PHILADELPHIA, PA – We now have 8 matches of data to look at for the new PRO Rugby competition. There is still a lot of rugby to play, but here is where things stand now. For a look at the trial run of a new stat, check this out.
Denver did not play in Week 4, so none of their numbers have changed since last week.
There are some broad trends emerging. The average number of scrums per match is going down. That is a broad, crude way to make the claim that the skill level is improving. The number of free kicks awarded from scrums remains higher than the number of penalties, which seems consistent with the league’s wishes. 87% of scrums are being completed (the ball is played by one team or the other). If I am reading the report correctly, this is much better than the 2015 World Cup.
In terms of lineout performance, the league’s numbers are moving in the right direction there as well. 67% of lineouts have been won by the throwing team. That’s not good, but it is better.
Tries
Here is a breakdown of all the tries so far and where they came from. Turnovers remain the biggest source of tries.
71% of tries have been scored in 3 phases or fewer.
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Attacking Scrums
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Defensive Scrum
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Attacking Lineouts
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Won “Clean,” for my calculations means that things go to plan – the ball gets from the thrower to the intended receiver (or, at least, whomever appears to be the intended receiver), and then to the next player.
Defensive Lineout
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League Table
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