IRB Game Analysis of the 2010 Tri Nations

The International Rugby Board’s Game Analysis Unit has published a statistical review of the 2010 Tri Nations won by New Zealand.

The Report provides a detailed statistical analysis of all nine matches played in what was a compelling competition. It highlights the major trends, analyses how the Tri Nations has evolved over the past decade and how it produced an alternative approach to the Game in 2010.

Download the full report here>> 

Tri Nations 2010 highlights:

• Tries were up by almost 100% on the 2009 figure, reaching an average of 5.8 per match - the second highest in the 15-year history of the tournament.
• Margins of victory were as tight as 2009 with four matches having a winning margin in single figures and eight matches under 20 points. All teams scored more tries in 2010 than in 2009.
• There was a dramatic reduction in the number of kicks out of hand. The 2009 Tri Nations, in line with previous years, averaged around 60 kicks per Game - the 2010 Tri Nations averaged just 37.
• The number of unchallenged punt kicks to the opposition also reduced dramatically from an average of 23 in 2009 to just 11. In one Test there was just one such kick in the entire game.
• Ball in play time increased by 7% on 2009 levels, the number of rucks was up by 40% and the average number of passes per match up by 35%, illustrating the attacking intent of the three participating teams.
• The scoring ratio was one penalty goal to each try, while in 2009 the ratio was 2.5 penalty goals to each try.

The Report also provides a detailed analysis of the performances of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in all aspects of play, including scoring, winning margins, impact of penalty goals on match results, rate of try conceding, source of tries, try locations, timing of tries and penalty goals, ball in play and possession, passing, rucks and mauls, kick-offs and restarts, lineouts, free kicks, penalties conceded, penalty options taken and cards.

View the Game Analysis archive here>> 

Further Information:

Dominic Rumbles, IRB head of Communications, +353 868 520 826, email dominic.rumbles@irb.com