Nick Haining vs Billy Vunipola: A statistical comparison

Edinburgh shocked Saracens with a 21-18 defeat in their Challenge Cup opener in London on Saturday.  

Tries from Ramiro Moyano Joya and WP Nel plus the boot of Emiliano Boffelli gave the Scottish outfit good momentum and set a useful platform from which to snatch victory. 

Saracens’ tries came via Alex Goode and Andy Christie while Manu Vunipola added extras off the tee. 

There was much excitement before the game regarding the individual clash of Saracens’ number 8 Billy Vunipola and his counterpart, Nick Haining. We take a look at their respective statistical results from the clash. 

Nick Haining: 

Tackles: 9 

Carries: 8 

Metres gained: 38 

Defenders beaten: 1 

Breaks: 0 

Passes: 2 

Offloads: 0 

Billy Vunipola: 

Tackles: 0 

Carries: 4 

Matres gained: 5 

Defenders beaten: 1 

Breaks: 0 

Passes: 4 

Offloads: 0  

Clearly a significantly more industrious effort from Haining who has showed some great work rate and versatility in recent seasons. 

Vunipola appears to be struggling for form of late and has even fallen out of favour with England coach Eddie Jones who was an ardent supporter of the 29 year-old in his initial days in charge of the national side. Particularly concerning is Vunipola’s quietness on defence, with not a single tackle made during the match. He will hope for a much improved effort next weekend when Saracens tackle Pau at Satde du Hameau.