For the last 18 months South Africans had to listen to boredom about the ‘boring rugby’ they play, but Super rugby statistics at the half-way stage of the competition suggests it is in fact the Antipodean teams that does most of the playing, WITHOUT the ball.
When I started out with this column the point was to highlight how a team’s attitude can be measured by looking at their defense.
It had (still has) specific bearing on the Lions team trying to establish just what type of ‘attitude’ exists in the camp and how this relates to their on-field results.
Many coaches will tell you that defense and tackling is first and foremost an attitude an individual and team has, and secondly, skills and systems.
You can coach a team and individual the latest skills and techniques in tackling, and implement the best defensive systems, but if that team or individuals in the team does not have the right attitude to go out and show some balls, it is effectively useless.
With the Lions it seems to be a thing that has been coming for a long time, who can forget Tim Lane apparently telling Lions management when asked what assistance he needed to turn the Lions season around while on tour; “Send me 15 guys that can #$%$^*@ tackle!”.
But as I browsed the defensive statistics I noticed something very strange…
A lot has been said of South African teams’ inability, or preference to play ‘without’ the ball and banking on opposition mistakes to score points.
A tell-tale sign of playing without the ball, is of course looking at how many tackles a team has to make in a game when they of course, do not have the ball.
The numbers are fascinating…
Whilst Antipodean teams are far better in their execution of defense (tackle success ratio’s), there is some daylight between the amount of tackles South African Super rugby teams are making on average per game (not having the ball in hand) compared to that of the top Antipodean teams.
This in turn suggests that South African teams, on average, have far more possession of the ball and not only possession, but ball-in-hand (running) possession given the amount of tackles the Antipodean teams make on average per game.
The exception to the rule here is the Stormers, who average there and there about with the Antipodean teams – but with that it is also interesting to note that the Stormers are known to have the best defense in the competition thus far, and actually build their play around defense and defensive structures rather than attacking rugby.
All the South African teams combined makes on average 113 tackles per game. Important to note here is that the Stormers, with an average of 129 tackles per game heavily inflates this figure.
Individual averages are;
Bulls: 101 per game
Cheetahs: 118 per game
Lions: 109 per game
Sharks: 110 per game
Stormers: 129 per game
The top Antipodean teams (Crusaders, Chiefs, Waratahs and Brumbies) in comparison make on average, a combined 134 tackles on average per game.
Individual averages are;
Crusaders: 127 per game
Waratahs: 140 per game
Brumbies: 126 per game
Chiefs: 143 per game
So why do you only see two South Africa teams at the top of the log then you might ask?
Well the answer is simpler than you think, all of the Antipodean teams on average only misses 10% of their tackles, meaning they have an A+ average or complete close to, or over 90% of their tackles successfully, whereas South African teams most successful teams (Stormers and Sharks) average an 86% completion rate and the rest, miss just about 20% of all their tackles (that is one in every 5 tackles where the Antipodean teams miss 1 in every 10)…
So even though this proves that the top Antipodean teams are better defenders than the South Africans, it also proves they have to do a hell of a lot more of it than the Saffa’s which to my mind, puts this myth of South Africans preferring playing ‘without the ball’ to rest.
(Statistics from Verusco)
Why are there no new threads? GBS you are slipping up…I only to human interest articles, I can’t cover everything…hehehe
to = do
#145 Saint,
Kwaai, broer….and you?
149 – Walla, Just looking at the ages of that Reds team. Most are young. Young means FEARLESS :D.
Honest though they have some really good players and a great coach this year. Good to see Reds playing such good rugby. Is Brisbane not rugby country in Oz?
On the flyhalf issues at Sharks…
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JJ Harmse
So the Sharks want Butch James back at all costs. Why, you have to ask yourself.
Do they not have a development programme? Do they not have some of the best rugby schools in the country (of which James was such a famous product) and do they not boast a very impressive academy down at Kings Park?
Why the insistence on having James if you were prepared to let him go in the first place? What was the rationale in 2007 when the Sharks did not renew his contract and released him to Bath? Surely, at the time, there must have been a contingency plan?
Was it to keep importing foreign world stars like Fred Michalak and Juan-Martin Hernandez until a young star came along again (like Patrick Lambie for example)?
Difficult to say, because three years down the line, the best solution the Sharks have is to want James back – this time with the help of SA Rugby.
This basically means they are expecting SA Rugby to help foot the bill for James’s return… in other words, offer him a Springbok contract.
This is the same union who now expect Bok coach Peter de Villiers to help them after ignoring pleas from De Villiers to give Ruan Pienaar an extended run at No 10.
Actually, it is quite cheeky, I would say, to ask SA Rugby (De Villiers) to help fund their flyhalf of choice after ignoring a request from De Villiers (SA Rugby) to play someone else in that position!
Interesting comparison
It makes for an interesting comparison when one takes a look at the other “big” unions in SA rugby, and what they have at their disposal in the flyhalf stakes.
