5 stats from Super Rugby that you need to know

Sam Whitelock scores after a run of 70 metres. Photo / Getty Images

Stats from the latest round of Super Rugby that you need to know.

1) All Blacks great Dan Carter, who has returned to the No. 12 jersey late in his career, made an exhausting 17 tackles against the hapless Reds. It's good practice for Carter, who will be targeted by test opponents if he makes the All Blacks lineup.

2) Two Hurricanes tight forwards, prop Chris Eves and impressive lock James Broadhurst, were among the top offloaders with three each against the Sharks which indicates the way the team from the capital is playing.

James Broadhurst on the charge against the Sharks. Photo / Getty Images

3) Rising Blues colossus Akira Ioane managed an impressive 17 carries in yet another disappointing team performance, this time against the Rebels. Ioane was second to Waratahs star Israel Folau, who dominated the attacking numbers again.

4) Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock led the charge in terms of defenders beaten with six - and most of them came in one play during the test lock's amazing 70 metre run for a try. Crusaders team mate Colin Slade, bidding for a test spot, also beat six, and figured highly in offloads and breaks.

Sam Whitelock running away to score his long-distance try against the Reds. Photo / Getty Images

5) The woeful Reds may have set a new record with five players in the top 10 for missed tackles from their shocker against the Crusaders.

For all the latest Super Rugby stats go to nzherald.co.nz/rugby/statscentre.