Much has been of the drive and determination of Paul O'Connell in the last few days, and the Irish captain's work ethic and leadership is second to none in the world at the moment.
This stat from Opta proves how much O'Connell is still putting himself about at 35 years of age, with O'Connell hitting more rucks than any other player in the tournament by a distance. It's also worth nothing that there are two other Irish players in the top 5, with Jordi Murphy who has played two and a half games coming in at 5th.
O'Connell is a big distance clear of Bernard le Roux in 2nd and Ireland's possession stats probably help him in this cause, with players hitting more attacking rucks than defending rucks.
120 - @IrishRugby's @Paul_OConnell has hit the most rucks of any player in this year's @rbs_6_nations. Leader. pic.twitter.com/zE32z6PPEt
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) March 12, 2015
Also from Opta was that 5th place on the list, Jordi Murphy, hit the most rucks in one game against England than anyone else in the tournament. Given that he managed 46 in the previous game and a half, and O'Connell has an average of 40 per game, a massive total of 52 rucks in a game is unimaginable.
With a stat like that it's possibly a bit harsh that he was dropped.
52 - @JordiMurphy1 hit 52 rucks for @IrishRugby against @EnglandRugby, the most by any player in a 2015 @rbs_6_nations match. Tireless.
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) March 4, 2015
See Also: The Ireland Team To Play Wales
See Also: ESPN Honour Paul O'Connell With The 7 Best Moments Of His Career
