What the numbers reveal about KLA
STAT ATTACK: Kurt-Lee Arendse has become one of the most prolific players in the world.
After rocketing to stardom in 2022, the fleet-footed back continued to dazzle the world with his speed and prowess.
The 27-year-old try-scoring machine helped the Springboks claim a record fourth World Cup title back in October.
With Makazole Mapimpi injured the wing stepped and cemented himself as one the best wings in the world.
While his form on the international stage has been nothing short of incredible, the talented wing was just as impressive for his franchise, the Bulls.
According to Opta’s stats, the former BlitzBok gained the most metres per game.
The stats revealed that of the players to feature for 800+ minutes in major European competitions in 2023, the Bulls star tops the chart with 94 meters per 80 minutes.
The stats are a reflection of how hard it is for opponents to contain Arendse’s pace out wide.
94 – Of players to feature for 800+ minutes in major European club competitions in 2023, @BlueBullsRugby‘s Kurt-Lee Arendse was the only player to gain 90+ metres per 80 minutes:
94 – Kurt-Lee Arendse
83 – Josh Hodge
83 – Melvyn Jaminet
81 – Alex Newsome
80 – Brice DulinRapid. pic.twitter.com/Gn5WkWUhk3
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) January 4, 2024
The wing, along with Canan Moodie and Willie Le Roux, in the back three, has ignited the Bulls’ resurgence.
The good news for the Pretoria-based franchise’s fans is that in March, Arendse signed a contract extension which will see him stay at the Bulls until June 2026.
His speed has certainly put him in good company as fans, especially in Pretoria, likened him to the Springboks legend Bryan Habana.
And with good reason, Arendse shares the record of the fastest player to reach 10 tries for the Springboks, in just eight matches with Habana.
The Paarl native also holds a remarkable record of scoring in seven consecutive Test matches for the Springboks.
Stats provided by: Opta
