The stats behind the Springbok Loose Forwards

An in-depth look at the data.

A modern loose forward trio is required to possess a variety of diverse skill sets in order to best support their team's drive for success.

The Springboks have selected 7 specialist loose forwards in their 33-man RWC squad, each with differing roles within the team. Using Oval Insights data, I have put together some key statistics around which these players will be judged. I have not included Franco Mostert as some of his data would have come from times he was playing lock, and this would not be a fair comparison.

Data will only ever tell part of the story, but it can help to understand a players strengths and weaknesses. Similarly, context is always important, as some players will be playing the last 20-30 minutes of matches when the game has become more loose.

Below is a table highlighting the “best” stat in each category (Note: best does not always mean highest) from the June 2022 to present (pre-Wales friendly in 2023).

Siya Kolisi

Despite having missed the entire 2023 Rugby Championship, Kolisi tops the list for minutes played. Yet, he is second for Tackle success %, has the least penalties conceded and is in the top half of all statistics barring carrying and lineout metrics. He is also unlucky to have missed out on all of the Springbok matches so far this year, where the more attacking brand would have fitted in well with his ability to perform well in the wide channels.

Pieter-Steph du Toit

A unique role that nobody else in this group plays like him. Yet, he manages to excel in the majority of areas. His weaker points being his defenders beaten, handling errors, tackle success % and turnovers won. Although, as a 2 metre tall former lock, he is not the type of player you would expect turnovers from. Similarly, his tackle success % would be skewed due to his role as the player who flies off the line when the Boks defend.

Duane Vermeulen

The veteran eighth-man has looked in great form in 2023, bringing his experience and leadership to the Boks in the absence of Siya Kolisi. The tops that stats for handling errors, where he has made none in his 661 minutes played. He also tops the stats for tackle success % and has solid carrying. However, he does have the lowest defensive ruck entries, but this would likely be more down to his role as a defensive organiser rather than lack of effort. Something that surprised me was Vermeulen only having 2 lineout catches since June 2022, an area he is very strong at.

Kwagga Smith

Having made the most appearances at 14, you would expect he wouldn’t be 4th for minutes played, but such is the role of a bomb squad member. He is the highest performer for turnovers won, with 1.63 per 80 mins, and also attempts the most tackles per 80 mins. He has also scored more tries than any other loose forward since June 2022, dotting down four times. His only real blemish to his record would be having a slightly higher handling errors per 80 mins than he would like.

Jasper Wiese

Probably comes as a surprise to nobody that Wiese tops the stats for the carrying metrics. With 14.97 carries per 80 mins, 49.29 metres made per 80 mins and 3.48 dominant carries per 80 mins. He was also second for defenders beaten. He also concedes least penalties than the majority of his counterparts, which may be surprising to some.

Marco van Staden

With only 147 minutes under his belt it is difficult to judge van Staden, however he does top the others when it comes down to defenders beaten per 80 mins with 3.27. He has an underwhelming stat for turnovers per 80, especially considering he has one of the best in the URC, but that could be partly due to his many of his minutes coming against Australia where the Boks dominated possession. His tackle success % leaves a lot to be desired.

Deon Fourie

With 7 appearances and averaging only 26 minutes per cap, Fourie has not had too much time to influence games. In fact, his start vs Argentina was the first time he played more than 35 minutes (he went on to play the full 80). He tops the stats for rucking, entering the most attacking and defensive rucks per 80 mins. He also tops my new favourite statistic “Ruck Nuisances” with 3.89 per 80 mins played.

It is clear that the Springboks have a variety of options at loose forward, the question will be how will they be utilised come the Rugby World Cup.