Better late than never! A compelling set of statistics to mull over ahead of European Cup action. Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby feature prominently in this latest stats report out for the starting lineups.
Tackles Made:
The most telling statistic from the past weekend of interpros was the tackle count from the victors. Jarrad Butler led the way with a whooping twenty-five tackles. The Leinster Rugby back row juggernaut as always were prominent with Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock and Sean O’Brien all in the top ten chart.
Ball Carries:
The one thing you cannot say about Ulster Rugby last weekend was that they played for the full eighty minutes. These ball carry statistics illustrate this point as McCloskey, Stockdale, Henderson and Nelson fill the top four positions in this statistic. Munster Rugby enjoyed several periods of dominance despite their loss to Leinster Rugby and Niall Scannnell (15), Andrew Conway (15) and CJ Stander (13) lead the Southern province in this regard. James Lowe had a superb game for Leinster Rugby and his eleven ball carries were devastating scoring two tries in the process.
Meters Gained:
The battle between McCloskey and Aki in midfield at Kingspan Stadium was sensational and these meters gained illustrate that both players gave as good as they got from the other. Jacob Stockdale looked sharp throughout and his seventy-three meters gained bodes well for province and international teams. Special note for Paul Boyle who had another outstanding performance with ball in hand. Sixty-nine meters gained and his prominence in ball carries was a key asset to Connacht Rugby in their long awaited win away to Ulster Rugby.
Passes Made:
Statistics are a bit skewed given the early departure of Marmion and Gibson Park from their respective fixtures. Cooney’s passing statistics have being high all year, another huge effort in this facet of play. Carbery’s passing frequency showing his intent to launch his outside backs at every opportunity in comparison to Ross Byrne who ran a solid game plan at ten. No need to push the passes given the early lead established over Munster Rugby.