Modifying scoring system at South African University rugby level changes game dynamics

Abstract

Success in rugby is measured by winning the game and in order to do so, teams need to score more points than the opposing team. The primary aim of this study was to investigate and compare the scoring profile of the 2011 and 2012 tournaments and to determine if modifying the scoring system at South African University rugby level changes the game dynamics. Sixty-two Varsity Cup matches were recorded and analysed during the 2011 and 2012 season using Dartfish software^® package. In 2011 the home teams scored 773 points compared to the 816 points obtained by away teams, whereas in 2012 the opposite were found with home teams scoring 999 points, compared to 775 points for the away teams. The most points were accumulated during the 2nd half of the match during both seasons. Having a scoring profile will provide coaches with information on which mode of scoring their team relies on to win matches. The law changes led to more tries being scored, however, the question remains whether rugby at university level improved as a spectacle.

Keywords: Mode of scoring; University tournaments; Home and away teams; Points scoring system