It is basic mathematics - apart from the odd draw of course.
Another basic fact is for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
So when a massive Springbok forward at 117kg and 2.07m hurtles into you at a rate of knots there is going to be some reaction. Not that it is going to make Brodie Retallick feel any better.
Sport is about dynamism and courage. But it is also about heartache, about the tugging of the emotions for players and supporters.
Fans of the 15-man game went through the ringer over the weekend as events in the South and up in Wellington had us in dreamland one minute and in sheer despair the next. From living on cloud nine to being in the dungeon.
University took on Taieri at Forsyth Barr Stadium in the Dunedin club final. The students rocketed out of the blocks, were up 31-3 at halftime and the game looked over.
But no-one told Taieri and the men from the plain came back to tie it up 31-all with five minutes left. The miracle comeback was all but complete.
However, University rolled down the field and scored a try under the posts to win the game. A mixture of joy and despair. It was the same in the hinterland as Clutha and Arrowtown prevailed in country finals which went down to the wire.
Then up in Wellington, the All Blacks lost key man Retallick with a shoulder injury as they stumbled to a draw against the Springboks.
It looked bad when it happened. Retallick trudged off and his, and our, World Cup hopes may have gone up in smoke.
But the sun did come up yesterday. His shoulder was not broken, just dislocated. He should be back for the World Cup.
His shoulder may get better but our heart-rates may not.
