We're also #1 in Line speed, a stat which probably has a big flow on effect with our penalties against, and missed tackles.
We've kind of had this perception over the past 5 years that teams save their worst games of the year for when the play us - mostly due to the high error and penalty rates in our games. I think the reality is that we play a fast and aggressive game in defence that we force a lot of errors, and we frustrate the opposition.
So while our missed tackle count is high, and our tackle efficiency is low, I don't think it's reflected in our line breaks conceded, or even tries conceded. We don't always stick our tackles, but we do knock the wind out of them. Lot's of teams need to kick behind the line to score tries against us - they're not just brushing us aside.
Having said that, our ball handling is absolute ass (across the board), and we have a terrible relationship with the refs. In the past, I think the club and us fans have swept this under the rug, and tried to justify it as "we're a young team. they'll learn from their mistakes etc". But I think for some players, it has unfortunately become habit. This was especially true for Dallin and Waqa, so it will be interesting to see how they go with other clubs and their different preparations and expectations.
Anyway, up the Panthers. f**k I hope we give it to the Titans tonight. Nothing worse than losing winnable games on a Friday night. Ruins the whole weekend.
