Losing the numbers game

Some say statistics are like children’s modelling clay, you can make them into any shape you want, roll them up and start all over again when it suits you. However, some can help tell you the true story.

Professional rugby teams are up there with any other sport in terms of analysing opposition footage and their own performances to see if the team is effective in implementing the strategy set out by the coaches.

During the Six Nations match, each country’s coaching staff will rely on their video analyst to supply them with the stats relevant to their team’s performance.