Rugby Union Today: Journey into stats

Adam Kyriacou
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Another busy day in the rugby union game as we looked in-depth at South Africa’s remarkable victory over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.

What’s on the site

Lawrence Nolan analysed the Springboks’ triumph over the All Blacks in his ‘journey into stats’ feature and what the keys were to their success.

There were less happier times for South Africa on this day three years ago, however, when Japan stunned the sporting world by overturning Heyneke Meyer’s men in the Rugby World Cup and we have highlights from that game.

Finally, test your knowledge on Lions, Wales and Ospreys legend Alun Wyn Jones, who turned 33 on Wednesday, with this quiz.

What’s in the news

Following the fallout from his red card at the weekend, Will Spencer’s fate was revealed and the lock received a four-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Wasps hooker Tommy Taylor.

There was also bad news for Aaron Cruden, with the Montpellier fly-half set for a month on the sidelines after tearing his calf against Lyon last weekend.

What’s on social media

NFL punter Michael Dickson, who was born and raised in Australia, surprised all when he took a rugby union-style kick-off against the Chicago Bears at the weekend. He then followed that up by posting a video of this:

What’s on TV

With the Rugby Championship taking a week’s break, the big northern hemisphere leagues take centre stage and BT Sport will broadcast Newcastle v Exeter, Sale v Wasps and Saracens v Gloucester this weekend.

On Premier Sports, they are once again showing all seven matches from the PRO14, with Leinster v Edinburgh the standout contest.

Finally, on Sky Sports, the Top 14 is the main attraction with Bordeaux taking on leaders Clermont and Montpellier hosting Toulouse, while they also continue their Currie Cup and Mitre 10 coverage.

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