Analysis of the methodological quality of studies using the PICO system.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAuthors<\/td> Population <\/td> Intervention<\/td> Comparison<\/td> Outcome<\/td><\/tr> Bennett et al., 2018<\/td> English Premiership – Season. 2016\/17 (n<\/em> = 127 matches)<\/td> Observational
(Opta Analysis)<\/td>Comparison not applicable<\/td> Game outcomes are related to basic skills such as ball carrying, tackling and kicking.<\/td><\/tr> Bunker et al., 2020<\/td> Japan Top League – Season. 2018 (n<\/em> = 24 matches)<\/td> Observational (SPP – Safe Pattern Prunning)<\/td> Comparison not applicable<\/td> Line breaks and side kicks are the factors that bring a team closest to scoring.<\/td><\/tr> Bunker & Spencer, 2020<\/td> Rugby World Cup 2019
(n<\/em> = 45 matches)<\/td>Observational (Stats Perform \/ Opta Analysis)<\/td> Difference between winning and losing teams.
– Variables analysed:
\u2022 Points scored
\u2022 Running metres
\u2022 Line breaks
\u2022 No. rucks<\/td>There are differences between winning and losing teams regarding the number of rucks and line breaks.<\/td><\/tr> Coughlan et al., 2019<\/td> Super Rugby – Season. 2017
(n<\/em> = 135 matches)<\/td>Observational (Stats Perform \/ Opta Analysis)<\/td> Comparison not applicable<\/td> Possession that begins near the opponent’s scoring zone results in a greater likelihood of scoring.<\/td><\/tr> Den Hollander et al., 2016<\/td> Super Rugby – Season. 2013
(n<\/em> = 125 matches)<\/td>Observational (SportsCode Elite)<\/td> Comparison not applicable<\/td> Line breaks are associated with team success and provide more opportunities for scoring tries.<\/td><\/tr> Kraak et al., 2016<\/td> Super Rugby –
From 2008 to 2013 season
(n<\/em> = 646 matches)<\/td>Observational (Performance Analysis ISPAS)<\/td> Comparison of game time and actions across different seasons.
– Variables analysed:
\u2022 Points scored
\u2022 Game time
\u2022 Running with ball
\u2022 Line breaks
\u2022 No. rucks
\u2022 Footwork<\/td>Rugby has evolved towards an increase in playing time, leading to a greater number of actions per game.<\/td><\/tr> Kraak & Welman, 2014<\/td> Six Nations Tournament 2010 (n<\/em> = 15 matches)<\/td> Observational (Performance Analysis ISPAS)<\/td> Comparison not applicable<\/td> The number of players involved in the ruck affects the performance of a team.<\/td><\/tr> Mosey & Mitchell, 2019<\/td> Queensland Premier Rugby – Season. 2018 (n<\/em> = 76 matches)<\/td> Observational
(Opta Analysis)<\/td>Comparison not applicable<\/td> A team’s performance is affected by the number of times it loses possession, the number of line breaks and metres gained in possession.<\/td><\/tr> Schoeman et al., 2017<\/td> Super Rugby
Season. 2014
Currie Cup
Season. 2014
(n<\/em> = 60 matches)
<\/td>Observational (Versuco TryMaker Pro)<\/td> Technical-tactical comparison between different competitions.
– Variables analysed:
\u2022 Possession
\u2022 Set formations (Mele and touche)
\u2022 No. rucks<\/td>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.<\/td><\/tr> Schoeman & Schall, 2019<\/td> Aviva Premiership
Season. 2016\/17
Guinness Pro 12
Season. 2016\/17
Top 14 –
Season. 2016\/17
Super Rugby
Season. 2017
(n<\/em> = 581 matches)
<\/td>Observational (Versuco TryMaker Pro)<\/td> Comparison not applicable<\/td> Possessions that start from turnovers in static phases and line breaks are the actions that average the highest ratio of points.<\/td><\/tr> Ungureanu et al., 2019<\/td> Guinness Pro 12
Season. 2016\/17
(n<\/em> = 127 matches)<\/td>Observational (Video)<\/td> Comparison not applicable<\/td> The speed and effectiveness of the ruck, as well as the number of line breaks, correlates with a greater ability to score points.<\/td><\/tr> Van Rooyen et al., 2006<\/td> Rugby World Cup 2003
(n<\/em> = 25 matches)<\/td>Observational (SportsCode)<\/td> Difference between winning and losing teams.
– Variables analysed:
\u2022 Points scored
\u2022 Point origins
\u2022 Initial possession zone<\/td>The ability to maintain possession and initiate possession near the opponent’s try zone influences the team’s performance.<\/td><\/tr> Vaz et al., 2011<\/td> IRB – 2003 to 2006 period Super 12 –
2003 to 2006 period
(n<\/em> = 159 matches)<\/td>Observational (Video)<\/td> Difference between winning and losing teams.
– Variables analysed:
\u2022 Points scored
\u2022 Footwork
\u2022 No. rucks
\u2022 No. tackles<\/td>Winning teams make fewer errors during possession, are involved in fewer rucks and accumulate a greater number of tackles.<\/td><\/tr> Vaz et al., 2019<\/td> Rugby World Cup Finals (n<\/em> = 8 matches)<\/td> Observational (SportsCode)<\/td> Difference between winning and losing teams.
– Variables analysed:
\u2022 Points scored
\u2022 Initial possession action
\u2022 No. rucks<\/td>The more possessions initiated from static phases, as well as fewer offensive rucks, the greater the likelihood of winning.<\/td><\/tr> Watson et al., 2017<\/td> 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 <\/em>= 313 matches)
<\/td>Observational (Opta Analysis)<\/td> Difference between winning and losing teams.
– Variables analysed:
\u2022 Points scored
\u2022 Line breaks
\u2022 Metres gained
\u2022 No. rucks<\/td>Winning teams have a higher number of line breaks and possessions that start in the opponent’s half than losing teams.<\/td><\/tr> Wheeler et al., 2010<\/td> Super Rugby Season.
2006 (n<\/em> = 7 matches)<\/td>Observational (Video)<\/td> Comparison not applicable<\/td> Ball runs that result in line breaks or tackle breaks are associated with an increased ability to score tries.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n