NRC - Final Round.

[Sheikh]

Year 1 showed the benefit of bonus points. Something which too many teams ignore.

But it is good to win more than you lose

[travelling_gerry]

[andrewg]

Ruck Involvements against the Vikings

A impressive S42:36V win away from home against a side which would have fancied its chances.
The Spirit outscored the Vikings 42:20 after the opening 20 minutes.

Big 80-minute effort from Richard Hardwick - 35Total (24 Attack/11 Defence).
Good numbers against some credible SR opposition (particularly Butler & Smiler).
He was an absolute pest for the Viking's ball carriers, was quick into contact (as the numbers show), had almost double DRIs of the Spirits next best and pressured 2 or 3 TOW.

One aspect of the pace of the NRC is that there's nowhere to hide on the pitch.
This does test the defensive capabilities of all players but particularly the Backs.

The Centre-pairing of Meakes and Tapuai was particularly busy: Tapuai - 14T (9A/5D) and Meakes - 12T (5A/7D).
Good efforts by: Brache - 9T (6A/3D); Prior - 9T (9A/0D); Alatimu & Louwrens - 7T (5A/2D).

Flexibilty is obviously the key with Ruru packing down as BSF for his 18 minutes on the pitch and was more involved than usual at the breakdown - 8T (6A/2D)

Remember:
1. Early means 1st or 2nd of player’s team AFTER the ball carrier has been tackled and brought to ground.
2. Impact means active engagement: strong physical contact, changed shape of ruck, clean-out, protecting ball etc. (more than hand on someone’s bum or arriving after the hard work has been done). Yes it’s subjective - but as I collect all data at least it’s consistent.
3. Impact DOES NOT equate to Effectiveness. I’ve concluded that coming up with an effectiveness measure is just too hard in the time that I have available – but open to suggestions.



Ruck Involvements over Time

1. Sustained efforts from Stander and Stringer.
2. Strong support by R Haylett-Petty, Havilli and Tessman.
3. Energetic involvement from Mulikihaamea in his 29 mins.

I'm interested to see what team is selected to play in the Semi against the Rays.

[choice]

In terms of play dynamics and team contribution I would only have 2 of those players in my top 5. Stats, the science of producing unreliable facts from reliable figures. Saying that, some people love them. It makes it easier to justify other actions, like sacking people.
I must be feeling ill or mellowing in my senior years.

[volvo]

Well done to Laione Mulikihaamea, Heath Tessmann and Jermaine Ainsley who made the green and gold team of the week. Special mentions to Brynard Stander and Ryan Louwrens.

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/nrc...m-of-the-week/

[Kalahard]

I wouldve had Dicky Hardwick and Meakes in the team of the week. Hardwicks last 15 mins of that game were incredible. Definitely ready for more rugby at Super level. Meakes defense was huge all game and was rewarded for his work rate in defense with a try.

[valzc]

Any reason why not one Perth Spirit player is in Fox Sports LAB NRC team of the year? or is it just an Eastern States thing?

[andrewg]

Any reason why not one Perth Spirit player is in Fox Sports LAB NRC team of the year? or is it just an Eastern States thing?

Shambeckler Vui at least made the XXIII.
Appears that only Attack stats were used for the selection.
So obviously set piece and defensive stats aren't important in Fox Sports Lab.