Analysis of power play in 2018 Varsity Cup Rugby competition

Abstract

Varsity Cup (VC) rugby aims to promote young talent in the university environment. Power Play (PP) was implemented in VC rugby. This study analysed and evaluated the influence of the PP law in the 2018 VC on team strategy and implementation thereof during matches. Data were collected from 33 VC games played during 2018. Video footage of matches was analysed. The number of tries, penalties, conversions and points scored, players selected to leave the field, time in the game that PP was selected, set phase restart options and areas of restart of each PP were  recorded. A questionnaire with open ended questions for all coaches of the participating universities reported their experiences with the PP. Most PPs were called during the third quarter (32.8%) of the game. The centres, players 12 (28.4%) and 13 (27.6%) were sent off most frequently. The teams who called PP scored 14 times (21.9%). The most popular starting position was a right-side scrum (38.8%). Coaches agreed that PP had the opposite outcome than was expected. The increased number of errors by attacking teams and willingness of opponents to slow down play,  contributed to unsuccessful implementation of PP in Varsity Cup rugby.

Keywords: Rugby; Varsity Cup; Power Play.