comment!!

[@samvdavies96]

I think the major thing that is holding American fans back on LRZ is a lack of understanding on rugby at its highest level, if it was as common in America as it is in Europe and Australia/NZ, people would understand the interchangeable skills so much more

[@ChiefConcerns]

We’ll see soon!!!!

[@ceribaldwin8555]

I agree I don’t think he’s going to fly in to the team. But if he’s offering a lot in special teams, it’s obviously going to help him. I can’t wait for training camp and see how he does. I’ve started watching highlights of the chiefs, it’s like what Henry cavil said, human chess. I was never interested in NFL, but I am due to LRZ. He scored so many good tries, he was fun to watch and I hope I get to watch him in the NFL

[@ChiefConcerns]

It’s going to be a fun ride

[@ricmorris9758]

Check the throw in at the line out

[@ChiefConcerns]

I see. Interesting

[@thehandoftheking3314]

​@@ChiefConcernsthe South Africans have a Hooker, stop sniggering it's a legitimate rugby position, who throws lineouts with a more qb technique than the traditional two handed rugby style.

[@slamont87]

48mph is the fastest a rugby ball has been thrown, and we aren't allowed to throw the ball forward, i.e., towards the opponents, try line. The thing about playing rugby in Britain is that it's normally wet and windy so the ball can become greasy and hard to catch. We also can't use anything to help us catch the ball, i.e., grip gloves

[@ChiefConcerns]

Damn. Gonna be interesting

[@barrygray5227]

I'm from England, seen the last couple of Suoerbowls. Rugby players play 80 minutes 'Both Ways'. There's not a seperate offense and defence and unless a transgression was committed (normally a forward pass or ball knocked forward, the llay is continuous. In American Football there's a lot of clock time while players are setting and like in hockey people are brought on and off the Pitch at will, where in Rugby, unless it's changed only 5 players can be taken off, over the entire game and they cannot return to the field. Regarding passing, we double hand spin pass to get distance, it can go as far as you want it to go, but from your hand it must always go backwards, but it can be thrown backwards any way you like.

[@michaelledford5081]

We need to put him on the 53 man roster so nobody can come in and steal him from us.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Thanks for the clarity Barry!!

[@Kristosdee]

It’s just occurred to me, and it’s probably obvious to many back home in Wales, but as you said LRZ is a winner, and he absolutely is, and now is the best time to try this with the NFL because the Welsh rugby international team is going through a rebuilding process and it’s going to be a few years before they’re competitive again so why not try his hand with the Chiefs and see if he can crack the NFL and if not, he can return to rugby, still in his prime and join a more competitive Welsh team.

[@ChiefConcerns]

He’s set regardless if he stays in nfl or goes back to rugby. He’s young enough

[@williamb4652]

@@Kristosdee if he cracks the nfl I don’t see him coming back to rugby.

[@richardpreece4974]

Once he catches the ball who will be able to keep up/ be able to block for him in open play when he gets up to full speed. He is used to staying in play and taking the hit to recycle the ball so catching and running out of play will be alien to him but he will learn very quickly because he is learning on the job with the best team/players/coaches in the world

[@ChiefConcerns]

He’s got a lot to learn, but he’s got the athleticism

[@jay2dadee922]

The NFL is littered with fast guys🤣😂That’s the problem, most of the defense runs 4.5 or less👍🏾

[@TerryCuster]

get LRZ on Chief Concerns !!

[@ChiefConcerns]

Trying!! Hahah

[@Sonikgav]

The research I saw put it like this. The actual energy, the Kinetic Force, is higher in Football exactly because of what was said, wearing armour isn't about the defender, it's the attacker that feels invincible and goes in harder. Yes the hits are crushing but its rare for an offensive player to then have to get up and take another one right away. Having said that, the cumulutive force over the course of an 80min game of Rugby, playing both sides of the ball, both making tackles and being tackled along with the increased endurance demand, means that Rugby can be more physically taxing over the course of a game and that barring any full blown injuries, will feel far more sore when that final whistle blows.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Thanks for the pieces of info!

