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Southern Kings v Cheetahs - Top Opta Facts

Kings (Photo: Getty Images)

This weekend the Southern Kings and Cheetahs play their last ever game of Super Rugby (for now). Here’s some interesting facts about one of the least interesting matchups in the history of the game.

  • The Cheetahs have won each of the previous three meetings between these clubs, winning each of those matches by 12+ points.
  • The last eight South African derbies played in the final regular season round of competition have been decided by an average margin of 26 points, with the home team winning on five occasions.
  • The Kings win an average of 9.4 turnovers per game this season, the most of any team in the competition and more than three more than the last-ranked Cheetahs (6.1).
  • The Cheetahs have made 16.6 offloads per game so far this season, the most of any team in the competition and more than five more per game than the Kings (11.4).
  • Makazole Mapimpi gains an average of 10.3m per carry so far this season, the most of any player who has made 50+ carries.
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Nickers 25 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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LONG READ
LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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