Changes in player characteristics and match activities in Bledisloe Cup rugby union from 1972 to 2004

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 25; no. 8; pp. 895 - 903
• Main Authors: Quarrie, Kenneth L., Hopkins, Will G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Routledge 01.06.2007; Taylor and Francis
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Body Size - physiology; Football; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; law changes; match activities; New Zealand; notational analysis; player size; Rugby union; Task Performance and Analysis; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Videotape Recording; New Zealand; Human; Rugby; notational analysis; Sport; performance; Rugby union; law changes; player size; match activities

To illustrate changes in elite rugby union match activities, we analysed coded videotape recordings of the first match in each Bledisloe Cup series played between Australia and New Zealand from 1972 to 2004. We also analysed the stature and body mass of players. Effects associated with professionali...