6 Nations Round 1's top stats performers - tackles, running metres, turnovers & more

The 2021 Six Nations tournament kicked off with a bang this past weekend. The first fixture saw the fiery French maraud Italy in Rome, 50-10. The second fixture produced a result that will be talked about for many years to come as Scotland sprang upon England at Twickenham and emerged as 11-6 victors – the first time a Scottish outfit had won at Twickenham for 38 years. Then, yesterday, Wales tasted victory and relief against a plucky Irish side who were forced to play the majority of the match with 14 men after ill-discipline from Peter O’Mahony saw him sent from the pitch – final score: 21-16.

We now take a look at the top stats performers from Round 1.

Tackles

Welsh flanker Justin Tipuric outdid himself on defence, pulling off a massive 29 tackles against the Irish.

Tipuric’s teammate and captain Alun Wyn Jones showed his age is no burden as he managed an impressive 23 tackles of his own while another Wales representative, Josh Navidi, made 22.

Carries

Irish lock Tadhg Beirne threw his weight around on attack against the Welsh, leaving the field with 21 carries to his name.

Robbie Henshaw and CJ Stander also did sterling work for Ireland, contributing 19 and 18 carries respectively.

Metres gained

Ireland’s winger James Lowe enjoyed a few good runs this weekend which catapulted him to the top of the running metres stat with a total of 116.

Monty Ioane and Juan Ignacio Brex (both Italy) notched up 92 and 88 respectively.

Defenders beaten

Scotland captain Stuart Hogg played a great game on Saturday evening and was instrumental in his team’s revered victory. His flashy footwork was on form again as he evaded 8 English defenders.

French winger Teddy Thomas beat 7 while his opponent on the weekend, Monty Ioane, managed to beat 6.

Turnovers won

Ireland’s Iain Henderson was the most successful on the ground, managing to win 3 turnovers for his side.

Elliot Daly (England), Jean-Baptiste Gros (France) and Tadhg Beirne all turned over 2 each.