The Efficiency Playing Field - Rugby Roundup - March 29, 2021
Need a primer on what efficiency is? Check out our introduction to efficiency calculations
Week 6 of Super Rugby Australia and Week 5 of Super Rugby Aotearoa are in the books, so it's time to take a look at the efficiency rankings coming off this week's games. I'll also be including the ranks and playing field for other competitions going forward, including a first look at Gallagher Premiership Rugby as they break for the Challenge Cup.
Super Rugby
The Brumbies continued to roll with a 42-14 win over the Force, cementing their position atop the Net Efficiency Rankings for the 5th week in a row. The 6 try performance keeps them 1st in Attacking Efficiency, while their stingy defense continued and moves them from 4th to 2nd in the Defensive Efficiency rankings - just one spot away from the trifecta of being #1 across all measures.
In the New Zealand conference the Hurricanes were the big moves this week courtesy of Jordie Barrett's points party. Their 30-19 win over the Highlanders saw their Attacking Efficiency jump 3 spots to 4th in the league. Unfortunately the Highlanders are moving in the opposite direction, dropping 2 spots in both the Attacking and Defensive Efficiency (where they now sit dead last) albeit still ahead of the Waratahs on Net Efficiency.
Premiership Rugby
Even though it's week 15 of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby this is the first look I'm taking at their efficiency ranks. Harlequins lead the comp ranked 1st in Net Efficiency and Attacking Efficiency, and 2nd in Defensive Efficiency.
On the Defensive side of the ball the Exeter Chiefs boast the top Defensive Efficiency, however their lackluster attacking efficiency put them dangerously close to being on the wrong side of the Net Efficiency gain line.
What stands out to you?