Comparison of Successful and Unsuccessful Teams During The 2011 Rugby World Cup

Abstract

Performance analysis research of rugby union has excelled over recent years due to the sport developing and evolving through the demand of team success (Jones et al., 2007). Understanding the factors that contribute to success in Rugby Union is essential when preparing the team for performance. With major international competitions happening throughout the year, team’s tactics are developed to give the team greater success within the tournament. The aim of the study was to compare successful and unsuccessful teams in the Rugby World Cup 2011 through identification of key performance indicators. Twelve games (n=12) were analysed with key indicators associated with success such as set pieces (scrum and lineout), ruck, maul, tackles, passes, penalties, tries and conversion coded. The top eight teams (n=8) were selected on their final positioning in the tournament. The data was captured in Sportscode Elite (8.5.2) from video footage from Sky television broadcasts of the tournament. Statistical analysis of the performance indicators identified was carried out using 2 independent variable tests (Mann-Whitney U). Results showed 6 significant differences between conversion missed, number of lineouts, lineouts won, ruck and drive, knock on and tackle (p<0.05). No significant differences were however found amongst any of the other variables (p>0.05). This study therefore concluded that there was significance related to some aspects of the play points scored (conversion missed) phases of play (lineout, lineout won, ruck and drive and knock) game development (tackle). However further analysis is needed in other areas of the game to help distinguish factors which separate winning and losing teams in success