The rise.... and RISE of Marc Pittonet

[DJC]

With cripps, bam bam, cerra, hewett and walsh at your feet anyone would have good tap stats.

The ability of our rucks to nullify an opposing ruck is somewhat statistically biased.  You can only compare them to each other as a consequence, so if the stats are a bit all over the shop odds are it's because we have the best clearance player in the comp.

That's certainly part of the equation Thry.  Having a strong midfield means there is a greater chance of the ruckman's taps going to advantage, that is, hitouts that reach an intended teammate.  It should also mean that a fair number of opposition hitouts are sharked.  Hitouts to advantage don't necessarily end up as clearances, most probably result in another stoppage.  I guess clearances is a better measure of the cohesion between rucks and midfielders as it's often the ruckman's block or second effort that facilitates the clearance.

I'd like to see the figures for hitouts to advantage conceded ...