Yahoo News The Rugby Pod: June Internationals Third Weekend Stat Attack
A fantastic three weeks of international rugby has come to a close. A whitewash for the English, a nail biter for the Irish and one to forget for the Welsh - the final weekend was equally as entertaining as the last.
England have polished off a 9th consecutive win under Eddie Jones and Ireland came so close to a series win over South Africa. Wales struggled to compete with the All Blacks, especially in the 3rd test where they looked tired and really low on confidence. The weekend’s stats are as follows:
Attack
Metres Made:
This weekend didn’t see that many metres made by multiple players, with only one player making it over the 100 mark compared to the usual six or seven we’ve seen in the previous 2 weeks. Israel Dagg (252) was outstanding this weekend and his breakaway try in the last minute of the match certainly aided his total, but even if we were to cut this play out he would still be over twice the total of 2nd placed Israel Folau (77) – a mighty return for the All Black considering he wasn’t even in the RWC 2015 squad!
Willie Le Roux (26) had a fairly poor afternoon that included a yellow card for a tackle in the air that could have ended far worse than it did for the victim, whilst Jack Nowell (77) and Andrew Trimble (65) had solid attacking games on the wing for England and Ireland respectively. Wales’ top runner is consistently Liam Williams (37) although he certainly wasn’t as lethal as his previous two outings for Warren Gatland’s side.
Clean Breaks:
Dropping off tackles is a telltale sign that a team is getting tired, and Wales didn’t have the best defensive afternoon on Saturday. Isreal Dagg (4), Moala, Ryan Crotty and Ben Smith (all 3) tore through the Welsh defensive line on a number of occasions, and it reflected in the 46-6 scoreline that really soured any positives that could be taken from the tour so far.
South Africa had to defend for what most likely felt like an eternity on Saturday. Ireland dominated with 73% territory and 68% possession, and although evidently from the scoreline the Boks defence stood strong enough, Luke Marshall (2) broke through the line on a few occasions, and one ended in a score for the Ulsterman. Only Pietersen (1) broke the line out of all the South African players – a statistic that earns the Irish defence some serious credit.
Elsewhere in a match full of tries Jack Nowell (2) was the most elusive for England, whilst Haylett-Petty (3) is a consistent handful for the opposition and the returning Matt Toomua (3) barged through two English players to set up an Israel Folau try during a fine comeback.
Defenders Beaten:
Wales must have been fairly relieved that Naholo was on the bench this week, only for their strength in depth to show and ask some serious questions of an experienced Welsh team. Mike Brown (9) had the best game he’s had for England for a while – showing solid strength to go over for a try after a perfect kick from Anthony Watson. Folau (6) was the second most effective in this department – also scoring a try.
Centre partners Stuart Olding (5) and Luke Marshall (5) both had storming games for Ireland, which is particularly impressive considering they would likely not start in a full strength Irish side. Whitely (2) was the only South African player to beat more than one defender, and was arguably the Bok’s best player.
Israel Dagg (5) and Ben Smith (5) yet again feature on an attacking statistic as they both got tries against Wales on their 51st appearances for the All Blacks. Both are seriously talented and Ben Smith especially would walk into any team in the world with absolutely no questions asked. Scott Williams (3) was the most effective off the bench for the men in red as he presses an off form Jonathan Davies and lethargic Jamie Roberts for a starting berth come November.
Defence: Top Tacklers (Made/Missed):
South Africa v Ireland
An afternoon to forget for Ireland from a results perspective, but Andy Farrell will probably be penning that his side only missed five tackles in this game on his C.V. following a defensive display that was only undone by a well placed cross field kick from Jantjies. No Irish player missed more than two tackles, and as a pack their forwards missed none! One of these forwards, Jack McGrath (9/0), was Ireland’s best defender for the second time in three tests and the prop is very near to booking his place on a plane to New Zealand come next summer.
Warren Whiteley (24/1) of South Africa must be applauded for a superb effort from the back of the scrum, whilst Francois Louw (16/4) and Eben Etzebeth (14/0) were amongst six Springboks who made 10 or more tackles. Du Toit (16/5) was for the second week running the man who missed the most for his side, though he is always near the top of the list when it comes to total tackles and has scored two tries in three games - so can partially be forgiven by his team mates.
Australia v England
A special mention in this game goes to Courtney Lawes (14/2) who for the second week running would place in the top three tacklers had he been on the Australian team despite coming off the bench on both occasions! Both him and Joe Launchbury looked like they were the future for England back in 2012, only to be recently trumped by the formidable Maro Itoje and his Saracen team mate George Kruis. It is fair to say that England are seriously blessed in the 2nd row position and the competitive nature that Eddie Jones has brought to the side they are only going to get better.
Prop Mako Vunipola (18/2) was again huge in defence – making more tackles than anyone on the pitch and most likely making these tests a nervous watch for previous shoe-in Joe Marler. Jonathan Joseph (10/0) is really becoming one of the best defensive centres in the northern hemisphere, and whilst he hasn’t been his best in attack of late, he is noticeably one of the only backs around who consistently tackles around the legs. Robshaw, Kruis, and Itoje were the other players who made 10 or more successful hits for the red rose.
Sean McMahon (14/0) was flawless in defence for the Wallabies, and has really proven himself as a test international in the absence of David Pocock. Michael Hooper (14/6) was both hero and villain as he made equal most successful and equal most missed tackles during a game in which he yet again showed his try scoring skills. Scott Fardy, James Slipper and Matt Toomua all made more than 10 tackles for the Wallabies.
New Zealand v Wales
No New Zealand player missed more than two tackles in this game, which is probably the reason Wales could only score points through the boot of Dan Biggar. Sam Cane (17/2) had a mixed afternoon with discipline but was fairly solid in defence, whilst Keiran Read (16/0) is proving to be a great choice as captain for the All Blacks as he leads by example.
Wales didn’t have a busy afternoon in defence as they were two busy paving the way for New Zealand’s try scorers. Their top tackler was Liam Williams (7/0) who has shone this series and simply must be on the plane next year for the Lions. Jonathan Davies (4/5) has really got to work on his defence if he wants to keep his place over Scott Williams, as he missed five tackles for the second week running.
Flanker Ross Moriarty (7/5) also didn’t have a great afternoon despite some really strong performances from the Gloucesterman that have likely stolen the 6 shirt from Dan Lydiate due to his strong all round game. Certainly a big career ahead for the big man.
Missed Tackles by Team:
England (30), Wales (30), Australia (28), South Africa (25), New Zealand (14), Ireland (5).
Awards
Player of the Weekend – Owen Farrell
Owen Farrell is a man who has had a difficult start to the season; with the early Rugby World Cup exit, his dad being sacked by England and also calls for him to be axed from the England team due to his fairly average form, but Farrell has since been one of Saracen’s key players - and he is certainly one of England’s. We all ponder over whether he is better suited to 12 or 10, but wherever he plays he is a leader, a talisman, and most importantly a winner. He has slotted 23/26 kicks this summer for England and he is pivotal to a solid England team. Beauden Barrett and Luke Marshall get special mentions after great afternoons for their nations.
Shocker of the Weekend – Jonathan Davies
Jonathan Davies was once a shoe-in for the Lions back in 2013, but his defence has been poor and it has costs Wales dearly. He is of course not the only cog in the Wales side that needs oiling, but for a man with over 50 caps and so much talent it is strange to see him dropping off tackles. He will come back stronger – perhaps it’s just been a long year for the Welshman. Willie Le Roux can wipe the sweat away after missing out on this award, but is also a man who needs to find some consistency.
Written by Ollie Shires for www.TheRugbyPod.com
