Disciplined Boks setting the bar high
In 1995 South Africa almost had their World Cup dream shattered through a ‘poor’ disciplinary record. It was a lesson well learnt.
While Springboks fans and some analysts continue to question the validity of the actions of match and tournament officials – which saw two Boks suspended after the infamous ‘Battle of Boet Erasmus’ in 1995 – the Class of 2011 are clearly intent on avoiding a similar scenario.
South Africa have, bar one penalty, the most impressive disciplinary record at the World Cup in New Zealand.
It is not surprising to find the defending champions at the top of most of the statistics tables – most importantly a solitary point short of securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
But it is their disciplinary record that is most impressive.
Of the teams most likely to reach next month’s play-offs, the Boks – yet to concede any cards, of the yellow or red variety – they have the best disciplinary record.
Italy, who are hoping to edge Ireland into the play-offs, are the least penalised side – having conceded just 22 penalties in three matches.
Next best are the Springboks, with 23 from three, France (26), Scotland and Ireland (both 28) and Wales (29).
All the other teams most likely to make it into the quarterfinals are averaging at least 10 penalties per match.
The one aspect that set the Boks apart from Italy is that the Azzurri have already been issued a yellow card – placing them a rung below the Boks on the disciplinary ladder.
The most carded team is England, with two yellow cards, which is not surprising – considering that of those likely to make they play-offs they are also the most penalised at 38.
Here, at a glance, is how the teams have scored on the disciplinary sheet:
Pool A
New Zealand – penalties conceded: 12 + 11 + 11 = 34
France – penalties conceded: 10 + 9 + 7 = 26
Pool B
England – penalties conceded: 12 + 14 + 12 = 38
Argentina – penalties conceded: 15 + 9 + 9 = 33
Scotland – penalties conceded: 11 + 6 + 11 = 28
Pool C
Ireland – penalties conceded: 9 + 8 + 11 = 28
Australia – penalties conceded: 15 + 12 + 4 = 31
Italy – penalties conceded: 9 + 5 + 8 = 22
Pool D
South Africa – penalties conceded: 10 + 7 + 6 = 23
Wales – penalties conceded: 5 + 14 + 10 = 29
Samoa – penalties conceded: 11 + 12 + 7 = 30
* The Boks are also second on two other tables – points and tries scored. Hosts New Zealand top both of those.
Teams who are in line to reach the play-offs and have scored more than three figures at the tournament: New Zealand (161 points in three matches; 54 points per game), South Africa (153; 51 points per game), England (121; 40), Wales (114; 38), France (110; 37), Australia (105; 35).
Leading try-scorers: New Zealand (24; eight tries per match), South Africa (20; seven), England (17; six), Australia (15; five), Wales (14; five).
* Another table that has the Boks, or a Bok, on top, is top points scorers – with flyhalf Morné Steyn on 48 after three outings, a match average 16 points.
Steyn is also the only player in a 100 percent strike rate (for goal-kicking) in two of his matches.
Top points-scorers:
48 – Morné Steyn (South Africa) – two tries, 13 conversions, four penalties
34 – James Arlidge (Japan) – two tries, three conversions, six penalties
31 – Kurt Morath (Tonga) – five conversions, seven penalties
28 – Merab Kvirikashvili (Georgia) – two conversions, eight penalties
28 – Morgan Parra (France) – one try, four conversions, five penalties
Top scorers in a single match:
23 – Colin Slade (New Zealand v Japan)
23 – Morgan Parra (France v Canada)
21 – Morné Steyn (South Africa v Fiji); James Arlidge (Japan v France)
20 – Vereniki Goneva (Fiji v Namibia); Morné Steyn (South Africa v Namibia)
Leading try-scorers:
5 – Chris Ashton (England)
4 – Vereniki Goneva (Fiji), Israel Dagg (New Zealand), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Australia), Richard Kahui (New Zealand), Vincent Clerc (France)
3 – Francois Hougaard (South Africa), Scott Williams (Wales), Alesana Tuilagi (Samoa), Mark Cueto (England), Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand), Frans Steyn (South Africa)
Compiled by Jan de Koning
