Table 1
Analysis of the methodological quality of studies using the PICO system.
| Authors | Population | Intervention | Comparison | Outcome |
| Bennett et al., 2018 | English Premiership – Season. 2016/17 (n = 127 matches) | Observational (Opta Analysis) | Comparison not applicable | Game outcomes are related to basic skills such as ball carrying, tackling and kicking. |
| Bunker et al., 2020 | Japan Top League – Season. 2018 (n = 24 matches) | Observational (SPP – Safe Pattern Prunning) | Comparison not applicable | Line breaks and side kicks are the factors that bring a team closest to scoring. |
| Bunker & Spencer, 2020 | Rugby World Cup 2019 (n = 45 matches) | Observational (Stats Perform / Opta Analysis) | Difference between winning and losing teams. – Variables analysed: • Points scored • Running metres • Line breaks • No. rucks | There are differences between winning and losing teams regarding the number of rucks and line breaks. |
| Coughlan et al., 2019 | Super Rugby – Season. 2017 (n = 135 matches) | Observational (Stats Perform / Opta Analysis) | Comparison not applicable | Possession that begins near the opponent’s scoring zone results in a greater likelihood of scoring. |
| Den Hollander et al., 2016 | Super Rugby – Season. 2013 (n = 125 matches) | Observational (SportsCode Elite) | Comparison not applicable | Line breaks are associated with team success and provide more opportunities for scoring tries. |
| Kraak et al., 2016 | Super Rugby – From 2008 to 2013 season (n = 646 matches) | Observational (Performance Analysis ISPAS) | Comparison of game time and actions across different seasons. – Variables analysed: • Points scored • Game time • Running with ball • Line breaks • No. rucks • Footwork | Rugby has evolved towards an increase in playing time, leading to a greater number of actions per game. |
| Kraak & Welman, 2014 | Six Nations Tournament 2010 (n = 15 matches) | Observational (Performance Analysis ISPAS) | Comparison not applicable | The number of players involved in the ruck affects the performance of a team. |
| Mosey & Mitchell, 2019 | Queensland Premier Rugby – Season. 2018 (n = 76 matches) | Observational (Opta Analysis) | Comparison not applicable | A team’s performance is affected by the number of times it loses possession, the number of line breaks and metres gained in possession. |
| Schoeman et al., 2017 | Super Rugby Season. 2014 Currie Cup Season. 2014 (n = 60 matches) | Observational (Versuco TryMaker Pro) | Technical-tactical comparison between different competitions. – Variables analysed: • Possession • Set formations (Mele and touche) • No. rucks | Differences between the two competitions are found in terms of the place of origin of possession, the number of rucks and the number of tackles. |
| Schoeman & Schall, 2019 | Aviva Premiership Season. 2016/17 Guinness Pro 12 Season. 2016/17 Top 14 – Season. 2016/17 Super Rugby Season. 2017 (n = 581 matches) | Observational (Versuco TryMaker Pro) | Comparison not applicable | Possessions that start from turnovers in static phases and line breaks are the actions that average the highest ratio of points. |
| Ungureanu et al., 2019 | Guinness Pro 12 Season. 2016/17 (n = 127 matches) | Observational (Video) | Comparison not applicable | The speed and effectiveness of the ruck, as well as the number of line breaks, correlates with a greater ability to score points. |
| Van Rooyen et al., 2006 | Rugby World Cup 2003 (n = 25 matches) | Observational (SportsCode) | Difference between winning and losing teams. – Variables analysed: • Points scored • Point origins • Initial possession zone | The ability to maintain possession and initiate possession near the opponent’s try zone influences the team’s performance. |
| Vaz et al., 2011 | IRB – 2003 to 2006 period Super 12 – 2003 to 2006 period (n = 159 matches) | Observational (Video) | Difference between winning and losing teams. – Variables analysed: • Points scored • Footwork • No. rucks • No. tackles | Winning teams make fewer errors during possession, are involved in fewer rucks and accumulate a greater number of tackles. |
| Vaz et al., 2019 | Rugby World Cup Finals (n = 8 matches) | Observational (SportsCode) | Difference between winning and losing teams. – Variables analysed: • Points scored • Initial possession action • No. rucks | The more possessions initiated from static phases, as well as fewer offensive rucks, the greater the likelihood of winning. |
| Watson et al., 2017 | Heineken Cup Season. 2013/14 European Rugby Championship Season. 2014/15 Super Rugby Season. 2015 Six Nations Tournament 2013, 2014 and 2015 Rugby Championship – Season. 2014 (n = 313 matches) | Observational (Opta Analysis) | Difference between winning and losing teams. – Variables analysed: • Points scored • Line breaks • Metres gained • No. rucks | Winning teams have a higher number of line breaks and possessions that start in the opponent’s half than losing teams. |
| Wheeler et al., 2010 | Super Rugby Season. 2006 (n = 7 matches) | Observational (Video) | Comparison not applicable | Ball runs that result in line breaks or tackle breaks are associated with an increased ability to score tries. |