[@jay2dadee922]

Exactly what the science says, but I disagree on the soreness after a game. Most guys hit every play and hard, there aren’t any scrums and when I watched the game not everyone is getting hit brutally in the course of the match. As a TE, I hit practically every single play, no way to avoid it👍🏾

[@Sonikgav]

@@jay2dadee922 Yeah, but you're not then having to back up and tackle another TE or RB coming down field at you. You go sit on the sidelines until it's your turn again.

[@eurasia1963]

I hope LRZ goes well for the chiefs and himself,as a rugby player, he's going to be very durable,his passing is likely to be very accurate and his lateral passing is going cause problems because its also going to be accurate, spontaneous and tricky,he wont worry about taking a hit,and if he gets space it WILL be game over,just his name has got me looking in, regards from UK

[@ChiefConcerns]

Rooting for him for sure!!!

[@garethrhyscollins8890]

Passes in rugby are lateral or backwards, while players run and usually face forward, so the QB overhead forward-facing passing style would be redundant in rugby.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Makes sense

[@suasagala8025]

Thanks for the insight you guys give for rugby fans still learning football. I would say that I agree on average there are higher impact collisions in the NFL due to the pads on and rugby there's a lot more rules around safety. There are big hits in rugby but it's spread out over 80 minutes of continually play. You can't do it all the time or you'll get juked, they'll easily lateral around you or you'll fatigue too quickly. Tackles he sees coming contact will be fine but the ones he doesn't you're right might be a new experience especially since his vision is cut with the helmet. LRZ did get injured a couple of times playing rugby but I think he'll bulk up in football as he doesn't have to run as much and it's all about impact so that might help. Rugby catching is catching with your fingers up away from your body as you receive it laterally and ready to lateral to someone else. Or you run with it in both hands so the defense stays off you a little as they have to worry if they'll lateral left or right. His lateral could be a weapon as he can run at speed and without stopping lateral left or right 30 yards. If the coaches can come up with something that could be something totally different.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Trying to help both groups

[@suasagala8025]

@@ChiefConcerns I don't know if you guys would be able to but the All Blacks are playing Fiji on Friday at Snapdragon, San Diego. They're one of the top rugby teams in the world so if possible it'd be good to get a live view of the top level of the game .

[@thehandoftheking3314]

Im a pats fan and a Rugby player/fan but i love the conversation you guys have with the lrz situation. I honestly think he couldn't have landed a better coach and the process will benefit him. With regards to practice squad i hope he stays and learns, i think he won't play until week 6. Plus lets hooe for no 3peat! 😅

[@ChiefConcerns]

Appreciate you!! Yeah, don’t think he’ll right out the gate

[@autodidacticprofessor869]

To me, he just needs to learn the playbook, the mental stuff and the coaching points to survive tackles and how to move. But he is the top of the top in his sport as an athlete, whereas I think the other RB's fighting the RB3 or "just guys" in the NFL. If this dude can harness that skillset, unique as it is, he could be a serious weapon. I kinda think of him like Ed Podolak of the old school Chiefs. Runs upright a little bit but dangerous as a receiver and honestly, if Christian Okoye could become an All Pro having never played meaningful football before the age of 27, I think this dude will at least make the roster.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Definitely the mental side of things is the big hurdle

[@jay2dadee922]

Retaining the information will be a huge factor for sure. But make no mistake about it, RB3 guys are not just guys😂🤣, they’ve come from their respected places being “the best of the best” at their Universities, nothing could’ve further from the truth that they’re just guys. These are superior athletes, with accomplishments and success with a great amount of skillset with the best on the planet, it’s disrespectful to say they’re just guys👍🏾

[@RiinaAla-Tuori]

You must pass laterally or backwards in rugby - that is why passing style differs. And yes you can spinpass in rugby too. LRZ has taken lots of high velocity high ball receiving in rugby where you cannot drop the ball. Rugby ball is harder to hold on with one hand since its bigger - but in rugby ball you'll have the grip which is lacking in football - that's why the gloves? LRZ was not perhaps the toughest guy on the field in rugby but surely one of the fastest. ❤

[@ChiefConcerns]

Fastest, baby

[@mattm7426]

He destroyed my home country's team, South Africa. Wouldn't have minded him in our rugby side even though we are currently best in the world

[@jay2dadee922]

Very interesting, can’t wait to speak with the Rugby Coach!

