The John I Dent Cup big dance has arrived, and with Tuggeranong well rested and ready to take on a red-hot Royals side, we have done our regular stats deep dive so fans can get their early fix.
Breakdown is available below.
- Tuggeranong go into the match with a higher season success rate in the scrum at 85% compared to Royals' 79. However the Royals jumping has had the edge with a 93% lineout success rate, ahead of the Vikings 87%.
- Tuggeranong have the most total turnovers in 2024 with 120, showing they have been a constant threat even without the ball.
- A concern for the Vikings however is their penalties conceded at 222, way ahead of Royals total at a more disciplined 176.
- Joe Winfield was the most dangerous man on the park in last weeks' preliminary final with the Royals flyhalf nabbing two tries and controlling his side around the park beautifully.
- With Vikings getting a rest last week, the side will have done their homework on both Winfield and Pedro Rolando, the capable halves who scored a combined 40 points last week.
Match Predictor: Vikings: 62%, Royals: 38%.
Last 5 John I Dent Cup Matches: Vikings 5 wins; Royals 4 wins, 1 loss.
Bonus fact:
The Vikings and Royals have clashed in nine Grand Finals, with Tuggeranong taking home the silverware on six occasions.
Most Points in a home game
Since 2019: 111pts – Tuggeranong Vikings (111) v Penrith Emus (17) - 27th of may 2023
Best in 2024: 71pts – Canberra Royals (71) v Uni-Norths Owls (17) – 27th July
Most Points in an away game
Since 2019: 73pts – Penrith Emus (5) v Uni-Norths Owls (73) – 23rd July 2022
Best in 2024: 71pts – Uni-Norths Owls (12) v Gungahlin Eagles (71) – 1st June
Highest Points Total in a game
Since 2019: 128pts – Tuggeranong Vikings (111) v Penrith Emus (17) – 27th May 2023
Best in 2024: 95pts – Gungahlin Eagles (57) v Queanbeyan Whites (38) – 25th May
