It’s been a positive season for Dragons in the Guinness PRO14 with the long-awaited away win and derby day joy on home soil as Rodney Parade became a fortress – but what are the numbers behind the success?
With the Guinness PRO14 currently suspended we took a closer look at all the statistics behind Dean Ryan’s men to discover our kicking king, free-running star and tackle master!
Kicking King Sam
It’s certainly been an impressive debut season for fly half Sam Davies and that is reflected in the numbers! The outside half is currently the third highest points scorer in the Guinness PRO14 with 84 points (JJ Hanrahan leads on 101).
The fly half also leads the way in try assists for the region with four. Adam Warren, Jack Dixon and Owen Jenkins all have two assists. The leaders in this field are Leinster’s Jamison Gibson-Park and Ulster’s Bill Johnston.
When it comes to metres made nobody comes near Sam! He has kicked for 5,319 metres to lead the way with Tian Schoeman from the Cheetahs in second spot on 3,820. Other Dragons in the Top100 include Rhodri Williams (3,127), Will Talbot-Davies (691), Tavis Knoyle (549) and Jacob Botica (395).
Try-tastic Rhod
Scrum half and skipper Rhodri Williams has led from the front this season – and has also continued his impressive try tally! The No.9 now has five tries this season – level with team-mate Taine Basham – and that puts them both joint 12th in the try scoring charts. Williams now has 10 tries in 41 appearances for Dragons.
Also featuring in the Top100 in the try scoring charts is Owen Jenkins (3 tries) alongside Jordan Williams, Harri Keddie, Adam Warren and Ashton Hewitt (all two). The leader is Rhyno Smith from Cheetahs with 12 tries.
Terrific Taine Dominates
Back row Taine Basham has exploded into life in the Guinness PRO14 this season - and the numbers behind his success are very eye-catching.
Basham leads the region in successful carries (93) ahead of Matthew Screech and Jack Dixon (both 77). Unsurprisingly, he also tops the successful carries for Dragons (35). Uzair Cassiem from Scarlets leads the Guinness PRO14 in both categories.
In terms of clean breaks, Basham lead the way with 10 followed by Jordan Williams (6) and Adam Warren, Ashton Hewitt, Rhodri Williams (all 5).
For defenders beaten Basham has 26, ahead of Ashton Hewitt (23), Jordan Williams (19), Sam Davies (15) and Rhodri Williams (13).
Finally, the turnover leader is Basham on 9 while team-mates Ollie Griffiths and Harri Keddie (both 6), Jack Dixon, Huw Taylor and Joe Davies (all 5), Tyler Morgan, Ashton Hewitt, Owen Jenkins (all 4) and Sam Davies and Will Talbot-Davies (both 3) all make the Top100.
Elusive Wizard Williams
While Edinburgh wide man Duhan van der Merwe leads the way in metres made in the Guinness PRO14 it says a huge amount for full back Jordan Williams that he still features in the top eight players – despite being ruled out since November!
Jordan leads the way for Dragons (473 metres) followed by Taine Basham (328), Will Talbot-Davies (315), Ashton Hewitt (313), Rhodri Williams (295), Sam Davies (248) and Adam Warren (228).
Dixon The Offload Master
Move over Sonny Bill! Centre Jack Dixon has been the star man for Dragons when it comes to offloads with seven in league fixtures. He is just ahead of Ollie Griffiths (6), Owen Jenkins (5), and Adam Warren, Leon Brown and Taine Basham (all 4). Zebre’s Giovanni Licata is the man our front on 15.
Leon Makes No Mistake
Who has the best tackle success at Dragons… step forward Leon Brown! The Wales international prop stands joint fourth in the league with a 98% tackle success rate. Adam Warren (95%), Harri Keddie (91%), Jack Dixon, Matthew Screech and Huw Taylor (all 90%) also make the Top100.
Finally, when it comes to tackles made there is no stopping that man Basham! The back row is fifth in the Guinness PRO14 with 157 tackles - Olly Cracknell leads just ahead on 171.
Other impressive numbers for tackles come from Matthew Screech (125), Brok Harris (119), Joe Davies (115), Harri Keddie (107), Huw Taylor (103), Sam Davies (101), Jack Dixon (80), Rhodri Williams (79), Richard Hibbard (75) and Adam Warren (72).
Want to discover more behind the numbers in the Guinness PRO14? Head to pro14.rugby for more!
It’s certainly been an impressive debut season for fly half Sam Davies and that is reflected in the numbers...
