As the New Zealand franchises dominate the current ladder LWOS takes a look at the figures surrounding the opening ten rounds in Super Rugby Stats Attack.
Attacking Marvel
Without a doubt rugby fans across the world with have heard of the name, Damien McKenzie by now. If not, then what a shame. Leading the competition in tries (9), carries (120), metres (724) and defenders beaten (41), the full back does not shy away from entering an attacking line. Surely a bolt on to be in Black in the upcoming June Series against the Welsh. He has excelled in a Chiefs side that continues to improve and who are currently dominating proceedings this year, thanks in no small part to this man’s actions.
Defensive Rock
In a side struggling for form it is almost no wonder that this man has made so many tackles, yet one can imagine him searching out the shots in any side. Matt Hodgson, the Western Force flanker has made more tackles than anyone else with a massive 125 with only 14 missed. Consistently a talisman for the Force he has yet again reproduced a stunning defensive effort despite the Force going down so far this year in a majority of their matches. His work rate is phenomenal at all times and will be a huge loss to the Force if/when he chooses to hang up his boots.
Just Look at That Guy Go
Joe Tomane has showed a clean pair of heels to more defenders in the competition leading the way in clean breaks. His 23 breaks have led to a second placed tie for number of tries with six to his name so far. Unfortunately, injury has put a stop the sight of his flowing locks as breezes past defenders. The Wallabies will miss him against England in June but hopefully he’ll be back on his feet soon dazzling defenders and wowing the Canberra fans.
Tee Time
As much as many fans would love to see tries galore, sometimes all that is really needed is the steady swing of a boot. Elton Jantijies leads the way from the tee with an impressive 74% kicking accuracy. 10% clear of his nearest rival, Beauden Barrett who has envigorated the Hurricanes in recent weeks. Jantijies and his Lions will be disappointed at their recent performance against the men from Wellington but they have recorded impressive victories over the Stormers and Sharks as well as an early season win in the Waikato against the Chiefs.
Offload King
That title at this stage of the season rests on the broad shoulders of Nemani Nadolo. The Fijian winger has so far had a great year with the Crusaders although he currently sits on the sideline after a citing. With 17 offloads in the eight matches that he has participated in, he has been a constant threat to the opposition. His size, speed and handling make the man a perfect triple threat, not to mention he is fairly handy when he puts boot to ball. With the Crusaders pushing for a qualification spot his return from suspension and subsequent form will be crucial.
Naughty Step
Marcel Van der Merwe ranks in on the top of the list of the naughty boys. Conceding 17 penalities in eight appearances, fortunately for him his side have been on top form of late. The Bulls have looked particularly strong in the last few rounds and they may need to reign in Van der Merwe before his penalty count works against them in a tight match.
Lineout Jump Artists
Francois Uys of the Cheetahs tops the list for number of total lineout wins with an impressive 52 including three steals. A remarkable record that rightly puts him at the top but it is Pieter-Steph du Toit who ranks top of lineout steals with five. Indeed The top four jumpers all come from South Africa, suggesting something is working well in the Republic in terms of the lineout set piece.
The man that topped this segment also brings it to a conclusion. Damien McKenzie tops the Opta Player Points rankings just ahead of fellow compatriot, Beauden Barrett. It is little wonder that the Kiwi sides are dominating with the calibre of players at their disposal. With just over half the season gone but with the June break yet to arrive, all is still to play for across the competition.
All statistics courtesy of Opta Sports
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