Gloucester’s Lewis Ludlow stands out in the Gallagher Premiership latest statistics, having made an incredible 32 tackles against Exeter on Boxing Day. Perhaps unsurprisingly, several of his teammates also put in big defensive shifts against the defending champions. Elsewhere the numbers highlight Bristol’s attacking ability with Nathan Hughes and Ioan Lloyd rising to the top.
James Barker brings you all the Gallagher Premiership latest statistics and analyses the trends as we look forward to New Year’s action in 2021.
Youngsters shine in Round Four
As mentioned, Bristol’s Ioan Lloyd shone, making 136 metres from the wing, which is not his preferred position. The 19-year-old is now in the top ten for overall metres made, trailing Alfie Barbeary who has made an impressive 295 metres. He is also second in the defender’s beaten charts, just two behind Exeter’s Facundo Cordero. Sadly, Barbeary has been ruled out for six to eight weeks after going down injured against Sale.
Elsewhere, Graham Kitchener and David Ribbans, 24 and 25 respectively, lead the lineout wins charts with 22 each. However, neither has registered a steal yet.
Gallagher Premiership latest statistics reflect tight standings
As mentioned earlier, several Gloucester players registered large tackle counts against Exeter. Jordy Reid tops the overall chart on 59, having added 19 tackles from this match. He sits above Sale’s Cobus Weise, Bristol’s Dan Thomas and Harlequins’ Will Evans who’ve all made over 50 tackles so far. Ironically, Reid also tops the missed tackles chart, so he could be even further ahead.
32 – Gloucester's @LewisLudlow94 made 32 tackles against Exeter, only two other players have made 32+ tackles in a @premrugby match since Opta have recorded this data (2008/09) – Jacques Burger (34 v Exeter, Nov 2013) and Teimana Harrison (33 v Newcastle, Dec 2018). Shedload. pic.twitter.com/OCDAJf3zbc
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) December 28, 2020
The number one on each statistic table is fairly evenly spread across the league, with no one team dominating in defensive or attacking areas. For example, Gary Graham of Newcastle leads the carries charts with 59, Will Evans has eight turnovers to his name, and Worcester’s Melani Nanai has the most offloads with eight.
Gallagher Premiership round five preview
Looking at the upcoming fixtures, you might expect Bristol’s Ioan Lloyd, Henry Purdy, and Nathan Hughes to improve their attacking statistics at home to Newcastle. Of course, the visitors are still unbeaten.
Facundo Cordero has the chance to move clear of Alfie Barbeary in the metres made and defenders beaten charts, but a trip to the Ricoh to face Barbeary’s team may be a tricky place to attack.
The top three turnover kings, Will Evans, Alex Dombrandt, and Perry Humphreys will all play at Sixways, so both teams will need to be on their toes at ruck time.
After two matches were called off in round four, everyone will be hoping that all fixtures go ahead over the New Year. It will be interesting to see how the enforced week off will affect the four teams returning?
Starting the New Year with a bang, Round 5 of the #GallagherPrem promises to be a cracker 💥@BristolBears host @FalconsRugby in a fascinating top 4 battle, @George_Fordy faces his old side and there's a repeat of last season's final 🤩
Preview ➡️ https://t.co/9l8D0PSe68 pic.twitter.com/al88uZ5dVF
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) December 29, 2020
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Main image credits: Embed from Getty Images
