Try tsunami sends a mixed message
The Rugby Paper|May 26, 2024
Peter Jackson looks at an increase in points scored but suggests the figures may be hiding a problem for the Prem
Peter Jackson
Try tsunami sends a mixed message

OVER the last seven rounds of the Premiership, Bristol Bears posted numbers which might have been cut and pasted from Virat Kohli’s scorebook at the cricket World Cup: 101, 73, 57, 99, 40, 61, 81.

The figures show the aggregate points totals generated by the Bears in those seven fixtures, starting with routs at Ashton Gate over opponents within sight of reaching the Premiership final; Bath, dispatched 57-44 in late January, Northampton similarly so, 52-21 in the next match two months later.

The Bears’ total points, for and against over those seven games, amount to 492, an average of 70 per match. They are not alone in purveying a game as close to a point-a-minute as makes no difference.

Harlequins have averaged the same total, in their case over a longer period. Their last nine results of the season produced totals of 81, 84, 64, 73, 68, 83, 52, 76, 59 points: 640, average 70 per match.

The stats can be interpreted as support for widely contrasting points of view: evidence that the Premiership has never been more entertaining or damning proof that the try is being bashed as never before during the 201 years since the Webb-Ellis boy began trending.

Nobody has traded them more extravagantly than Quins, 91 in their nine matches since resuming serious business post-Six Nations: 40 for, 51 against which works out at a try every eight minutes. A figure of a different kind, arguably Tinseltown’s most enduringly lustrous, would have given short shrift to those scoffing at ‘basketball’ rugby.

Mae West, Hollywood’s prototype sex symbol, famously professed her belief that she could never get enough of what she liked: “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.’’

Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin May 26, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin May 26, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE RUGBY PAPER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
The Rugby Paper

Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn

OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 17, 2024
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
The Rugby Paper

McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority

EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 17, 2024
Trinity aim to get the culture right
The Rugby Paper

Trinity aim to get the culture right

HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 17, 2024
YOUNG GUNS
The Rugby Paper

YOUNG GUNS

Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 17, 2024
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker  over Lucs
The Rugby Paper

The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs

CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 17, 2024
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
The Rugby Paper

A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher

A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
The Rugby Paper

Chiefs in hunt for new investment

TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 17, 2024
McParland keen to shine for England A
The Rugby Paper

McParland keen to shine for England A

NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 17, 2024
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
The Rugby Paper

Undercard get chance to show their A-game

ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 17, 2024
England look like a clueless rabble
The Rugby Paper

England look like a clueless rabble

I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024