The Bulls are in the pound seats in this regard, with Morné Steyn a world beater; former Affies ace, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, just behind him and Waterkloof prodigy Francois Brummer already having played Currie Cup rugby. Then there is Marnitz Boshoff as well. The Bulls could afford to ship off the likes of Burton Francis and Ruan Boshoff to the Lions without any disruption or weakening of their squad.
The Cheetahs are in a spot of bother. They continue to produce fantastic players, but cannot hold on to them. A recent schoolboy star, Franna du Toit, could come through the ranks in the next year or so, but for now, the Super 14 team is looking at Griquas to provide their pivot.
The Stormers have Willem de Waal and Peter Grant and a host of young talented flyhalves coming through the system. The problem is that not many of them are kicking doors down, but at least they will have options in the future. No need for them to ask SA Rugby for any help at all, especially if Lionel Cronjé kicks on.
The Lions have some gifted young flyhalves. Elton Jantjies is the real deal and Jaco Taute could be the next Jaque Fourie from that union. Maybe those two will learn enough from Carlos Spencer to deliver sooner rather than later. Jody Rose is of course another with great junior team credentials, but he has yet to shine in senior company.
Of course there are other young No 10s as well. The former Matie, Coenie van Wyk, could be huge for Griquas this year. Ricardo Croy is another who could find his niche in Witbank of all places, playing behind a willing pack and under an astute coach like Jimmy Stonehouse.
It is clear from the above that most of the Super 14 sides have planned well for the future. They have established players at No 10, with some good talent lurking.
Pity the Sharks seem to be the only union maintaining that the best flyhalves out there, apparently, speak a foreign language or are playing abroad.
Hard to swallow
Allow me to end with a quick reference to our national Sevens team.
I have followed them around the world in the past and was privileged enough to be present at their tournament wins in Dubai, Adelaide, Singapore and George.
It is hard to swallow what is happening to them at the moment. Yes, injuries are taking their toll and unfortunately for coach Paul Treu, some senior players have dropped him big time.
But they are still IRB Series champions and let’s hope they carry the flag with dignity and honour at the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend. A win there and a gold at the Commonwealth Games would of course save the season and make them heroes again.
They have learned the hard way that it is much easier to get to the top than stay there.
Good luck to them. Although they might need some luck, they have the tools to win.
#153
Ag, sulking mostly, I see even testrugby.com has Meisiekind as the best faring S14 centre this season, it seems the universe is conspiring against me.
Blouste
I dont think the Waratahs are that good at the moment.
The Lions game was a one hit wonder for the Tahs. It just shows people getting the best people in does not make for great combos. Great combos make for a great team.
We may see the Tahs pick up close to the end but for them they need tohope they are knocking on finals door otherwise it will be too much to play for too late.
@ 156
You see, sanity prevails 😆
151 – Saint, Was going to mention that to you. You a author here. So put one up. Anything, even the S14 teams up would be something new :D.
Usually JJ Harmse is the most biased rugby-write in South Africa, but I like this article, it’s definitely true…
157 Agree…
So you are also saying Bulls should win comfortably then 😆
@ 160
He is not biased, he just LOVES the Bulls… 😆
#159
My type of articles are usually to get the guys bantering, plain facts isn’t really my forte, but let’s see what I can come up with, I am working on a Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere piece…
Puma
Brisbane is huge for rugby but politics is killing the game there. Too many people want to be chiefs and not enough indians.
Many greats have been QLDers…huge. The QLDer has mongrel and they are hugely competitive and will never lie down.
You look at league eg. they only have 3 teams up therebut they smash NSW in State of Origin.
#162
Right before Morne Steyn’s big rise, he was touting Burton Francis as the next big thing in SA Rugby…I wonder if that hadn’t been something to do with the jersey he was wearing at that time…
155 – Blouste, Ag man that is old news buddy 😆 Put up something new…..hehehehe.
Sharks I think want him back for the last part of the S14. Think it is a temporary thing. Somehow don’t see that happen.
Lambie used to play FH but the last time he played there I read it was at at U15. So maybe with Ludik back (who is also a brilliant FB) maybe, they thinking of Lambie at 10. Now I would not mess about with him in positions like they normally do with a lot of players there. Would just leave him at FB. Then heard he was a superb FH while a bit younger. Lost his place due to injury then when he came back had to play FB to get a position. That was way back in U15’s so has played FB since then. Well that is what I have read. Not 100% sure if that is all true, but have read it in a few places.
#166
No they are not even considering Lambie Puma, if they had, he would have had a chance pre-season…
I don’t understand it, they are losing anyway and their season is over, so why not take a chance, the kid could be a revelation.
164 – Walla, I have been there on Business and spoke to a few there. They all said to me Brisbane is rugga country in Oz.
Now looking at the Reds team. Cooper is only 21 Genia only 21. Morahan only 19. Fetoai only 22. Houston only 23. Ioade only 24. Holmes 26. Edwards 24. Horwill 24. Braid 28. Hynes 27. Only Hardman is over 30 he is 32.
Damn this team is young. They going to be a force if they stick together for a few years. Could become Aussies best team yet.
