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WITH ONLY ONE out of three winning, it was a bit of a patchy weekend from the provinces in Champions Cup action (note: the EPCR have not released stats for Connacht in the Challenge Cup).
Even so, there were a few numbers that could be construed as positive messages. So here you go, numbers fans.
Source: Inpho/Billy Stickland
Jimmy Gopperth only kicked the ball five times
The New Zealander passed 26 times, ran seven times and gained 43 metres, a number only bettered by Darragh Fanning for Leinster.
Clermont win without the ball
The Top 14 side had a paltry 35% possession in Thomond Park and had to make 129 tackles to take the win. Of that number, Benjamin Kayser made 17 and Jamie Cudmore 16.
Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Territory is 9/10s of the law
Ulster head coach Neil Doak praised the way his side commanded the territory against Scarlets. However, the figure of 67% in the first half would surely have been lower had Ian Humphreys not missed his straightforward kicks at goal.
Simon Zebo ate up the yardage
The Munster winger gained more metres with ball in hand than any provincial player, 81 from 12 carries.
Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
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Big effort from Harlequins
With 51% possession, Jamie Heaslip was the only Leinster player forced to break double figures in tackling (11).
‘Quins meanwhile had Chris Robshaw leading the way with 15, old Nick Easter on 13 with Joe Marler on and Charlie Matthews also putting in a dozen each.
Red alert in defence
The northern province’s nine clean breaks was the most from an Irish side in the Champions Cup this weekend.
Source: Presseye/Darren Kidd/INPHO
But the set-piece fails to fire
Rory Best quickly turned the focus on to the shortcomings of his own performance after scoring the bonus point-sealing try. The Red Hands let five line-outs slips from their grasp from 19 attempts.
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