Breakdown compromised Stormers

The Stormers' abject performance at the breakdowns and collisions forced them to chase the game in Singapore, according to SARugbymag.co.za's Opta-powered stats.

After trailing 17-3 after 49 minutes, the Stormers hit back in the last half hour of the contest to draw 17-17 with the Sunwolves. The stats reflect the visitors' superiority during this period, and yet they will lament their poor start to the game in Singapore and how that substandard performance so nearly led to an embarrassing defeat.

In the first half, the Sunwolves surprised the Stormers with an abrasive display at the tackle point. The hosts had just 36% of the possession during this period, and were forced to make 60 tackles. However, they managed to limit the Stormers to just three points in the first 40, and made as many as six turnovers.

The Stormers battled to get over the gainline and made eight errors with ball in hand. While they dominated possession in the first half, they had just 36% of the territory. Their situation wasn't helped by the fact that they conceded seven penalties.

The game changed after half-time. The Sunwolves battled to maintain their effort at the tackle, and the stats show that they made just two turnovers during this period.

The Stormers conceded fewer penalties in the second half (five), and kicked almost twice as much as they had in the first stanza (19 times as opposed to 10).

They made 64 tackles and five defensive turnovers in the second period, stats which confirm a change in tactics (the Cape side made 41 tackles and only one turnover in the first half).

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Photo: Suhami Abdullah/Getty Images

Post by

Jon Cardinelli