[@adamevans9644]

Totally agree on your point around including him based on merit. He will only be on the 53 if he’s earned it! Also worth noting LRZ is a competitor and wants to win, hence why he chose the chiefs. He could have chosen another team where it might have been easier for him to get on the 53

[@ChiefConcerns]

For sure. I agree

[@jay2dadee922]

Thank you for that, I definitely agree with that Adam!

[@RichardRodda]

Christian Wade was the Buffalo Bills rugby guy.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Yep

[@Sonikgav]

@@ChiefConcerns Yeah the issue was glaring with Wade. He had the athleticism and he stunned when he scored a TD on this first carry, but he actually should have been 2/2 but his inexperience showed when his Rugby head kicked in and he ran away from his blockers looking for space.

[@williamb4652]

@Sonikgav Exactly right. LRZ has had a lifelong interest in American football so I'm hoping he will adapt more easily. If I remember rightly Wade spent 2 years on the practice squad but then got injured and missed whatever chance he had of getting called up. I just saw he's going to replace LRZ at Gloucester.....!

[@javimarulu4247]

wade touch one ball in preseason and make a TD. Bills never used him

[@Sonikgav]

@@javimarulu4247 He wasn't ready for RB at the start of the season (Preseason was against other teams backups etc) and he picked up a long term injury after that.

[@XoticCamel_]

You can spiral pass a rugby ball - fast & far !! Maybe not as far as a NFL ball.... but still. The answer would be YES you can spiral pass a Rugby ball. Much luv from across the pond. "LRZ AM BYTH" 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿💚

[@ChiefConcerns]

Appreciate you!!!

[@mrhlawrence]

Rugby is more attritional with players staying on the pitch for 80 minutes with only a half time break, American football is more explosive. Both have their merits Rugby's more free flowing while American footballs more tactical.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Good way of putting it

[@blueberrywilbur315]

They don’t block in rugby, that will be a issue for him making the team💯

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

@@blueberrywilbur315 You can if the ref isn't looking.

[@blueberrywilbur315]

@@goodshipkaraboudjan Not what we’re talking about right? It’s not the same and that’s a fairly huge part of football. You think LRZ is gonna be better than a quality vet running back, at plays, at blocking at catching. I don’t see it, I like an underdog but it’s a stretch if I’ve ever seen one.

[@jay2dadee922]

I agree with this assessment👍🏾

[@borisp5749]

RLZ catch high ball on the side because That s the way we learn it Rugby. In Rugby, if you drop the ball forward, you loose the ball, and there is a scrum for the other team. So when catching on the side, in case u drop the ball, you have bigger chances that the ball doesnt go forward. Good pic by the Chiefs, you re gonna be impressed by LRZ.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Cannot wait to see him in pads!

[@-NemoMeImpuneLacessit]

Im curious what rugby you have been watching. The test matches between New Zealand and England were great example of the modern game. South Africa against Ireland too

[@ChiefConcerns]

I’ve watched highlights from different leagues - not specific games

[@-NemoMeImpuneLacessit]

@@ChiefConcerns highlights are OK. But full matches are more informative

[@richardstuart3882]

Listening to this I had to pull over and make a comment, the hits in either sport are equal, however due to the pads and helmets and the disregard that comes with it you get more injuries in egg ball compared to rugby due to the emphasis placed on safer tackling form and as you mentioned whilst I was typing the helmet being a weapon and being bit from different angles etc absolutely correct, lrz has made it this far as a completely uninterested Welshman I will be watching with interest to see how he progresses so if nothing else his transition will undoubtedly improve viewing figures world wide as I'm sure I'm not the only one as more people world wide will know who lrz is than pat mahomes 👍

[@ChiefConcerns]

Good stuff, Richard!! Like your comment 🤝

[@CharlesDriver-hj4xp]

It's a big question mark for Andy and co to work with like the new kickoff rules we won't know until the games begin.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Yeah, we shall see!

