Some interesting analysis has shown that New Zealand teams pass more than the Australian and South African teams. Do you think this is to blame for the kiwi teams performing so badly against Australian sides?
New Zealand's Super Rugby teams are passing too much for their own good
according to statistics on ESPN Scrum. The Crusaders pass on average 230
times per game, while the other New Zealand franchises are in the top
half of the rankings. It seems that these tactics are not effective
against the Australian teams who hold a ridiculous 6-1 lead over New
Zealand teams. The South African teams are dominating Australian teams
with their more conservative style which sees their teams placed towards
the bottom of the average number of passes list. The Bulls kick plenty
for territory and the Kings just don't get much possession.
It will be interesting to see if the New Zealand teams change their
style as the weather deteriorates over winter. I have noticed plenty of
handling mistakes creep in recently and the high number of passes are
probably a reason for this. I also think the lateral passing game
rather than a more direct game is making the New Zealand teams (the
Crusaders and Highlanders especially) too predictable. They need to
straighten things up!
Do you think New Zealand teams need to change the way they play? Do
these statistics really matter? Will passing less necessarily improve
the success rates of New Zealand teams?
Average Number of Passes Made By Super Rugby Teams This Season
Crusaders (NZ) 230, Highlanders (NZ) 172, Waratahs (Aus) 166, Hurricanes (NZ) 156, Brumbies (Aus) 143, Chiefs (NZ) 140, Blues
(NZ) 140, Cheetahs (RSA) 138, Force (Aus) 129, Stormers (RSA) 128,
Rebels (Aus) 123, Sharks (RSA) 122, Reds (Aus) 118, Bulls (RSA) 101,
Kings (RSA) 87
New Zealand teams 167; Australian teams 135; South Africa teams 116
Record of Inter-Conference Matches
Australia lead New Zealand 6-1
New Zealand lead South Africa 6-4
South Africa lead Australia 7.5-3.5 (Brumbies v Kings match drawn)
Have your say!
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