Carrick Blake Profile picture
Rugby Performance Analyst - Proud Contributor to #Bajad8ta - User of @Oval_Insights data - Former Cambridge + Canterbury

Jul 7, 2021, 21 tweets

And here it is, the Second Bajad8ta Analysis thread on the Lions Tour. This time we breakdown the Sigma Lions vs B&I Lions game. All stats come from the #Bajad8ta team.

Enjoy :)

As with last week’s analysis let’s first look at the scoreboard:

8 converted tries to 2, shows complete dominance from the B&I Lions. Again the Lions did not kick for points even early in the game, opting to keep attacking perhaps a sign of confidence, or to build cohesion

The Lions will also be happy with how they converted rarely leaving points on the field. The only true missed opportunity possibly being for Wyn Jones.

Next let’s look at the story of the game, this will focus on, 22 entries, points per quarter and penalties

22 Entries.
B&I Lions: 13 entries
Sigma Lione: 4 entries.

With over 3 times the amount of entries it's another sign of the B&I Lions dominance.

Importantly they were also consistent throughout the game, something that was also evident in the scoring breakdown.

The game was won by the last quarter, but in contrast to the final Quarter against Japan, the B&I Lions increased their rate of 22 entry. Which will be encouraging for the Squad.

Their conversion rate remains excellent, 56 points and average points per entry rising to 4.3

This is really strong given that, if a team leaves the opposition 22 with points every time they enter, they would score a minimum average of 3 points per entry, so the Lions 4.3 is well above average. This again is a sign of their dominance.

Credit: @simongleave.

This scoring by Quarter shows the Lions dominance, with the Sigma Lions only getting some parity in the second Quarter.

It remains to be seen if the B&I Lions can truly up their performance in that final quarter, as they will need to play some tougher opposition first.

Penalties Conceded is also very reflective of the flow of the game.

The B&I Lions will be pleased they brought the Numbers down to single digits, but will want to see those spikes in Q1 & Q4 come down.

Something new this week, a penalty Map showing where penalties were conceded.

Pen’s: 2-5 were a penalty sequence, where the B&I Lions gave successive Penalties away. Penalty chains cause huge changes in momentum and is something they’ll want to avoid.

@thedeadballarea

Playmaker breakdown (or balance) shows us how teams chose to play:

The B&I Lions showed good variation in their game, potentially as a result of Russell and Farrell at 10 & 12 but the increase in playing off the 2nd receiver is exciting to see.

*stats by @analysisguy0502

The pod breakdown/balance is another fascinating area. The B&I Lions carrying far less by way of their Pods.

Again this is showing great variation in their play, with the ball movement within the pods is a healthy sign.

Attacking statistics speak for themselves, quick ruck speed and a high progression rate again indicative of their dominance.

Credit: @theanalysisguy

In defence, both sides had 85 tackle incidents, but the B&I Lions recorded 49 multiman tackles to 37 from the Sigma Lions.

This is illustrative of the Sigma Lions one-dimensional play in the B&I Lions 22 early in the game.

*May differ from the official stats

Finally Ruck Discipline:

The Lions attacked 12 rucks (competed) and disrupted 13 (counter ruck, pulled men forward etc…).

25 out of 85 rucks is an increase from the Japan game, but not huge. It may be a sign of oppposition or possibly players being more comfortable in defence

Final Thoughts:
Overall the B&I Lions will be again pleased with a first win on SA soil, continuing the trend of winning their tour opener.

Things like penalties and playmaker balance certainly headed in the right direction but they’ll want to face much sterner opposition.

Attack was again rampant, and they'll be happy with both their chance creation and conversion.

Defence showed there are still some soft spots for the B&I Lions, particularly around the post ruck and that’s something that should be a focus.

Work from the Bajad8ta Team:

Brendon Rugby Cology:


Video Analysis taking in much of this thread:
@daviesGDD



Player Stats Thread @analysisguy0502

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