Jasper Wiese shows why he is leading the No.8 race
STAT ATTACK: Jasper Wiese has put his hand up once again to be the first-choice pick for South Africa’s No.8 jersey when the World Cup starts later this year.
The Leicester Tigers star produced another eye-catching performance in England’s Premiership over the weekend.
He was a central figure in the Tigers’ 24-18 win over league leaders Saracens on Sunday.
According to @OptaJonny, Wiese made more carriers (24) than any other player in Round 17 of the Premiership.
20 – Jasper Wiese (24) and Billy Vunipola (23) were the only players to make 20+ carries in Round 17 of @premrugby; in fact, only Alec Hepburn (25 in Round 2) has made more in a match this season. Collision. pic.twitter.com/y98Qc0vA8M
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) February 20, 2023
With those carriers, Wiese gained a whopping 95 metres and he beat 10 defenders as well.
A large chunk of that came from a sensational slaloming run in the build-up to Handre Pollard’s try in the match.
JASPER WIESE!!!!!😤😤#GallagherPrem #SaffasAbroad pic.twitter.com/OLWpFmzBWo
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) February 19, 2023
The Springbok also put in a massive shift on defence with 16 tackles and one missed.
57% – Comparing Wiese and Vunipola from the weekend, they have different styles; Vunipola was more reliable at getting over the gainline (57% v 29%), but less dominant (13% v 25%) and beat/committed fewer defenders. Impact. pic.twitter.com/KZoXLwks3Y
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) February 20, 2023
Pollard scored 14 of his team’s points with a try, three conversions and one penalty.
Meanwhile, another South African flyhalf making headlines is Robert du Preez.
Du Preez (152) and London Irish’s Paddy Jackson (148) continue their battle to be the top points scorer.
Jackson was the top scorer of Round 17 with 15 to narrowly cut the gap on Du Preez who was joint second with 14.
Source: @OptaJonny
