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Cape Town - His performance at fullback for the Springboks is under scrutiny, but from a statistical point of view Johan Goosen can take solace for his efforts thus far in the Rugby Championship.
The Boks are reeling after three successive losses in the competition and the performances of several players are hot topics of discussion.
Coach Allister Coetzee has copped criticism for playing Goosen out of position at No 15, with some calling for his inclusion at flyhalf in place of an out-of-sorts Elton Jantjies.
But Goosen has shown glimpses of potential to underline his versatility and when one takes a look at some vital statistics derived from SANZAAR's official website, they state as much.
Goosen has made the most metres on attack of any South African in the competition, with his 226m gained not far behind New Zealand’s Ben Smith who leads this category on 257m.
Argentina flank Facundo Isa is second on the list with 251m, followed by All Black wing Julian Savea (239m), flyhalf Beauden Barrett and Argentina fullback Joaquin Tuculet (both on 235m). Goosen is next in line, with no other Springbok players cracking a nod in the top 10 of this list.
Goosen is also in the top 10 of the most clean breaks in the competition, sharing 5 of those with team-mate Bryan Habana. Savea tops this list with 8 clean breaks.
Goosen and compatriot Warren Whiteley (9) also make the list of the most defenders beaten, with Smith leading this list on 17.
Goosen’s 2 tries also see him make the top ten 10 in this category, which Savea leads with 4 tries.
Goosen’s 12 points (2 tries, 1 conversion) also see him crack the nod in the top ten for most points scored. Barrett leads this category with 54 points.
Whiteley himself features prominently in several categories. He boasts 8 lineout takes, has made 38 tackles and also scored 2 tries.
