THERE are of course lies, damned lies and statistics and with that in mind I must raise a quizzical eyebrow at one or two ‘numbers’ World Rugby released midweek to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rugby being declared ‘open’ – ie professional – at the famous Paris summit on August 26, 1995.
The figure for ball in play seems a little high for 2020 but is probably broadly correct but the number quoted for rucks in 2020, a staggering 211 per game, is complete hogwash. We have not had a proper ruck in first class rugby for the best part of 15 years! They hav...