Table 2 Game performance parameters in close games from the IRB Group (n = 64). Data are means (± SD). Game–related statistics Winners Losers F Scrums won 10.7 (4.2) 10.0 (4.2) .90 Scrums lost 1.0 (1.6) .8 (1.3) .72 Lineouts won 16.3 (4.5) 16.1 (4.9) .05 Lineouts lost 2.3 (2.0) 2.8 (2.2) 1.87 Penalty conceded 10.5 (3.3) 11.1 (2.9) .89 Free kicks 1.0 (1.2) 1.0 (1.0) .00 Rucks and drive 22.0 (17.3) 19.8 (10.5) .75 Rucks and pass 29.5 (15.3) 30.2 (14.2) .06 Mauls won 24.1 (16.3) 23.8 (19.3) .00 Mauls lost 4.9 (3.6) 4.9 (3.6) .00 Turnovers won 12.1 (9.2) 12.4 (9.1) .02 Passes completed 105.3 (36.5) 106.2 (37.6) .01 Possession kicked 23.0 (9.4) 20.9 (8.9) 1.65 Errors from kicks 5.3 (3.2) 4.9 (3.1) .48 Kicks to touch 10.6 (4.7) 10.5 (4.6) .01 Tackles made 88.0 (27.6) 89.8 (37.8) .09 Tackles missed 18.4 (13.8 20.7 (14.7) .86 Errors made 12.5 (7.9 12.4 (7.9) .01 No significant difference between the groups.