In most other tactical facets, the game lacks imagination: you can’t shift the backline about for the next phase of attack, nor can you set up loop-arounds, dummy runs and other set plays, there’s a distinct lack of penalties conceded and there’s no quick line-out option. Yet, in other areas, there are distinct weaknesses: in tactical play, line-outs are practically the only set play with detailed control. The core mechanics are all very solid - if initially taxing on those expecting to pass when not in the exact correct position - and the immersive third-person camera angle works an absolute charm, flipping behind the team in possession. Looking beyond the muscle exerted by the visuals and quantity of content, though, reveals a couple of blind spots. The positive first impressions aren’t just limited to the visuals either, with a wealth of leagues on offer: Aviva Premiership (English), RabboDirectPro 12 (Irish, Welsh, Scottish), ITM Cup (New Zealand), Top 14 (French), Super 15s tournament (Australian and New Zealand teams are licensed, South African aren’t), the World Championship (World Cup, unlicensed), Tri Nations, Quad Nations and Euro Nations (6 Nations, unlicensed), Rugby Challenge packs down with considerable weight behind it. In part, this might be due to the fact its rival looks shockingly bad, but don’t let that distract from the efforts Sidhe went through to polish this title. The first thing that has to be said about the game is this: it looks amazing. The question is, does Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge do enough to cross the line? Just when you thought this console generation was a scoreless affair, off the bench comes none other than Jonah Lomu, hurtling down the wing, demolishing the defences of the official Rugby World Cup 2011 game and sparking life into a previously dull match.
With only a handful of titles out there, egg chasers have had the option of either like it or lump it. For years, fans have been demanding a decent - even half-decent - game to come out, but are constantly disappointed. Rugby union and video games traditionally do not get along well.