24 October 2011
As the 2011 Rugby World Cup draws to an end, it's time to overview what went on. In this article I will analyse the key statistics from the tournament that could have impacted on the big results throughout the tournament.
So firstly, which team were top try scorers?
- New Zealand - 40 tries
- Wales - 29 tries
- Australia - 28 tries
- South Africa - 21 tries
- England - 20 tries
Analysis: This result is pretty much what I expected apart from the fact that Wales ranked 2nd. Before the tournament nobody would have predicted that outcome but as we got to the semi-final and quarter-final stages, it became apparent that Wales were real contenders for the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Who were the top individual try scorers:
- Vincent Clerc (France) - 6 tries
- Chris Ashton (England) - 6 tries
- Israel Dagg (New Zealand) - 5 tries
- Keith Earls (Ireland) - 5 tries
- Adam Ashely-Cooper (Australia) - 5 tries
Analysis: I always had a feeling that a certain English rugby player would be in that group after an incredible collection of tries at the Six Nations. Keith Earls is the surprise there but I maybe would have hoped to see a Welsh player in that list.
Which team made the most tackles?
- France - 723 tackles
- Australia - 717 tackles
- Wales - 655 tackles
- New Zealand - 600 tackles
- South Africa - 528 tackles
Analysis: I am surprised by the height of the French figure and the lack of height for the All Blacks figure, considering they had more games.
And finally, the top point scorers of the tournament:
- Morne Steyn (South Africa) - 62 points
- James O'Connor (Australia) - 52 points
- Kurt Morath (Tonga) - 45 points
- Ronan O'Gara (Ireland) - 44 points
- Piri Weepu (New Zealand) - 41 points
Analysis: Its certainly a surprise to see a Tongan in the top 5 out of all the great players who were at the World Cup, but fair play to Kurt Morath, he must have worked hard. It's also good to see Piri Weepu amid the top scorers, he started the tournament as a "bench warmer" but came out as an All Black superstar.
What do you make of these statistics?
