RWC2014: Ireland Pool Play Team Stats!

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by

John McMurtry

We all know the stats that matter are played three, won three, but we’ve been making use of our time in Fortress FRU to pull together statistics on the individual Ireland players throughout the pool stages.

To date, all players have now had some game time and 13 players have appeared in all three pool matches. Centre has posted the most minutes on the pitch closely followed by hard working hooker who both average over 70 minutes per game.

NAMEPOSITIONSTARTSMINPTS
Lynne CantwellCentre32290
Gillian BourkeHooker32170
Tania RosserScrumhalf32025
Nora StapletonFlyhalf31930
Fiona CoghlanProp31830
Ailis EganProp31835
Claire MolloyBack Row31830
Paula FitzpatrickBack Row31790
Grace DavittCentre31770
Ashleigh BaxterWing31710
Sophie SpenceLock31600
Alison MillerWing21605
Niamh BriggsFullback216025
Heather O’BrienBack Row21575
Marie Louise ReillyLock21550
Siobhan FlemingBack Row31415
Laura GuestBack Row3880
Larissa MuldoonScrumhalf2850
Sharon LynchHooker18010
Orla FitzsimonsLock1800
Hannah CaseyCentre1800
Vikki McGinnWing1805
Jackie ShielsFullback18010
Jenny MurphyCentre2630
Kerri Ann CraddockProp1570
Fiona HayesProp1570
Penalty Try———5

Ireland scored 80 points in total across the three games, scoring ten tries, with an impressive 90% conversion rate and four penalties.

As you would expect is the top scorer with 25 points having scored one try (USA), four conversions and four penalties. Next on the list with 10 points are , who knocked over five conversions, and , who bagged two tries against Kazakhstan. The other tries have come from (USA), (NZ), (NZ), (KAZ), (KAZ), (KAZ) and a Penalty Try against Kazakhstan.

Before the tournament I would have bet money on the “World Class” backs to lead the way in the touchdown stakes but it’s been the “Worlds’ Best” forwards that have been wreaking havoc with six tries to the backs’ four! (One up to forwards coach there!)

Perhaps the most interesting stats though are the times when Ireland have scored, and conceded, points. The Green Machine has generally had a good opening quarter outscoring their opponents across the three matches but they tend to come on strong as half time approaches bagging 35% of their points total during this period. However it is also the period when they are most vulnerable as their opponents have scored 44% of their points against as half time approaches!

Scores

To date, Ireland have failed to score in the third quarter and have conceded 27% of their points against during this period but it’s the final quarter when the Green Machine ramps up the pressure scoring an impressive 49% of their points and conceding a measly 8% of points against as they work their opponents over ahead of the final whistle! #COYGIG

7 responses to “RWC2014: Ireland Pool Play Team Stats!”

  1. Ballymoney R.F.C – Womens Team on Facebook

    Good analysis John on the positives – you’ll be going for a job as a statistician soon – You’ll be like Jeremy Vine on election night . 😀

    Whilst things have been good in the wins department, let’s not forget about the things which can still be improved, especially the penalty count at the breakdown.

    Yes, I know, I like to put a downer on things :), and I am sure the coaching staff and players have a handle on it – but the eager beaver of players do get a little excited at the breakdown, especially within their own 22.

    This is not a criticism, more of an observation, and I am sure the occasion, adrenaline, and sheer bloody determination of the team to get their mitts on the ball has something to do with it (as well as some really harsh calls by the referees).

    But all in all, some quality rugger has been played, and if the small problems can be ironed out I can see this team going all the way.

    #COYGIG #ShoulderToShoulder #WRWC2014

    Reply
    1. The Front Row Union on Facebook

      Ha Mikey – I happen to think that the breakdown has been a tour de force by Ms Molloy in particular. Ireland have been too quick for some of the referees and hopefully this will even out now we’re into the knock out games. I nearly wept in two games with some of the decisions. USA were denied two perfectly good tries against NZ and France appeared to only have to wave the ball in the general direction of the try line for a score to be awarded!

      Reply
    2. Ballymoney R.F.C – Womens Team on Facebook

      Now don’t get me wrong, yes, the effort at the break down area has been immense, but there have been times, in or around the 22 where leeching of penalties has been evident. Of course, to be fair, some of these I have seen no obvious reason for and I do think that some of the “not rolling away after the tackle” penalties have been a little harsh. For some it was going to be an impossible mission. I hope the IRB have a look at this area. I like the Nigel Owens approach to this. If he deems it is not interfering with play – let them get on with it.

      That ‘use it’ – ‘instant shrill blast of whistle’ call against Ireland’s maul was a real stinker. However, what is done is done. Onwards and upwards.

      Now, John, what are you saying – do you think there maybe a little favouritism shown in some quarters, or do you think some Le Blue sideline fan intimidation maybe coming into play!! lol 😀

      Reply
    3. The Front Row Union on Facebook

      Naw just saying some of the refereeing performances have been a bit shoddy – no better or worse than in the men’s game. If any team has had the benefit of more dubious decisions than any other I’d have to go with New Zealand. When you are (ex) World Champions refs just seem to fall over themselves to reward your wonderful play! 🙄

      Reply
  2. AYRU – American Youth Rugby Union on Facebook

    Great analysis – thanks for sharing

    Reply
    1. The Front Row Union on Facebook

      Thanks folks feel free to share! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Mary Davis on Facebook

    Makes interesting reading .

    Reply

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