In rugby, "3 unanswered tries" refers to a specific scoring sequence where one team scores three tries consecutively without the opposing team scoring any try in between. This means that once the first of these three tries is scored by a particular team, that team must score two more tries before the other team manages to score even a single try of their own.
Understanding Unanswered Tries in Rugby
A "try" is the primary scoring method in rugby, awarded when a player grounds the ball in the opponent's in-goal area. Each try is worth five points and allows the scoring team an opportunity to convert it for two additional points.
When we talk about "unanswered tries," the key focus is on the sequence of scoring tries, not just the total number of tries scored by a team during a match.
What "Unanswered" Implies
The term "unanswered" is crucial:
- Consecutive Tries: The three tries must be scored one after another by the same team.
- No Opposition Try: The sequence is broken if the opposing team scores any try, regardless of whether they score other points like penalties, drop goals, or conversions. Only an opposition try disrupts the "unanswered" streak for tries.
Why is this significant?
This concept is most commonly encountered in sports betting, particularly in rugby matches. Betting markets often offer prop bets on whether "any team will score 3 unanswered tries" or similar variations. It's considered a challenging feat, as it requires dominance in attack and defense over a period of the game.
Examples of Scoring Sequences
Let's illustrate with hypothetical scenarios:
| Sequence of Tries | Description | Counts as "3 Unanswered Tries"? |
|---|---|---|
| Team A Try 1 | Team A scores its first try. | No (Only 1 try) |
| Team A Try 2 | Team A scores its second try. | No (Only 2 tries) |
| Team A Try 3 | Team A scores its third consecutive try without Team B scoring one in between. | Yes |
| Team A Try 1 | Team A scores a try. | No |
| Team B Try 1 | Team B scores a try, breaking Team A's potential unanswered sequence. | No |
| Team A Try 2 | Team A scores another try, but the sequence was already broken. | No |
| Team A Try 1 | Team A scores a try. | No |
| Team B Penalty | Team B scores a penalty goal (3 points). Note: This does not count as a try and does not break the unanswered try sequence. | No |
| Team A Try 2 | Team A scores another try. | No |
| Team A Try 3 | Team A scores a third try, maintaining their streak despite Team B's penalty. | Yes |
For a more in-depth understanding of how tries and other points are scored in rugby, you can refer to the official laws of the game or simplified guides. Knowing the basic rules of rugby, particularly what constitutes a try, is fundamental to understanding this betting market.
