Round 14 of the Guinness PRO14 showcased the balanced nature of the teams involved with all but one of the seven games finishing within five points. The battles included a draw between Ulster and Benetton Rugby, while Munster and Cardiff Blues won their respective fixtures by a solitary point. With some big names away at the Guinness Six Nations, others have stepped up to show their skills and star power. Here we look at those who dominated the statistical categories in Round 14. MONTY MAKES THEM MISS Benetton winger Monty Ioane was the star of the show as the Italian side secured a 17-17 draw at Ulster. Despite not scoring he was arguably the premier man with ball in hand in Round 14, as he registered ten defenders beaten, more than any other player, while making 119 metres, second behind only Munster’s Mike Haley – who managed to run seven metres further. Ioane was also in the top with five for clean breaks, one more than Scarlets’ scrum half Kieran Hardy, while his 17 carries was the most of any player from his team against the Irish province. One of few men to almost match the contribution of the Australian winger running the ball was the Welsh outfit’s No.9 Hardy. He ran for 109 metres while scoring two tries as Scarlets were downed 22-17 by Leinster at RDS Arena. THE OLD AND THE NEW The top three tacklers in the Guinness PRO14 from Round 14 gives a chance to recognise an old hand as well as two youngsters looking for more first XV action. Benetton’s Michele Lamaro, 20, led the league for tackles as he racked up 27, providing balance to the carrying power of Toa Halafini (48 metres made on six carries) in the Italian club’s back row. Scott Penny, even youngster still at just turned 19, was equally prolific for PRO14 champions Leinster, making 23 tackles as well as seven carries against Scarlets. Interspersing them in the tackle rankings was a campaigner at the other end of his career – Isuzu Southern King’s Schalk Ferreira. He 34-year-old loosehead prop led the defensive effort with 24 tackles as they beat Edinburgh 25-21. The entire Kings back row put in a tackling masterclass with Tienie Burger (24), Andisa Ntsila (21) and CJ Velleman (19) putting in monstrous work. KINGS CONQUER The highlight of Isuzu Southern Kings’ breath-taking victory over Edinburgh was undoubtedly Meli Rokoua’s offload to set Yax Penxe away to score the winning try at the death. But a host of their players put in impressive statistical turns as they beat the Scottish side. Penxe starred in the backline with 107 metres made on seven carries, including more than 50 metres on his way to the winning score. He added seven tackles in defence. Pushing him close was full-back Masixole Banda, with 27 metres made on 10 carries while also dishing out 12 passes while running in the back division. As well as the aforementioned tackling statistics from Ferreira and the three members of the back row, there was more to admire from the Kings’ pack. Lock Dries van Schalkwyk led the forwards with eight carries but also contributed 13 tackles in defence, with his second row partner John-Charles Astle grabbing 16.