@ 166
Hey Puma, I’m not allowed to put up anything here…so I just post the old stuff 😆
167 – Saint, He is a revelation at FB from what I saw last week. Also in the u21’s. He can kick at poles too. A good kicker.
I think maybe with Ludik back they will take a chance. Ludik also a great FB. Still waiting to get over that knee op.
Why don’t they play Mvovo too on the wing. See Odwa on the bench????? Drives me crackers. Mvovo is wasted on this tour. Now will never ever be game fit. He is way, way faster than Odwa. Don’t let anyone fool you (on voldy) saying he is not. He is. I would have started him from the start of the S14. Also Zuks should get a chance when the team are home. He is a great player too. Swannie not playing that great at inside centre. Though think Zuks played outside centre. Not too sure now such a long time back I saw him play. The last time I saw him play he played wing. He too is blitz.
169 – Blouste…..hahahah. Saint can put something up for us. He is a author here. Go on Saint put up something.
GBS, Must have plenty to do today without there being something new up.
Well Puma, here is something new…I hope…
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Wallabies won’t win World Cup: Jones DARREN WALTON
March 25, 2010 – 4:04PM
Nominating France as the team to beat, former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones suspects the 2011 Rugby World Cup may come too soon for Robbie Deans’ improving Australian side.
Jones, now coaching in Japan, says it’s heartening to see coach Deans build depth across the park with the national team – but he doubts the Wallabies will be ready to land the sport’s greatest prize in New Zealand next year.
“Maybe it’s just going to be a bit too early for them,” Jones said after casting an eye over NSW Waratahs training on Thursday.
“There’s a number of good young players around, but maybe it’s just one cycle too early for them.”
Jones, who guided Australia to the 2003 World Cup final, is particularly excited about the emergence of Queensland’s dynamic halves duo of Quade Cooper and Will Genia, who loom as Deans’ most likely Test combination for the 2010 Tri Nations.
“The nine and 10 at Queensland are just outstanding,” Jones said.
“Genia is a running halfback, he’s also got a beautiful pass and with the quick ruck ball he’s also been terrorising ruck defenders, and Quade’s the best 10 at varying his alignment.
“He varies the alignment on the speed of the ball; he flattens up when it’s quick and he gets a little bit deeper when it’s slow.
“It’s only six or seven weeks into the (Super 14) competition but certainly Genia looks like he’s a long-term prospect.
“It’s their fourth year in the Super 14 now and I think it’s very important to understand that they’re now getting that maturity, starting to play at a high level.”
If Cooper wins the Wallabies No.10 jumper, star playmaker Matt Giteau, who has been Deans’ preferred five-eighth, will move to inside centre.
“The young 10 at the Brumbies is (also) a very good player – (Matt) Toomua,” Jones said.
“With him and Quade going through, there’s a lot of upside there for Australia in the 10 position and Giteau is an instinctive runner and will enjoy the chance to play at 12.”
Still, the average age of the incumbent Wallabies line-up is 23 and Jones – with historical statistics to support his belief – says Test and Super rugby players don’t generally peak until about 27.
“If I was a betting man, I’d back France (to win the World Cup),” Jones said.
“The only thing they’re missing now is two jumping locks. If they are able to find at least one jumping lock, they’ll be a very hard side to beat in New Zealand.
“It’s been shown they play well there for some reason.
“You’d expect New Zealand to do well.
“South Africa, I think, will struggle this year but will be strong for the World Cup.”
Jones served as Jake White’s assistant coach when South Africa won the 2007 World Cup and hasn’t ruled out accepting a role with a national team again at next year’s tournament.
“There’s a few things around at the moment but, in all honesty, I’ve committed myself to Suntory (in Japan for the next four years) and I want to do that well,” he said.
And Jones hasn’t completely closed the door on one day coaching the Wallabies again.
“Look, I don’t have any burning desire. I’d never say no, but I’ve moved on,” he said.
Jones has not hope in hell of getting the wallabies head coach role.
He never won the world cup!!
During his tenure the wallabies forwards when to crap he took over a great brumbies and wallaby side that inflated his skills and ego.
He is a good assistant coach…PERIOD!!
@ 173
He he he, was waiting for your response…
Blouste
I suspect this as well but Jones is not going to admit someone is going to do better than him.
He trashed the wallabies!!
172 – Blouste, Sorry just had to do something. (Sometimes I do work between blogging 😀 )
Well not sure what Jones is on about with SA. WE are playing the best so far in the S14 have two teams 1st and 2nd so far. That bids well for the Tri-Nations this year. Well I hope it does.
Genia at scrummie, Cooper at FH and Gits at inside centre. Wallabies going to be really superb there. Those are world class players. I think by next year they will be a threat to any team. Maybe this year but for sure next.
Work…Whats that 😆
Hi Puma, You still moveing down permanently in April ?
Blouste hiho, its something you never seem to be doing as well 🙂
And then their is me who is working her arlie off and doesnt get paid a cent.
178 – Treehugs, Yes but it might be May now. Something has come up here work wise for a few weeks a bit of consulting work. Otherwise I have to fly back and forward so might just be a month late coming down.
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