This week, we look at the last 4 years of Super Rugby to examine which sides have been the best when not in occupancy of the ball and whether strong defence has been key to overall success.
2011
Despite being 1 of the 5 sides that completed over 1800 tackles in the season, eventual champions, the Reds, still maintained a strong tackling success rate of 89%.
The Queenslanders were middle-of-the-pack in many aspects with the ball during their title-winning season, but proved a tough nut to crack in other areas. They were among the top defensive sides when it came to winning ‘jackals’ (overall turnovers won from tackles) and were well-disciplined, going all the way to the Final with 6 other teams accumulating more defensive penalties than them in fewer matches.
Other conference winners, the Crusaders and the Stormers ranked equal-1st for total turnovers won, as well as figuring close to the summit with their tackling success rates. Good defence was definitely a match winner in 2011.
2012
As the shift to a more open and attacking-oriented competition unfolded before our eyes, tackling success rates began to fall across the competition, but close to the summit were eventual tournament winners the Chiefs.
The Hamilton-based outfit were also the 2nd-busiest defenders overall, as well as the 2nd-best side when it came to turning the ball over. The bottom 2 sides on the overall table (the Force and Lions) were amongst the worst 3 when it came to tackling success rate, whilst the Force and 13th placed Rebels were 2 of 3 sides that did not reach 100 total turnovers won.
Table toppers, the Stormers, were the best side when it came to tackling success and conceded 95 defensive penalties all season – just 3 other sides managed fewer, despite none of them reaching the Finals Series.
2013
In a complete turnaround from previous years, the best side when it came to tackling success rate finished bottom of the ladder. The Southern Kings completed 89% of their hits but won just 3 matches all season and this is perhaps an indication of the competition dictating that a side be dynamic and fruitful in attack or be found out.
The Kings were 1 of the worst sides when it came to turning the ball over and perhaps it was their lack of aggression in defence that cost them from winning more often. The Chiefs, who won their 2nd title in a row, maintained their status amongst the top 2 sides for tackling success rate and total turnovers won. Wildcard side, the Toyota Cheetahs, were the best at turning it over and 1 of 4 sides to tackle at 88%.
2014
The Waratahs were among the top 5 teams for tackle success rate in 2014 and despite the New South Wales outfit often dominating possession, only 2 other sides won more turnovers than they did (1 of which were beaten finalists, the Crusaders).
The Waratahs were not quite so great when it came to leaking penalties, but such a supreme attack often meant they could give away 3-pointers without having to worry about the scoreline too much.
2015
The Hurricanes have lit up the competition so far, but their defence also needs a mention as they are the only side to tackle at 90% so far. They’re also the joint most effective at turning the ball over.
The Chiefs, who have shown signs of the back-to-back champion side of a couple years ago, have been on point without the ball and are serious contenders in their conference this year. Defending champion, the Waratahs, rank last for turnovers won by some distance and by all intents and purposes, they’ve a long way to go this year. Overall leaders, the Brumbies, rank equal-4th for turnovers won and 7th for tackling.
Whilst we discovered last week that dynamic attack is not always synonymous with success in Super Rugby, rugged and efficient defence most certainly is.
The Kings proved that simply completing tackles is not enough though and whilst champions could get away with neglecting parts of their game in favour of others a few years ago, the Super Rugby top dogs at present need to excel both with and without the egg.
