Super 14 drew an overall 1,832,867 bums on seats at an average of 20,141 per game, with South Africa leading at just under 26,000 per game (despite the low crowds at Coca-Cola Park.)

Country records and breakdowns:

1. South Africa: 856,930 (46% capacity) at 25,967 per game

2. Australia: 513,852 (28%) at 19,763 per game.

3. New Zealand: New Zealand total 462,085 (25%) at 14,440 per game.

As expected, the local derby games raised more interest than overseas teams. Not too much in the preferences for games against SANZAR partners, but then, that would depend on the local stadium size.

Team records:

Team most supported:
Stormers 296,674 at 42,382 per game.

Team least supported:
Highlanders 35,060 at 5,843 per game.

Most attended game:
50,000 for the Bulls v Sharks at Loftus.

Least attended game:
3,527 for the Lions v Blues at Ellis park (I’m also sure this counted the cleaning, vending and security staff).

Most watched away team:
Brumbies 171,475 at 28,579 per game.

Most unwatched away team:
Force 89,572 at 12,796 per game.

So here it, the Super 14 supporter log:

1. Stormers – 7 at home. Total: 296,674. Average: 42,382. Stadium: 83%
2. Bulls – 7 at home. Total: 240,035. Average: 34,290. Stadium: 66%
3. Sharks – 6 at home. Total: 152,002. Average: 25, 333. Stadium: 46%
4. Waratahs – 6 at home. Total: 145, 227. Average: 24, 204. Stadium: 59%
5. Reds – 7 at home. Total: 159,707. Average: 22,815. Stadium 43%
6. Crusaders – 7 at home. Total: 150,068. Average: 21,438. Stadium: 59%
7. Blues – 6 at home. Total: 106, 400. Average: 17,733. Stadium: 29% *
8. Force – 6 at home. Total: 102, 121. Average: 17,020. Stadium 83%
9. Brumbies – 7 at home. Total: 106,797. Average: 15,256. Stadium 62%
10. Hurricanes – 6 at home. Total: 89,157. Average: 14,859. Stadium 43%
11. Cheetahs – 7 at home. Total: 101,384. Average: 14,483. Stadium: 32%
12. Chiefs – 7 at home. Total: 81,400. Average: 11,628. Stadium 42%
13 Lions – 6 at home. Total: 66835. Average: 11,139. Stadium 19%
14. Highlanders – 6 at home. Total: 35,060. Average: 5,843. Stadium 29%
* not aware of reduced capacity seating numbers.

Look at the capacity utilised and you can get an appreciation for the, at times, vast rows of empty seating in games which are actually reasonably attended.

For instance, the average crowd at the ME stadium in Perth would disappear at Eden Park.

Speaking of the Force, despite being one of the most unloved teams away, they attract a near capacity crowd on average.

Overall, though, it would seem crowds and interest are up from previous years. This is probably in large part to the return of an attack orientated game and the resurgence of the Reds on the back of it.