Line breaks in rugby union; an analysis of the English Premier League 2018/19 season

Brett, E. (2020) Line breaks in rugby union; an analysis of the English Premier League 2018/19 season. Masters theses, University of Chichester.

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Abstract

Try scoring is an essential key factor in winning a rugby match. Line breaks are associated with overall team success and try scoring opportunities, with winning teams creating more line break chances. Therefore, it is an important skill that teams need to utilize to be successful. The study aimed to investigate line break opportunities within the English Premier League, analysing the different variables that are involved in the attacking and defensive strategies, to determine the variable that lead to a successful line break. The 2018/19 AVIA Premiership League (78 games) was analysed, resulting in 1592 line breaks identified and coded. There was an average of 20 line breaks per game, with 32% of line breaks resulting in a try. A logistic regression was also run to see if any variables could predict a positive outcome. The only variable that predicted success was defensive shape (B = 0.242, p = 0.000, p < 0.05). A Log Linear analysis was used to show association of multiple attacking and defensive variables on line breaks. The attacking team should gain their line break opportunities from a counter attack or line out play, using short passes. A deep and wide attacking shape should be taken on. The ball carrier has more success from a clean line break, from a direct sprint at the gap against another back play. Line breaks occurred most frequently in the final third of the pitch and down the middle. A line break occurred most frequently when the defensive line was static and moving in no direction, with no real shape seen

Publication Type: Theses (Masters)
Additional Information: MSc Sports Performance Analysis
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Sport > Area > Exercise Physiology
Student Research > Masters
Depositing User: Ann Jones
Date Deposited: 26 Nov 2020 12:27
Last Modified: 26 Nov 2020 12:27
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/5515

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