Maths in rugby: score combinations

Quick answer

You can make the same rugby score in many different ways using combinations of tries (5 points), conversions (2 points), penalties (3 points), and drop goals (3 points).

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to find different ways to make the same rugby score using different combinations of points.

• You can list at least 3 different ways to make 10 points
• You can explain how tries, conversions, penalties, and drop goals add up to a total
• You can use a table to show your combinations
• You can play a rugby scoring game with a friend

Why this matters

Understanding how to make the same score in different ways helps you think about numbers and how they can be broken down. In rugby, knowing different ways to score helps teams plan their game strategy. This maths is useful for counting, problem-solving, and even planning your own rugby games at home!

How it works

Every rugby score is made up of different points:

1. Tries = 5 points
2. Conversions = 2 points
3. Penalties = 3 points
4. Drop goals = 3 points

When you play rugby, you can score in many different combinations. For example, to make 10 points, you could:

• 2 tries (5 + 5 = 10)
• 1 try and 2 conversions (5 + 2 + 2 = 10)
• 3 conversions and 1 penalty (2 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 10)

You can use a table to find all the ways to make any score. This helps you see patterns and think of new ideas.

Examples you can see

Let's look at how to make 10 points in rugby:

Here's another example with 15 points:

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a rugby coach and your team scored 12 points in a match. You need to figure out all the different ways this could have happened. You can use your hands to count or draw pictures of rugby balls and points. Let's go on a rugby scoring adventure!

First time: Try 2 tries (5 + 5 = 10 points)

Second time: Add 1 conversion (10 + 2 = 12 points)

Third time: Try 1, conversion 1, penalty 1 (5 + 2 + 3 = 10 points)

Fourth time: Add 1 drop goal (10 + 3 = 13 points) – that's too much!

Fifth time: Try 1, conversion 2, penalty 1 (5 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 12 points)

Sixth time: Try 0, conversion 3, penalty 1 (2 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 9 points)

Seventh time: Try 0, conversion 0, penalty 3, drop goal 1 (3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12 points)

Can you find more ways to make 12 points? Try drawing rugby balls or using counters to help!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Adding up the points wrong when making combinations
  Why it happens: Children might count the number of actions instead of the points they are worth.
  Fix: Use a table and check your work by adding the points again.
• Mistake: Forgetting to use different types of points
  Why it happens: Children may only think of tries and conversions.
  Fix: Remember that penalties and drop goals are also worth 3 points.
• Mistake: Not checking if the total is correct
  Why it happens: Children get excited and forget to double-check.
  Fix: Always add up the points in your combination to make sure it matches your target score.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child by:

• Using real objects like counters or small toys to represent rugby points
• Writing out combinations in a table together
• Playing a scoring game at home where you set a score and ask how many ways it can be made
• Encouraging your child to check their work
• Letting them make mistakes and learn from them

Remember, this is about problem-solving and creativity, not just getting the right answer. If your child is stuck, ask questions like:

• Can you think of a way to make 8 points?
• What happens if you use 1 try?
• How many more points do you need?

Don't worry if they don't get it right away – it's a fun way to learn maths!

Practice questions

1. How many ways can you make 6 points?
2. Can you find 3 ways to make 9 points?
3. How many combinations make 15 points?
4. Try to make 18 points using only tries and conversions
5. Find 2 ways to make 20 points

Answers:

1. 3 ways: 2 tries, 1 try + 2 conversions, 3 conversions
2. 3 ways: 1 try + 3 conversions, 3 penalties, 1 penalty + 1 drop goal
3. 5 combinations: 3 tries, 2 tries + 1 conversion, 1 try + 2 conversions, 1 try + 1 penalty + 1 drop goal, 5 conversions
4. Only 2 ways: 3 tries + 1 conversion, 1 try + 4 conversions
5. 2 ways: 4 tries, 2 tries + 3 conversions + 1 penalty

FAQ

What is the highest score in rugby?

Rugby scores can be very high, but the highest recorded score in a match is 145-0. This is a very rare event and usually happens in a match between teams with very different skill levels.

Can you make a score with only tries?

Yes, you can! For example, 10 points would be 2 tries (5 + 5 = 10). But you can't make 11 points with only tries because 11 is not a multiple of 5.

How many points is a try worth?

A try is worth 5 points in rugby.

Can you score 1 point in rugby?

No, you cannot score 1 point in rugby. The lowest score is 2 points from a conversion.

Why do rugby teams use combinations?

Rugby teams use combinations to plan their game strategy. They might choose to go for a try to score 5 points, or they might go for a penalty to score 3 points. By using combinations, they can plan their moves to get the most points possible.