This study aimed to clarify the mechanism for generating tactical advantages in first-phase attacks from scrums in rugby sevens by examining quantitative indicators related to successful attacks and the characteristics of attack patterns based on combinations of formations and offensive systems. From all 224 matches of the 2024 World Rugby Sevens Series (WRSS), 704 scrum plays that met predefined conditions were extracted. Game performance analysis was conducted based on multiple tactical variables, including scrum location (vertical and horizontal), defensive and offensive scrum-half (SH) actions, formation, and attack types. Decision tree analysis was employed to identify key factors contributing to attack success, defined as either line-break or gain-line advancement of more than 5 meters. The results indicated that 3 variables—scrum location (vertical), attacking SH action, and formation—were significantly associated with attack success. In particular, SH carry from the scrum near the goal line was shown to delay defensive restructuring and increase the probability of a line-break. Furthermore, certain combinations of formation and attack types were found to induce numerical superiority, defensive gaps, and nomination errors, suggesting the existence of structurally advantageous attack patterns. Analysis of these patterns revealed that formations such as one-side with behind (OSB) and split-behind (SpB), combined with positional changes such as loops and crosses, contributed to effective spatial exploitation. SH play near the scrum emerged as a central element in initiating such patterns and influencing overall attack success. These findings suggest that the scrum is not merely a restart phase, but rather a strategic opportunity to gain a tactical advantage through the creation and utilization of tactical space. Furthermore, the proposed analytical framework, which does not rely on individual skills, contributes to the advancement of coaching and performance analysis in rugby sevens.
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