[@fasfasfrasf]

The hits are similar. Running with the ball to the end zone is the same goal same movements etc. alot of similarities. But lets just say in theory the cheifs drill a rugby style play where they pass it along the line as they are drawing tackles could be a game changing play for american football that other teams wouldnt be ready for or expecting

[@ChiefConcerns]

Yeah, could change the game

[@richard1403]

a rugby ball can travel lettrally left or right and never forward during a pass or its a penalty and a scrum to the opposite team, it can be kicked forward and then reclaimed which actually is something that LRZ was really good at doing. but the aim is to pass backwards when your running forwards. the hooker in a line out will be the only one throwing the ball forward in a line out and where pat will use one hand to throw it like a spiral a hooker uses two arms. some rugby players can also make some seriously long passes also.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Does anyone throw it backwards like a QB?

[@Richard-os4yj]

​@ChiefConcerns no it's all lateral and only over the top like a quarterback when it's a line out but with 2 arms. Kick offs are done with drop kicks from the center of the pitch and drop goals can happen anywhere that's close enough to the posts this is achieved with a drop kick going over the rugby posts

[@davidharries6980]

Watch line outs in rugby we spiral the throw in to the line out one hand to guide and you will see the jumpers catching all the time with one hand! LRZ will have no issues catching and holding the ball into tackles as you don’t want the ball to be ripped off you when into tackles so we have to hold on tight

[@ChiefConcerns]

Gotcha gotcha

[@EzraWhite-jz4rc]

He’s literally going to be the best player in the game and shock all of you watch

[@ChiefConcerns]

Hahah I hope so

[@mrwelshmun]

Don't doubt LRZs competitiveness. He's a professional athlete and will prove himself. He's really not a hype train. You guys are probably right in that, it may take him a few games. But once he finds his feet, he'll be dangerous.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Not doubting his competitiveness or his athleticism

[@montybrewster7]

For american fans who want to check out what LRZ offers look into the clips of him playing for gloucester (pronounced gloss-ter) rather than his games for wales. In rugby if you're playing on the wing in a bad team it's really hard to show what you can do offensively. And i'm welsh & a former winger before i get a pile on over slagging of wales. LRZ has only ever played in poor welsh sides.

[@ChiefConcerns]

You think his game will translate, Brewster?

[@montybrewster7]

@@ChiefConcerns Personally i do. But i totally agree with your well balanced & realistic opinion. He has a lot to learn & a lot of work to do but if he gets plays that put him in open space i think american fans will be surprised just how fast & elusive he is.

[@rittherugger160]

There is no limit on how far you can pass the ball. I have seen an American rugby player pass the ball overhand at least 50 yards in a match. About the only time you see an overhand pass in rugby is at lineouts, rugby's inbounds play.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Ah gotcha

[@hafeezadams210]

Go watch Quade Cooper, the Australian rugby player throwing the rugby ball like a nfl quarterback

[@ChiefConcerns]

Holy hell haha

[@budzion8800]

I think LRZ would stay on practise squad with you guys, can imagine he's happy to have andy reid coming up with plays.

[@ChiefConcerns]

He has to pass through waivers to make it to practice squad

[@suasagala8025]

​@@ChiefConcernsEven if it's practice squad I hope he stays with you guys. I think he's in the best spot to help him develop.

