The Rugby World Cup 2021 semi-final line-up has been decided but before attention returns to Eden Park, we look at the numbers behind the weekend’s results.
France, New Zealand, England and Canada wrapped up wins in Whangārei and Auckland to maintain their push for glory with only four matches left to play.
But how did they do it? Following another enthralling weekend of action in New Zealand, we highlight some of the most important statistics.
3 – dominant tackles by both Katana Howard for the USA against Canada and Stacey Fluhler for the Black Ferns against Wales, more than any other player in the quarter-finals.
4 – offloads by New Zealand fly-half Ruahei Demant in their quarter-final win at Northland Events Centre.
10 – defenders beaten by Portia Woodman during the Black Ferns’ 55-3 victory against Wales. Woodman ended the match with 195 ball carry metres from 11 carries.
18 – England won all 18 of their lineouts against the Wallaroos, six of which ended in a try for the Red Roses and three more earned them a penalty.
20 – tackles made each by Francesca Sgorbini and Michela Sillari for Italy against France. Sillari did not miss a single tackle on Saturday and supplied the Azzurre’s only points of the match.
38:04 – ball in play time (in minutes) for France’s 39-3 defeat of Italy in Whangārei, the most of any of the four quarter-finals.
39 – ruck arrivals by Wales flanker Beth Lewis, more than any other player in the quarter-finals.
70 – per cent opposition 22 entry conversion rate for England on Sunday, the most of any team on the weekend. By contrast, France’s conversion rate against Italy was 35 per cent.
98 – per cent carry efficiency for England in their 41-5 win against Australia at Waitakere Stadium. Marlie Packer made 23 carries for 105 metres.
201 – tackles made by Italy in their defeat to France.
202 – ball carry metres from Les Bleues winger Joanna Grisez, who scored a hat-trick of tries against Italy.
1,149 – metres carried by the Black Ferns, for a gain of 778m, against Wales at Northland Events Centre.
