• The Breakdown: A statistical look at the second round of Rugby Championship matches

    In the second round of the Rugby Championship, South Africa will attempt to achieve a feat against New Zealand they have managed just twice.
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    New Zealand may have beaten Argentina by just four points last week but they head into the second round of the Rugby Championship as favourites to see off South Africa.

    The Springboks won on their previous visit, although history is very much against them when it comes to away Tests against the All Blacks, with the 57-0 demolition of two years ago still fresh in their minds.

    Australia could not handle Rassie Erasmus’ men last week but will hope for more success against an Argentina side who have won just two of their past 15 Tests on their travels.

    In fact, the Pumas will be bidding to win for only the second time on Australian soil since 1983.

    Take a look at the pick of the Opta numbers ahead of round two…

     

    Australia v Argentina

    – Australia have won 16 of their most recent 18 games against Argentina, including a 45-34 win in their last encounter – the highest total score ever between the two nations.

    – The Pumas have only beaten Australia once away from home since 1983 – a 23-19 win in Queensland last September.

    – Argentina are on a losing streak of six games, including their past three matches on the road.

    – Australia conceded 291 metres in round one, the fewest of any of the four teams and 183 metres lower than their game average from 2018.

    – Jeronimo de la Fuente was the only player to make more than 10 carries and 10 tackles in round one (11 carries, 12 tackles).

    New Zealand v South Africa

    – New Zealand have won 12 of the past 14 Tests against South Africa – including a 32-30 victory last time out – and 22 of their most recent 25 against all opposition.

    – The Springboks claimed a 36-34 win on their previous visit to New Zealand and will be hoping for back-to-back wins there for only the third time in their history, after 1937 and 2008-09.

    – They have won three of their past four Tests but only triumphed twice in their most recent 12 away Rugby Championship matches.

    – The All Blacks are just six points shy of becoming the first team in Test rugby history to reach 16,000 points. No other team has even gone beyond 14,000.

    – Ngani Laumape gained 7.2 metres per carry in round one of this year’s tournament, the most of any player to make at least 10 carries.

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