PRO14's Most Prominent Defenders: tackle, turnover & lineout-steal stats

The Pro14 returns this weekend, hopefully with a bang, much to the delight of rugby fans around the world. Before the resumption commences, a quick look at the stats may tell us who to look out for on the defensive scene.

In terms of tackles, Ospreys’ Olly Cracknell is leading the pack with a total of 171. The flanker has stood back for no attacker in a superb effort it is hoped he will be able to replicate in this second part of the season. Josh Turnbull of the Cardiff Blues comes in second with 164 and Sean Reidy, just behind him, has made 163.

Scarlets loose-forward Josh Macleod’s sterling work on the ground has earned him top spot in the ‘turnovers won’ stat with 20. The rugged Cardiff Blues flanker Olly Robinson has managed to pull off a total of 12 while Edinburgh’s Luke Crosbie has stolen 11.

Turning to the air, the Cheetahs’ busy back-rower, Junior Pokomela, has menaced his opposing jumpers, succeeding in poaching 8 lineout throws. Not far behind him are teammate Sintu Manjizi and Connacht’s Gavin Thornberg (both on 7) while Ultan Dillane (Connacht) and Bobby de Wee (Kings) have pulled off 6 apiece.

Tackles

Olly Cracknell: 171

Josh Turnbull: 164

Sean Reidy: 163

Turnovers won

Josh Macleod: 20

Olly Robinson: 12

Luke Crosbie: 11

Lineout steals

Junior Pokomela: 8

Sintu Manjizi & Gavin Thornberg: 7

Ultan Dillane & Bobby de Wee: 6