After round three of the Six Nations Championship, Ireland is not only on top of the table with better points than the five other sides, but are also ahead in a number of areas of the field.
In an analysis of the first three rounds of the 34-year-old competition, Ireland have come out on top in a number of key areas that coach Joe Schmidt and captain Paul O’Connell continually refer to as critical parts of the pitch.
Irish discipline has held well and with 25 penalties against, the team have conceded the least number of infringements along with England, who have also been penalised 25 times. Scotland have the worst record in that area and have given away 35 penalties so far.
Ireland has also thrown the most passes in the tournament with a tally of 452 and counting, edging England into second place. Stuart Lancaster’s side have thrown 444 passes, eight less than Schmidt’s side.
There is also some good news for the lineout jumpers and hooker Rory Best with the numbers showing that the most proficient lineout is that of Ireland.
From 48 throws, the set piece team has lost just three and won 45, which towers over Scotland with 27 lineouts won and 10 lost.
At ruck time, Ireland’ s men are kings, winning 284 and losing just 15. This is almost 80 successful rucks better than the French, who have won 205.
While Irish flanker Peter O’Mahony, may have had a relatively quiet day at the office against England at Twickenham, the arch scavenger is also among the leading lights of the dark arts and is credited with winning seven turnovers for Ireland, more than any other player.
IRELAND (After three rounds)
Most passes: 452
Best lineout: W45 L3
Best rucks: W284 L15
Turnover king: Peter O'Mahony 7
OTHERS
Most carries: Sergio Parisse 46
Most offloads: Stuart Hogg 11
Top lineout exponent: Courtney Lawes 22
