On the popular TV show Mythbusters, popularly held beliefs are tested with experiments and data. There are three outcomes: Confirmed, plausible, and busted.
I will look at common myths in relation to backrowers using available stats for the Super Rugby season to date. Most stats are from Fox Fantasy statistics.
The stats have a common scale of per 80 mins to mimic a complete match, so you can compare players who played less minutes.
Tatafu Polota-Nau (TPN), Stephen Moore, James Hanson, Nathan Charles have been selected since various quarters push for their inclusion in the Wallaby squad.
Myths about our hookers: (note I am not looking at scrummaging)
(Table 1 posted in first comment)
Myth: TPN has a low contribution rate? Busted! He does not have the highest rate but it would be in the middle ground.
Myth: Moore contribute most in general play (ie effort)? Confirmed. Easily the highest.
(Table 2 posted in first comment)
Myth: TPN has a high impact? Confirmed, easily the highest.
(Table 3 posted in first comment)
Myth: TPN is the poorest line out thrower? Busted. Out of every 100 throws he throws 2.2 more not straight than Moore.
Interestingly, Charles is by far the most accurate.
Myth: Hanson is underrated? Busted. He has neither the workrate of Moore nor the impact of TPN, and his throw is just as inaccurate.
Myth: Charles is underrated? Busted. Statistically he is weak in every area except lineout throws.
Editor’s note: PeterK has some nice data in tables, but it was very difficult and time-consuming to format for this article. PeterK will post the tables in the comments.
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.
Super Rugby round 12 is just around the corner and it's now or never for several teams, including the Crusaders, Waratahs and Western Force,…
Denied at first, the NSW Waratahs have managed to secure World Cup Wallaby Pone Fa’amausili, as well as Argentine international Enrique Pieretto, on loan…
The Junior Wallabies have responded in the best possible fashion from their first-up loss to Argentina in the under-20s Rugby Championship by defeating the…
Let’s not mince words here: many an Australian commentator and rugby fan was dreading Rounds Ten and 11 this year in Super Rugby Pacific.…
Kicking is such a big part of the game and doing it well, more than your opponent, correlates strongly with winning outcomes at an elite level.
If Michael Cheika is serious about becoming an NRL coach, he needs to pay his dues with a stint as an assistant or his…
