Section 6: Scoring
Scoring is governed by Section 6, which fixes both the method and the value of each score: a try counts four points, a conversion goal or penalty goal counts two points, and a drop goal counts one point (Section 6).
The team scoring the greater number of points at the conclusion of the match is the winner; equal points is a draw. The duration within which those points must be scored is governed by timekeeping (Section 7).
- Try: 4 points — awarded when an attacking player grounds the ball with downward pressure in the opposing team's in-goal area, or on/behind the goal line, in accordance with the Laws' definition of "touching down." (Section 6)
- Conversion (goal kick): 2 points — awarded when, following a try, a place kick or drop kick taken in line with the point the try was scored passes over the crossbar and between the goalposts (Section 6).
- Penalty goal: 2 points — awarded when a team elects to kick at goal from a penalty award and the kick passes over the crossbar and between the goalposts (Section 6).
- Drop goal (field goal): 1 point — awarded when a player, during open play, drop-kicks the ball over the crossbar and between the goalposts (Section 6).