The DHL Stormers continue to be trend-setters under the now three-year-old conference system for economy in try-concession in Super Rugby.

But once again the Stormers could be branded “Scrooge” not only for premier excellence in the defensive department, during the grueling phase ahead of the finals series, but also their struggle to cross the whitewash themselves. Bonus points earned for 4 tries – 1

This year’s Stormers side equaled their own SANZAR record, first set in 2011, for fewest tries conceded (18) across 16 conference matches – very little more than one a game.

It was a whole five tries better than the next best team in that regard, fifth-placed Australians the Reds (23 against).

The statistic also means that the Newlands-based franchise have gone three years of conference activity as the tightest defensive outfit of the lot – they only gave away 21 tries last year, nine better than eventual champions the Chiefs (30) in second spot for fewest tries conceded.

But of consternation to many of their loyal supporters, the flip side is that the Stormers stubbornly keep a reputation for being well less than entertainers in a ‘tries for’ capacity.

They crossed the line 30 times in their 16 matches – an average of just under two tries a game – which meant they were superior only to minnows the Kings (27 tries, 2 bonus points for 4 tries) and Force (26, O bonus points for tries).

It was reminded in TV commentary that the last-named side, despite a commendable 21-15 upset of the Brumbies in Perth last weekend, have not registered a four-try bonus point in 25 Super Rugby matches.

Some relief for the Stormers, as they reserved one of their most vibrant performances of the year for the 30-13, slightly party-spoiling dismantling of the Bulls on Saturday, was that in dotting down three times they beefed their try count to 30, thus eclipsing their 28 last season.

In that 2012 campaign, the Capetonians peculiarly notched fewer tries than anyone else yet still managed to top the overall table after ordinary season – even the subsequently axed, bottom-placed Lions pressed 30 times.

Tries for-and-against ratios for SA sides:

• Bulls (1st) 41-34, Scored 5 bonus points for tries, Conceded 1 bonus points for tries against
• Cheetahs (2nd) 38-32, Scored 2 bonus points for tries, Conceded 2 bonus points for tries against
• Stormers (3rd) 30-18, Scored 1 bonus points for tries, Conceded 1 bonus points for tries against
• Sharks (4th) 40-31, Scored 3 bonus points for tries, Conceded 3 bonus points for tries against
• Kings (5th) 27-69, Scored 2 bonus points for tries, Conceded 8 bonus points for tries against

Tries scored Best and Worst:

• Bulls (1st) 41 Tries , average 2.56, most scored 6 vs Huricannes and Kings, Conceded 6 vs Crusaders
• Cheetahs (2nd) 38 Tries , average 2.38, most scored 5 vs Rebels, Conceded 6 vs Chiefs
• Stormers (3rd) 30 Tries , average 1.88, most scored 4 vs Brumbies, Conceded 4 vs Chiefs
• Sharks (4th) 40 Tries , average 2.5, most scored 10 vs Rebels and Kings, Conceded 4 vs Brumbies, Chiefs and Reds
• Kings (5th) 27  Tries , average 1.69, most scored 4 vs Brumbies and Highlanders, Conceded 11 vs Waratahs
  

The Chiefs scored 50 tries at a average of 3.13 tries per game, 8 bonus points for 4 tries per game, that is worth a extra 2 wins.

The Blues earned 6 bonus points.

Home wins 100%:

Crusaders and Bulls, BEWARE !