SA Rugby magazine highlights the top-performing teams in terms of statistics following round four of Vodacom Super Rugby.
While their log position of ninth place and record of one victory from four games might not suggest much, the Reds surprisingly lead the way in terms of tries, clean breaks and run metres, following the fourth round of action.
The Brisbane-based franchise, who are currently second in the Australian conference, enjoyed a dominant 64-5 home victory over the Sunwolves this past weekend – which contributed significantly to their statistics – following three defeats on the road by the Brumbies, Lions and Jaguares.
The 10-try romp at Suncorp Stadium had Brad Thorne’s young team racking up the numbers in attack against a Sunwolves team which was admittedly poor in defence, while they also conceded 22 turnovers.
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The Sharks are the best-performing South African franchise with regard to overall attack so far this season, with the Durbanites having picked up three wins from four games, including two away victories in Australasia.
Much has been made of the attacking threat posed by the Sharks backline and the players have certainly delivered, with Sean Everitt’s team averaging just under four tries and more than 400 run metres per match.
As expected, defending champions the Crusaders also feature prominently on the statistics leaderboards, with the most carries, defenders beaten and offloads, as well as having the most successful lineout in the competition.
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The unbeaten Stormers, who are top of the overall log, have enjoyed great success in their set pieces so far. While their lineout is the most accurate of the South African teams, John Dobson’s men also boast a 100% record at scrum time, and jointly lead the competition stats in that regard with the Highlanders and Hurricanes – who have both played a game less than the Stormers.
Interestingly, the Vodacom Bulls – who are yet to taste victory this season – have been the most defensively sound South African franchise in 2020, despite defeats by the Sharks, Stormers and Blues. However, all three of those losses have been by relatively narrow margins. Pote Human’s side has also been secure at the breakdown, with the Lions the tournament leaders with regard to ruck success rate.
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