Table 4
Summary of articles studying the characteristics of the ruck set phases during ball possession.
| Authors | Sample | Contributions |
| Kraak et al., 2016 | (n = 646) *matches | The results indicate increased playing time results in an increase in the total number of rucks per game. |
| Schoeman et al., 2017 | (n = 60) *matches | More effective offensive rucks lead to a higher standard of play, greater continuity and a greater ability to keep the ball in possession. |
| Vaz et al., 2019 | (n = 8) *matches | Losing teams are involved in a higher number of rucks than winning teams. |
| Bunker & Spencer, 2021 | (n = 45) *matches | Winning teams are involved in fewer than 78 rucks in their total offensive match sequences. |
| Ungureanu et al., 2019 | (n = 132) *matches | Increased efficiency and speed of rucks generates greater speed in the game, which relates to a greater ability to score points. |
| Vaz et al., 2011 | (n = 159) *matches | In close matches, winning teams are involved in fewer rucks than losing teams, and demonstrate a greater ability to generate quick set phases to provide more attacking options. |
| Kraak & Welman, 2014 | (n = 15) *matches | Winning teams use fewer players in the rucks than losing teams, thus creating a greater availability of attacking options in open play. |
