Super Rugby's game busters of the decade

STAT ATTACK: It takes an impressive display of strength and agility to be able to evade defenders and push through a gap in the defensive line.

In rugby, a player who can do this consistently is of immense value to their team.

It forces the opposition to send more defenders at them, creating opportunities for teammates.

We take a look at the players who have beaten the most defenders in a single Super Rugby game in the last 10 years.

Damian McKenzie

It is the Chiefs’ livewire playmaker Damian McKenzie who holds the record for most defenders beaten in a Super Rugby game in the last decade.

He beat 14 from as many carries against the Highlanders in 2018, making three clean breaks in the process. McKenzie gained just 37 metres in that game in March 2018.

However, the damage he caused in those metres is what counts as the Chiefs won 27-22 over their southern rivals.

Damian de Allende

Damian de Allende (Stormers) has beaten the most defenders (12) of any South African player in a Super Rugby game in the last 10 years and the most of any No.12.

De Allende also made four clean breaks and 118 metres gained in his 17 carries against the Brumbies – only one other South African inside centre has made more clean breaks in a Super Rugby game in this time period (Wynand Olivier – five v Chiefs in April 2011).

Digby Ioane

Digby Ioane has made the most of any Australian player in a Super Rugby game during this period and the joint-second most overall.

The Reds’ flyer beat 13 in his 19 carries for 158 metres gained against the Western Force in 2013.

In fact, only three wings for the Reds have gained more metres in a Super Rugby game that Ioane on that day in the last decade (Digby Ioane – 181m in 2011, Filipo Daugunu – 168m in 2018 and Rod Ravies – 159m in 2013).

Source: SANZAAR