Springboks v Ireland: A look at the numbers

The final whistle has blown, but the individual numbers tell the real story of control, physicality, and relentless effort. We shift the focus from individual awards to statistical dominance, highlighting the Top 3 performers in every key metric who dictated the outcome of this thrilling contest. 

Metres Gained

1. Damian Willemse (15): The fullback was instrumental in counter-attack, registering a strong 39 Metres Gained, launching attacks from deep.

2. Jamison Gibson-Park (9): The scrum-half accumulated 33 Metres, always looking to snipe and keep the defense honest around the ruck.

3. Dan Sheehan (2): In a massive effort from the front row, the hooker tallied 27 Metres, showing immense ball-carrying power in tight quarters.

Defenders Beaten

1. Josh van der Flier (7): The flanker was dynamic and explosive, leading the entire field by punching through 2 Defenders Beaten.

2. James Lowe (11): Matching the flanker's impact, the winger also broke through 2 Defenders Beaten, adding punch to his high metre count.

3. Jasper Wiese (8): The Number 8 used his physicality to power past 1 Defender Beaten during his strong carries.

Tackles Made 

A victory built on defense. These three players put in the monumental defensive shifts that choked the opposition's attack.

1. Caelan Doris (8): A colossal performance at Number 8, leading all players with a staggering 14 Tackles. He was the unwavering defensive anchor.

2. Josh van der Flier (7): The tireless flanker was everywhere, matching Doris’s work rate with 12 Tackles, reinforcing the back-row's defensive might.

3. Ross Cronje (9): A monumental effort from the scrum-half, who completed an impressive 11 Tackles, stepping up to secure the defensive line in the face of attack.

Passes

1. Jamison Gibson-Park (9): The scrum-half’s distribution was the engine of the attack, leading the field with a massive 52 Passes completed.

2. Cobus Reinach (9): The other scrum-half also showed exceptional ball skills, completing 47 Passes, highlighting the high-tempo, passing nature of the contest.

3. Ciaran Frawley (12): The inside centre played a key distribution role, linking the halves and the back three with 18 Passes.

Offloads

1. Tadhg Beirne (5): The second row displayed outstanding hands in contact, leading the offload count with 4 Offloads, ensuring the attack never died in the tackle.

2. Canan Moodie (14) and Caelan Doris (8): Both players shared the second-highest tally, each securing 3 Offloads to release teammates and keep the ball alive in tight situations.