VIDEO: Dobson reveals requisite focus for SA franchises
The Stormers recently appointed a data analyst on a consultancy basis, a requisite for South African franchises hoping to compete in Europe.
Director of Rugby John Dobson confirmed that Zelim Nel is ‘consulting’ with them on game data.
The revelation came as the Stormers headed off on a three-match United Rugby Championship tour, starting against Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday.
That is followed by a trip to Italy and encounters with Zebre in Parma and Benetton in Treviso.
Dobson, in a one-on-one interview with @rugby365com earlier this year, revealed that the Stormers are leaning towards using French club Toulouse’s progressive data analysis to enhance his team’s game model.
The appointment of Nel is the first step in that direction.
“Data analysis is the new ‘frontier’ in rugby,” Dobson said ahead of Friday’s game.
He said SA teams are far behind their European counterparts in that regard.
“The generation of real-time data, like the number of breakdowns, lost line-outs, et cetera is important.
“We have invested in Oval [the sport’s leading data and analytics provider].
“We are building a data department at the Stormers,” he added.
(WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explains why they now have a ‘data analyst’ on board…..)
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus gave the SA franchises a talking to about this aspect of the game, in which they can improve a lot.
“I’m not talking about GPS data [for the players], but rather kick-to-run ratio, kick-to-pass ratio, are we overplaying and that stuff.
“It is all pretty new to us.”
Dobson said that after two good wins at home, the focus is on getting the tour off to a positive start.
“It has been an encouraging start to the season, and we are determined to build on that in this first tour game,” the Stormers boss said.
“There are a few areas that we want to improve on, and our preparations have obviously been limited by the travel this week.”
@rugby365com
