Rugby 06 would be an amazing game if it wasn't for those darn problems!
Gameplay - The basics of rugby are emulated okay. The passing isn't as responsive as it should. Controlling your player could be tedious because the movements seem a little sticky (sometimes the player won't move in the exact direction you input). At least the kicking game is execellent. With practice, you can pinpoint punts and drop kicks with ease. The AI is flat out broken. It seems every time the game glitches, it ends up in the computer's favor. Plus computer vs computer match-ups always go the offensive teams' way. The AI can easily fake itself out with the old Tecmo Bowl zig-zag jukes while a human playing on the highest difficulty will get owned every time using the same move. The only big addition is quick lineouts/penalties, which add another layer of strategy to the mix.
Graphics - They're getting better. Looks like their using a newer graphics engine, but it doesn't match up to FIFA. Some textures are fuzzy and most of the player's faces aren't as great as they can.
Sound - Not much that has changed from the other games. Only noticeable differences is more commentary dialogue.
Value - All you get is exhibition, practice, and a few tournaments such as Ten Nations. There is no online... kinda surprising since this is a worldwide sport, like a quasi-soccerish exposure. People with low attention spans will put this back in the bargain bin quickly.
Rugby 06 needs work, but what has been changed has been a boost to make this franchise one of the best in EA Sports. I give EA an A+ for effort (hence the max tilt). If the AI and the mechanics get fixed and online play is added, this game will hold any sports fan all the way till Madden.