[@tullochgorum6323]

Hits in the NFL are more dangerous to the ball carrier. Tackling rules in rugby are far more oriented to preventing injury - especially head injury. In my view, tackling in rugby is more technical, and more reliable. Tackling in the NFL is more brutal, but I see a lot of misses that wouldn't have happened in high-level rugby.

[@ChiefConcerns]

He’s excited to see the differences in rugby vs nfl tackling

[@cobras35]

Played rugby in HS... can't wait to see LRZ hit a hole at the line of scrimmage. I expect him to attack a hole like Pacheco does.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Ooooo would love it

[@alunmorgan2352]

So different ways to catch the rugby ball. If your catching a kick your catching it like youd catch a baby, like Patrick showed lrz catches it. If your passing down the line then its about speed so it takes more skill, your catching it almost with your fingers and flipping it on. If you want to see skill, watch the fijians throw the rugby ball about.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Gonna have to check it out

[@KristopherHargadon-gt2gk]

I think he's going to be a good player under Andy Reid

[@ChiefConcerns]

I think so yoo

[@garyrobets6147]

How many players are involved in the American Football Team. How long is a match . Does any of the players stay on the pitch for the entire duration of the game... 🤔

[@ChiefConcerns]

11 per team are on the field at any given time

[@jakenicholls9914]

Hi guys, fair play to LRZ for trying and putting in the work but I don’t see him making it, we have some fast guys in rugby LRZ certainly not the fastest and will lack the explosive speed of the line. The guys in the NFL are Olympic quick he isn’t, a lot of the plays in rugby are unstructured and off the cuff where the NFL is 99% from the playbook. There have been better rugby players recently who haven’t made it( mainly Australian ones) rugby players struggle to adapt changing between rugby league and rugby union so I see him back in rugby in a couple of years 👍

[@ChiefConcerns]

Fair points

[@thseed7]

👍

[@ChiefConcerns]

🤝

[@jackson5781]

I played rugby for 2 years. LRZ and Justin Reid will be mvps. LRZ will adjust cause he is able to have blockers in football in rugby you cant, rugby you have to be able to kick whether its dropkick or off the tee. Rugby is 5x harder physically than football. I love the game.

[@ChiefConcerns]

LRZ punting at practice 👀👀👀

[@jackson5781]

@@ChiefConcerns drop kick. Go back and look at what Doug flutie did while with the Patriots. Not so much punting but drop kick for field goals or kickoffs. Cause if he does drop kicks for kickoffs he will be able to help special teams on having another body be able to tackle the receiver. Cause the ST coach has talked about it being in a landing zone.

[@ChiefConcerns]

@@jackson5781 I am saying he has been punting in practice

[@jackson5781]

@@ChiefConcerns I heard Toub mention LRZ about the kickoff today. Pst pst. What did I say!!!

[@collinkelly9958]

It's not much about the pads nowadays, it's about getting back up right away, because the game doesn't stop. You slam or get slammed un US Football and get hurt, it's not going to affect the game much because the play is going to stop. You get replaced. In rugby, you get hurt, the game goes on until someone scores, or the ball goes out of bound ou the ref stops the game for a penalty. So getting hurt can mean your team losing 7 points because you couldn't get back up and hold your position. Also the number of replacements available are limited, you don't have 45 players standing on the side line, you simply cannot waste the ressources.

[@ChiefConcerns]

We shall see how it goes!! Gonna be interesting

[@k.c.elemenopy2393]

Re: LRZ. Just because there is hype around him, doesnt mean he's about that hype.

