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Southern Kings v Cheetahs - Top Opta Facts
By RugbyPass
This weekend the Southern Kings and Cheetahs play their last ever game of Super Rugby (for now). Here's some interesting facts about one of the least interesting matchups in the history of the game.
- The Cheetahs have won each of the previous three meetings between these clubs, winning each of those matches by 12+ points.
- The last eight South African derbies played in the final regular season round of competition have been decided by an average margin of 26 points, with the home team winning on five occasions.
- The Kings win an average of 9.4 turnovers per game this season, the most of any team in the competition and more than three more than the last-ranked Cheetahs (6.1).
- The Cheetahs have made 16.6 offloads per game so far this season, the most of any team in the competition and more than five more per game than the Kings (11.4).
- Makazole Mapimpi gains an average of 10.3m per carry so far this season, the most of any player who has made 50+ carries.
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Latest Comments
I’m looking forward to attending the Twickenham match, I don’t think it will have a bearing on the outcome of the grand prize itself but it will tell us more about each teams’ preparation and game plan. It’s hard to look past one of the big four (I’m including Canada) lifting the trophy in 2025 but sport is a curious thing, there will still be twists and turns in road ahead.
Go to commentsThe better side seems to be the losing side a lot these days. As far as narrative goes. Must be the big emergent culture of “participation awards” that have emerged in nanny states. ”It looked like New Zealand would take the game from there but lapses in execution let South Africa get back into the game. New Zealand’s goal kickers left five points out there, including a very make-able penalty on the stroke of half”. Sounds like a chronic problem… I wonder how the better team has lapses in concentration and execution? Or are those not important factors in the grand scheme of total performances? In 2023, the ABs at least didn’t give up a lead to lose. They just couldn’t execute to get the points and take the lead. This Baby AB result points to a choke - letting the game slip through your fingers. In the words of the great Ricky Bobby’s dad - “If you’re not 1st you’re last!” Loosely translated - if you didn’t win, you’re a loser.
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