The stats don't lie: Finding Carter's backup

Who is in the running to play backup to Dan Carter? Photo / Getty Images

Just three rounds to play and the competition is hotting up.

This week we get a chance to see two of the contenders for the position of back up first five-eighth to Dan Carter go head to head, as the Blues and Chiefs square off at Eden Park.

Elsewhere the Highlanders unveil their new jersey against the Force in Dunedin, while the Hurricanes host the Lions in Wellington. The Crusaders have the bye.

THE RACE FOR NO.10

- There must be a few jitters amongst the All Black selectors with their main contenders for Carter's back up not having many starts this season. Stephen Brett has played the most with eleven games, Luke McAlister nine (but only two starts at first-five), Stephen Donald nine, and Aaron Cruden just seven. Carter himself has played eight.

- Dan Carter has the starting spot for the All Blacks all sewn up making on average 120 metres gained, 10.75 tackles (nailing 83 percent of them), just 2.6 handling errors, and scoring 15.8 points per game this season.

- Stephen Donald is averaging 68 metres, 5.33 tackles (with a 63 percent success rate), 3.1 handling errors and 10.4 points per game.

- Luke McAlister has only had two starts at first five-eighth so in this position he is averaging 114 metres, 9.5 tackles (at 79 percent), and 2.6 handling errors per game. At second-five McAlister only makes 65 percent of his tackles. As a goal kicker he is averaging 10.9 points per game.

- Stephen Brett is averaging 101 metres, 6.64 tackles (but with only a 52 percent success rate), and makes 3.5 handling errors per game.

- Aaron Cruden is averaging 110 metres, 9.29 tackles (with a 78 percent success rate), 2.57 handling errors and 10.3 points per game.

BLUES v CHIEFS

- All eyes on the set piece. The Blues are the least penalised New Zealand side when it comes to scrums having conceded just eight, while the Chiefs have conceded the most with a staggering 25. Both lineouts are running with similar success rates with the Blues at 76 percent and the Chiefs 74 percent.

- Ali Williams and Anthony Boric have stolen nine opposition throws between them this season (four and five respectively), with Williams winning 79 percent of his throws and Boric 85 percent. The Chiefs' duo of Romana Graham (93 percent) and Craig Clarke (89 percent) have beefed up the Chiefs' lineout on their throws, and Clarke has stolen six opposition throws.

- The Blues' backline has made 57 linebreaks this season, while the Chiefs' backline has made 43. Lelia Masaga is the top linebreaker of the two sides, having made a total of 12.

- The Blues won this game in Hamilton back in Round Six, but in a low scoring affair 16-13. Overall they have won 10 of the 16 games played between the two sides.

- Luke McAlister has scored 109 points this season, but is the only New Zealand first five-eighth yet to score a try. Stephen Donald has scored one try in his tally of 94 points.

HURRICANES v LIONS

- Expect a lot of try scoring in this game, as neither team has a brilliant defensive record this season. The Hurricanes are conceding an average of 28 points per game, while the Lions average 29.

- Aaron Cruden was the man of the moment last week when the Hurricanes squeaked to a last minute victory over the Force, making two linebreaks and three off-loads. But watch for Lions halfback Sarel Pretorius who has made 12 linebreaks and 22 off-loads this season, and is the top equal try scorer in the competition on eight.

- The Hurricanes lineout has been humming of late, and they currently have an 84 percent success rate. Watch for James Broadhurst at lock who is 100 percent on his throws, and Victor Vito who is the go-to man at the front winning 94 percent of his throws.

- Piri Weepu gets his first start of the season at halfback, so his combination with Cruden will be one under scrutiny. The question is, who will be the goal kicker?

HIGHLANDERS v FORCE

- There is only one thing we will be looking for this weekend, and that will be what colour the new Highlanders jersey will be.

- The Highlanders are sitting just outside the top six in eighth position one point behind the Bulls, so need a win and preferably one with a four try bonus point to remain in the race for the play-offs.

However, they have only scored four tries in two games this season so it may be a tough ask.

Further NZ player stats can be found at Haka.co.nz

- HERALD ONLINE