The #2023 stats that show why Boks are so lethal
STAT ATTACK: The Springboks’ work at the breakdown has made sure they dominate the 2023 stats season.
According to Opta Stats, South Africa is the only team to have scored more than one try per game following a turnover in all the major domestic and international competitions in 2023.
While the Springboks are a solid defensive unit their work at the breakdown has been even more incredible.
The stats show that back-to-back World Cup champions have scored 1.15 tries per match from turnovers.
The Springboks are followed by Japanese League One club Brave Lupus in second with one try per match from turnover, while France is third with 0.93.
*Story continues below…
Meanwhile, Springbok Malcolm Marx is rated the best at turning over or disrupting a defensive ruck.
Opta Stats revealed that Marx has turned over or disrupted 31 percent of the defensive rucks he has hit in 2023 – the best rate of any player in all competitions (min. 100 rucks hit).
Samisoni Taukei’aho has slowed down the most rucks per 80 minutes (2.1, min. 800 minutes played).
*Story continues below…
In the other stats, France captain Antoine Dupont tops the charts for the most try assists.
Opta Stats revealed that Dupont totalled 34 try assists in all major club and international competitions in 2023.
He also ranked the highest for assists per 80 minutes of those players to notch up 800+ minutes (1.4).
*Story continues below…
England Ben Curry is in poll position for most dominant tackles.
Opta Stats confirmed he made 41 dominant tackles in 2023, the most of any player across the top-tier club and international comps.
Former Stormers forward Ernst van Rhyn (3.1) made the most per 80 minutes of anyone to play 800+ mins with Curry second.
Richie Mo’unga has made the most breaks of any flyhalf. The No.10 tally 15 breaks in all competitions, while Romain Ntamack has made the most per 80 minutes, of those to play 800+ mins (0.9).
Source: OptaStats