[@eurasia1963]

Hi, there English fan here,yes he's a good looking boy but NOBODY goes into Rugby trying to stay good looking,no protection,you will get battered,this young man is SERIOUSLY competitive,and smart,he won't be there to play around,if LRZ and the chiefs can mesh together,they will cause problems for opposing teams , good luck to them both

[@ChiefConcerns]

Hype is hype until the pads come on

[@mrwelshmun]

Something else you should probably know is that THE USA is HOSTING the 2031 Rugby World Cup

[@ChiefConcerns]

Ooooo

[@speleokeir]

One thing to remember is his dad played professional American football so he's been exposed to it from a young age to some extent, although obviously that's not the same as playing it through college. Things he's got going for him: - His physical ability, speed, footwork, size and strength. - His professionalism. - His desire to succeed and work effort. - The people around him. I can't think of a better place for him to have a chance of pulling this off. - His age. He's young so time is on his side and if it doesn't work out by the end of his contract he could still return to rugby. Lastly it's a situation where neither he nor the team will lose out if it isn't a success and if it does it's win/win.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Familiarity with pads, nuances, intricacies of the game, and the mental is what will be his hurdles. Athleticism will not be an issue

[@Saharadesertdragon]

The stripping thing that chiefs fans were worried about, its easier to strip a rugby ball and stripping is a bigger part of the game than in football.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Good point

[@davidspendlove5900]

Bare knuckle boxing is a good analogy.2 different sports.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Yes, sir

[@peterr7437]

when do the pads go on guys

[@ChiefConcerns]

Next Sunday!!

[@peterr7437]

@@ChiefConcerns ok thanks fingers crossed here it all goes well

[@oOZingS]

When you say the NFL is the best of the best, it is but you have to consider how global rugby is, and what the means to be the best. NFL is almost completely focused in the US and until it expands many of the most gifted players have never even played the game. The notion of NFL being a global sport and having the chance to pick 53 of the best players from the US in each position but having to compete in a world cup against many nations with equally capable teams, stars and legends and you begin to get the idea of what the best of the best is in rugby. You wouldn't leave LRZ out of a world 15 at this stage in his career and not for a long time to come. Louis is a tier one, world class full contact athlete approaching his prime, with an immense amount experience and coping under extreme pressure playing for his rugby fanatical country, and the British Lions.

[@ChiefConcerns]

NFL is the best of the best of the world, because it’s OUR sport. They do a good job of searching the world for new talent with international program though.

[@jay2dadee922]

So making it simpler, on “The best of the Best” there are millions of Football players just in the US alone, only a small percentage go on to play college football and then after playing for their universities, “The Best of the Best” are selected from there. It equivalent to winning the lottery to make it in the NFL, and guys don’t just stop after not succeeding, they try year after year! it’s The Elite of the Elite in a sport they’ve tried to master and specialize for Years!! The same argument could be said for Rugby, if the US had a bigger following, how many of those elite athletes could become Rugby stars? I bet the guys that were great college Football Players would be elite Rugby players, no doubt in my mind of that👍🏾

[@sadierocks6706]

@@ChiefConcernsI think the point is that America isn’t the world… It’s just one damn big country. Therefore, until NFL is truly global you can only be the ‘best of the best’ in America, not the world.

[@jay2dadee922]

@@sadierocks6706Yeah we understand the point, but that’s like saying that certain Special Forces are “The Best of The Best”, to think arbitrarily that there is someone out there that could be better is insignificant if they’re not playing or fighting. You may not know this but American Football has been introduced to quite a few places in the World, saying the NFL is “The Best of The Best” is not a contention if that’s the measure of the sport.

[@oOZingS]

​@@sadierocks6706 In the UK alone nearly every child is exposed to paying rugby. There's a deep complex tier based system with over 2500 sanctioned teams, split into 108 Leagues. Louis is by no means the best rugby player in the world, most would pick out someone like Antoine Dupont because his vision and execution of play at the pivotal role of scrum half is undeniable. Thing is, the only vaguely relatable position in NFL to scrum-half would be quarterback, and there we see the skillsets are night and day. In rugby Louis is a winger because of his natural pace, power and agility to run at the opposition. The awareness to be in the right place, to react to the split second improvised lay off's by other team mates at this level, reliably and time after time is what separates these players. The step up from club level to international level is as massive and Louis has lit it up at every level. I'm not saying it's a given he'll succeed, but switching one of the best wingers in rugby to a running back or wide receiver role is as smooth a transition as your going to get.

