The Rolling Maul

Morne has the same success rate as Carter but Dan is still a hero

Goosen 9% better than both but with fewer kicks.

Interesting for me is that while Carter is consistent between conversions and penalties, Steyn kick over 3% more conversions. Goosen kick over 1% more penalties than conversions.

Senior Rugby Correspondent Brenden Nel breaks down the statistics ahead of Saturday’s massive Castle Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and All Blacks.

There is no doubt the Soweto showdown will be a massive game. It has all the characteristics of a classic, with Bok expectation pitted against All Black consistency as the world’s top two sides battle for a season-defining victory.

That last point may be scoffed at a bit, especially as the Boks have had a rough ride while the All Blacks have swept all before them on their way to 15 consecutive victories and within touching range of their own world record of 17, but for both the Boks and the rest of the world, there is a glimmer of hope that the World Champions can be challenged, even if it has to be in the corner of Soweto at altitude and in front of a massively partisan home crowd.

KICKING STATS OF BOTH TEAMS’ KICKERS (including those out of the match-day 22)

Springboks

Morne Steyn 73% (108 from 147) – Conversions 45/60, Penalties 63/87 (Could miss 2 from 8)
Frans Steyn 38% (3 from 8) – Con 0/2, Pen 3/6 (Could miss 5 from 8)
Johan Goosen 82% (49 from 60) – Con 17/21, Pen 32/39  (Could miss 1 from 8)
Ruan Pienaar 43% (3 from 7) – Con 3/5 Pen 0/2 (Could miss 4 from 8)

SEEMS THAT THE GOOSE IS THE REAL DEAL

All Blacks

Dan Carter 73% (66 from 90) – Con 30/41, Pen 36/49
Aaron Cruden 75% (105 from 140) – Con 49/61, Pen 56/79
Beauden Barrett 72% (78 from 108) – Cons 38/57, Pen 40/51
Israel Dagg 50% (1 from 2) – Con 1/2, Pen 0/0

DEFENCE

via Soweto Showdown: A statistical analysis – SuperSport – Rugby.