Statistically Speaking - Which players are leading the way in Super Rugby 2012?

The Stats after 5 rounds of the Super 15 show some intriguing results, and will be of great interest to the new national Coaches of South Africa and New Zealand; Heineke Meyer and Steve Hansen. Robbie Deans though will hope that the stats of the Australian sides do not reflect how his side will fair in the upcoming Rugby Championship.

South African Conference

The Stormers and Bulls have led the charge for the South African sides in this year’s Super 15, but interestingly neither side has a standout player in the Super 15 according to the stats after 5 rounds. Considering they have been very successful, this must imply that the workload and thus the rewards have been shared equally throughout the teams. The Cheetahs have shown glimpses of brilliance, while the Lions have been much improved. John Mitchell and Carlos Spencer efforts with the Lions haven’t gone unnoticed. The Sharks are strong on paper, but just don’t seem to be able to deliver consistently; perhaps a sign that coach John Plumtree’s time is soon to be up.

On an individual basis, it’s been difficult not to notice Johan Goosen of the Cheetahs. While many have noted how he has looked like a Springbok in waiting due to his cool temperament and his ability to put points on the board off the kicking tee (currently heads the table for most points, most kicks, most kicking metres, most penalties goals & most drop goals), he also surprisingly leads the way through offloads (he is joint first with SBW on 11) and is second only to Highlanders recruit Tamati Ellison for running metres made (372m). This perhaps is an indication of the Cheetah’s well renowned attacking style; anyone who saw their game against the Crusaders in the last round could see that they are not afraid to give the ball some air. It also shows however that for the first time in a while they have someone who can orchestrate this style of play with aplomb. From an outsider’s point of view, it looks like they have unearthed a real gem. Many South Africans have talked up Pat Lambie’s chances as the next in line for the number 10 throne in the green jersey, but Goosen looks like he could usurp him, or at least challenge. We will have a better idea later in the season. For now though, Goosen can look at his stats with hell of a lot of satisfaction. Springbok coach Heineke Meyer will be licking his lips too.

Other individuals shining statistically:

Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) - (1st for Tackles, 4th Most Runs, 12th Most Run Metres, 7th for Pilfers)

Keegan Daniel (Sharks) - (Top 20 for Most Runs, 2nd for Offloads, 3rd for Linebreak Assists)

New Zealand Conference

The New Zealand conference has been incredibly tough, with arguably 3 of the sides capable of winning the competition (Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs). The Blues, while strong individually have suffered a number of narrow losses, and have not shown the same team spirit of say the Hurricanes, who have fared surprisingly well thanks to an injection of youth. The Blues are now suffering from a horrendous injury toll too.

Arguably New Zealand’s most influential player has been Andrew Hore; the new Highlanders recruit from the Hurricanes. Coach Mark Hammett had deemed him surplus to requirements in Wellington, but as strongly as the Hurricanes have started the season, the decision to get rid of Hore seems like a decision he may have got wrong. Hore certainly has been busy in the tight, with 32 pick and drives (double the amount of his nearest contender – Chiefs prop Sona Taumololo). He has also made 56 runs, leaving him second behind his Highlanders team mate Nasi Manu who has made a mammoth 75 attempts at the line. Where he seems to be most effective however is on the floor. When you combine his numbers for turnovers and pilfers (a total of 14) he is joint top of the ladder along with Corey Flynn of the Crusaders. Keven Mealamu may be the incumbent hooker for the All Blacks, but Hore looks a shoe in for that position in the June tests.

Other individuals shining statistically:

Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) - (Joint 1^st try assists, 3rd most Points/Conversions)

 Adam Thomson (Highlanders) – (2^nd most lineouts won, 3^rd most turnovers, 6^th most runs)

Australian Conference

The Australian sides (Brumbies apart) have struggled in the opening rounds. The Reds do don’t seem to be anywhere near the level of their victorious side last year. The loss of Quade Cooper who succumbed to injury prior to the season is obviously having an effect on them.  The Force and Rebels have found it tough, but that was expected. The Waratahs (like the Sharks) just don’t seem to be contenders this year. Despite the addition of the experienced Adam Ashley Cooper, they seem to be missing the inspiration of the departed kurtley Beale.

One thing Australian Coach Robbie Deans will be happy about though is that his leaders on the International Stage seem to be performing. David Pocock has been magnificent for the Force, leading the way with pilfers (a total of 6), while also being the fourth top tackler in the Super 15 (67 tackles made).  He has made the fifth most runs, taking the ball up on 52 occasions and is tenth on the pick and drive list with 9. These stats show a real captain’s effort. It will be interesting to see if James Horwill retains the captaincy for the ‘Green and Gold’ this year. He got the job arguably following the success of the Red’s last year. They are faultering now though and David Pocock is definitely breathing down his neck in the captaincy stakes.

Other individuals shining statistically:

Nathan Sharpe (Western Force) – (1^st for Lineouts won, 3^rd most runs, 7^th most pick and drives)

 Will Genia (Reds) – (1^st for try assists, 1^st for linebreak assists)


All Information was compiled using statistics from: http://livescores.smh.com.au/rugby/super15/player-stats.html?refresh=1332923780750