[@jobob355]

Lot of talk about the difference in conditioning required due to the differences in the game. I dont think its as big a difference as is being made out. 1. Rugby has changed, you dont need the same endurance engine anymore (well maybe the back row still do), as all positions jackal and ruck and tackle (much more than they used to). 2. Wingers (LRZ rugby spot) are all about explosive speed, agility and quickness (less so strength), so they are (he is) conditioned for that. Rugby is WAY more nuanced than observers think it is (like watching basketball thinking it's a non-contact sport, not seeing pics and screens etc), passing is used to put players in space, sometimes its a no-look, flat, torpedo over just 5 feet, with the reciever sidestepping on to it... not just lofty pitches.

[@ChiefConcerns]

There’s a lot of crossover between the 2 sports & that’s really all that matters

[@davepangolin4996]

LRZ is a good player but never really showed up against the international big guns. I think people underestimate the structure of AF .. you need to play for years to grasp it .. and at speed ??? If crossover was simple then Fijians and Samoans would have done it

[@ChiefConcerns]

Good point. Speaking of - I’m watching Fiji/Australia right now

[@CircleSquaredProduk]

The NFL will be like Rugby... Rugby players are monsters 🎉😂😢😅😂

[@ChiefConcerns]

Football 🤝 Rugby

[@jackson5781]

You do get blind sided tackled in rugby cause you have to turn and lateral

[@ChiefConcerns]

Makes sense

[@RomanticTuna]

Lets be honest the Chiefs are not going to play LRZ if he doesnt come up to the standard required.

[@ChiefConcerns]

We’ll see - def special teams

[@williamcarter3933]

I hope he doesn't do well and comes back to Wales ASAP, what you guys don't realise is we've been through 15 years of pretty decent results for a small nation but the last few years have been awful and we are losing players left right and centre...as a small nation we cannot afford to let our most talented, game changing player exit the sport like this....RESPECTFULLY

[@ChiefConcerns]

Interesting take, William!

[@williamcarter3933]

@ChiefConcerns we'll let him have a year off to follow his dream, but we want him back before the next World Cup thanks

[@Jim-qo3gj]

Just remember LRZ in rugby had to play against the best in the world. Where as in the NFL he just has to play against the best in the USA 🤣

[@ChiefConcerns]

Who happen to be the best in the world, since we are the only ones who do this :)

[@eurasia1963]

Hahahaha,touche my friend,I'm English,can see why there is competition,both sports are alpha,but I think there is scope for some serious symbiosis here,all credit to the chiefs for getting the ball rolling,and LRZ is the perfect experiment, give him the ball and he is an absolute guided missile​@@ChiefConcerns

[@ChiefConcerns]

@@eurasia1963 boom!!

[@jay2dadee922]

Those “best in the US” are the best in the World at Football👌🏾

[@jackson5781]

Rugby you dont wear any pads by far rugby is harder hits

[@ChiefConcerns]

Like boxing gloves with bare knuckles - pads & gloves do more damage to body

[@jackson5781]

@@ChiefConcerns it's more on the ribs where you get hit, on the side and the back of the ribs. Those are what hurt the most. And if you don't properly tackle your shoulders will end up being in bad condition. As a former rugby player, I've been blasted from the side the front and the back. The front you can take a hit cause the ball protects you as well they are more than likely to tackle you on the upper part of the legs. But on the side or the back it's harder than what people think

[@JRPete]

Wait, they're calling LRZ a pretty boy😂. Let him play, and they'll witness the capabilities of a rugby center/ winger.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Saying he’s a good looking dude and a good athlete ain’t a pretty boy

[@garyrobets6147]

Have you chaps watched an entire Rugby match.. 🤔

[@ChiefConcerns]

Started watching a lil

[@ktjohnsey4659]

How many people are watching England vs NZ now then?

