Ireland top for turnovers, Argentina have worst scrum

MARSEILLE, France : Ireland's attacking speed and accuracy has earned rave reviews during their charge into the World Cup quarter-finals but it is also the less glamorous side of their game that has made them so effective, as the latest batch of World Rugby statistics show.

Of the eight quarter-finalists, Ireland have won the most turnovers per game (5.3) and average less than 10 penalties per game (9.3) - ranking third.

Their ruck speed slowed from their incredible opening round and is now third-fastest at 3.47 seconds and though their handling and attacking intensity has been superb, their set-piece has slipped and the are ranked sixth for scrum success (90 per cent) and seventh for lineout success (81 per cent).

Their quarter-final rivals New Zealand top a host of the statistical lists on the back of their huge thrashings of Italy and Uruguay, which throws considerable context into their most metres, linebreaks, most defenders beaten fastest overall ruck speed table toppers.

Like Ireland, France's most impressive areas statistically are not their attacking patterns. They have the second-best lineout success (91 per cent), second-best tackle success and conceded the fewest penalties (eight).

They also have the lowest possession time of the quarter-finalists (14:50) and kick the ball away third-most.

Holders South Africa rank surprisingly low on some of their traditionally strong areas. They have the fewest carries per game (108.3) and are in the bottom half for almost everything.

Their scrums had the second-worst success rate and they are fifth for lineout success, though they have made the most lineout steals (2.3).

They are fifth for metres made and defenders beaten, sixth for linebreaks and offloads and, most surprisingly