Table 1. Variables studied in the Six Nations tournament during the 2003-2006 seasons.

Group of variables	Variables or game statistics or performance indicators
Variables related to points scored	Points scored; tries scored; conversions; penalty goal errors; successful penalty goals; drop errors; successful drops.
Variables related to phases of play	Scrums won; scrums lost; line-outs won; line-outs lost; balls won in open play; balls won in the opponent’s 22mts zone; balls won in the attack phases; mauls won; ruck and drive; errors made; ruck and pass.
Variables related to game development	Line breaks; penalty goals conceded; possessions kicked; possessions of kicks to touch; kicks to touch; tackles made; tackles missed; tackle completion; passed completed; turnovers won.

Note: Variables are from the official statistics of the Six Nations rugby tournament (www.rbs6nations.com).