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South Africa's Victor Matfield tackles Australia Will Genia during Tri Nations rugby. app images
As we stand, up to our waist in Super 14 rugby, there is now some reasonable data about who is doing what. For example, there have been a few articles lately to proclaim the talents of Will Genia, the latest from George Gregan.
Gregan believes Genia is already a better player than he was. To me, this was as obvious as Ricky Martin’s most recent announcements.
Now, it seems to be widely accepted that Du Preez is the world best 9. Looking at the stats from this year’s Super 14 and comparing the two makes interesting reading. I am using stats from Fox Sports Fantasy S14 competition, which allows you to compare players in various areas up to round seven.
The data shows:
Minutes played: Alomst identical, maybe a couple of minutes in Du Preez’s favour.
Tries: 2 to Genia, 1 to Du Preez.
Try Assists: 1 to Genia, 4 to Du Preez.
Runs: 51 to Genia, 14 to Du Preez.
Tackle Busts: 18 to Genia, 4 to Du Preez.
Offloads: 4 to Genia, 6 to Du Preez.
Line Breaks: 8 to Genia, 1 to Du Preez.
Line Break creates: 3 to Genia, 5 to Du Preez.
Tackles: 35 to Genia, 17 to Du Preez.
Tackles missed: 8 to Genia, 5 to Du Preez.
Penalties conceded: 2 to Genia, 1 to Du Preez.
Errors: 12 to Genia, 7 to Du Preez.
To me, the only area where Du Preez shades Genia is in the errors. However, the fact that Genia seems to be tackling a lot more means it makes sense that he makes more mistakes. That coupled with the fact he is playing in a team with less overall talent and still doing what he is makes him the best thus far in the Super 14.
Du Preez is playing well in a team that is good. He makes the team better but not to the same degree that Genia makes the Reds (and Cooper in particular) better.
Anyway, I put it to you wise Roarers that Genia is the best in the Super 14 and maybe the world.
What are you thoughts?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.