[@ChiefConcerns]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇳🇿

[@CrazyRocks29]

The notion NFL is so much higher skill than rugby is going to be fun when he shows them the reality of rugby union skills. Edit. Please get some rugby people on to get some more knowledge to go with NFL knowledge. Watch the internationals not the local leagues too. Different level entirely.

[@ChiefConcerns]

lol. Sorry it’s an nfl show, friend.

[@andrewgoodenough1809]

Not saying nfl is not the best of the best I don't agree with saying your the best of the best because somebody will come along and prove you wrong , right japan

[@ChiefConcerns]

Huh?

[@andrewgoodenough1809]

@ChiefConcerns Japan just beat a nfl team and all I heard was not go Japan but how can they beat us we invented the game

[@andrewgoodenough1809]

Or I should say japan beat a us team made from a mix of players sorry

[@ChiefConcerns]

@@andrewgoodenough1809 Those were U20 kids, not NFL players

[@andrewgoodenough1809]

@@ChiefConcerns so it doesn't count ?

[@garethbelk4065]

its cheeky to call it football when the ball doesnt come into contact with the foot in normal game time, its thrown and caght, so its US handball, get the title right first then we can dusguss the dominence that is rugby league and union, everyone plays rugby the world over, but again change the name of u game first

[@ChiefConcerns]

Let’s just call it the NFL - highest grossing sport in the entire world

[@TexasEspy08]

Blah blah , just give him the ball and watch him go! I predict a super athletic tuff Johnny manzile minus the bs

[@ChiefConcerns]

Manziel?? Lol

[@KennethCarroll-d6i]

The ball is only in play for 12 min a game cmon bullshit

[@ChiefConcerns]

As LRZ said today - it’s a completely different game

[@davidthomas5261]

You have such a lack of understanding of rugby , the scrum half to fly half lateral is like a bullet - the lateral passes have to be hard and fast or they are intercepted. You really need to come and play a few games and learn. You want to live in a world where NFL have the best a greatest skills, its simply not true. As a rugby player , I would suggest the balls skills are more diverse for each player and higher, further i always looked at Gaelic football as even higher skills than rugby. To me NFL looks like some basic ball skills, not too high overall. But then i would admit that I do not know NFL and I would assume my assumptions are wrong, as they are just perceptions and not based on any experience- a lot like your opinions.

[@ChiefConcerns]

Relax, bub lol. It’s not that deep

[@MooseUK]

Do Americans have so little respect for the skills and knowledge needed to play their sports. That, they believe someone who has never played the game and whose only skill is speed will walk straight onto a team roster. Most of the Brits commenting on these videos have no clue, but you would think Americans would know better.

[@ChiefConcerns]

No, we don’t think it’ll be easy at all lol, it’s clearly your first time watching us

[@javimarulu4247]

marcus and jason are very respectful for rugby. Another americans not to much

[@ChiefConcerns]

@@javimarulu4247 we respect the athletes in all sports

[@jeffwatts4264]

'Only skill' is speed? You obviously have very little respect for any athlete unless they've played nfl from birth ?

[@jay2dadee922]

I’m a NFL Player, I know how hard it is to play in the NFL, I will not allow anyone to slander the process and difficulty to play in the NFL, AND I will fully Respect the Dedication and difficultly it takes to play Rugby👍🏾Both are Elite sports, but make no mistake about it, There has to be Respect for the Sport I Love. This channel Chief Concerns welcomes the conversation to learn from one another. I have no problem in correcting misconceptions of either fans of their particular sports💪🏾

[@craigroberts411]

The NFL is the best of the best of what dude? Rugby guys play for 80 minutes full on, let’s see an American football player play a full on 80. Would he last the full 80? You also have lots of chances to catch your breath in your game. It’s not the best of the best, it’s just a different game where the fitness and stamina has to be different. Peace

[@ChiefConcerns]

They are different sports & they are different athletes. They are both superior. If it was so easy for rugby players to crossover - we’d see a lot more of these than like 5 guys in the entire history