Analysing the short-term impact of substitutes vs. starters in international rugby

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the short-term performance of substitute players to starting players during International Rugby Union matches and determine how this performance was influenced by playing position, the timing of the substitution and the score margin between teams. Individual player performances (n = 298) for substitutes and the starters they replaced were observed across 17 matches played between tier 1 rugby nations. Performance was categorised as the total number of involvements, the number of attacking and defensive involvements, as well as the effectiveness of a player's performance for each of the above involvement categories. Results revealed forward substitutes performed more total ( p = 0.001, ES = 0.61), attacking ( p = 0.026, ES = 0.32) and defensive ( p = 0.023, ES = 0.31) involvements than forward starters; however, there were no differences found for backs ( p = 0.819–0.911). In addition, it was observed that an increase in score margin at the time of substitution led to a decrease in the total and attacking involvements per minute that a substitute performed, but an increase in defensive involvements for both forwards and backs. These findings provide a platform for coaches to make tactical decisions regarding substitution patterns during International Rugby matches. Specifically, coaches should prioritise forward substitutions over back substitutions, and implement tactical changes earlier in the second half to gain an advantage over the opposition.

Sport Performance Analysis with a Focus on Racket Sports: A Review

“…For example, we can mention the following: identification of potential by: Arede et al [2], Woods et al [3], Waldron and Worsfold [4], Woods et al [5,6], Lago-Fuentes et al [7], specific performance of a young player by Saphie et al [8], Brito et al [9,10], Karakulak [11], Gimenez-Egido et al [12], Analysis of technical skills (movement patterns, for example) by: Santos et al [13], Nassis [14], Mangan et al [15], Saavedra et al [16], Challis et al [17], Hökelmann and Richter [18]. Player's performance analysis during the game (match analysis that includes stroke position, ball movement, match sequence, and player's substitutions) is covered in detail in: Pereira et al [19], Michael et al [20], Caballero et al [21], Slawson et al [22], Belli et al [23], Gal et al [24]. Some of the authors, such as Tromp and Holmes [25], Monteiro et al [26], Franchini et al [27], Gimenez-Egido et al [12], García-de Alcaraz et al [28] and Ortega-Toro et al [29], attempt to provide a solution for estimating the impact on performance after rule changes, process model analysis by presenting a solution as an example.…”

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