Kwagga to dominate CHOC stats?

With R100 being donated to the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) for every tackle made in 2019, all eyes will be on 2018 tackle toppers, Kwagga Smith and his Lions team mates.

The average rugby tackle generates around 8Gs of force. And given that there were 428 tackles attempted in last year’s Vodacom Super Rugby final between the Crusaders and the Lions, there is some pretty serious impact being generated in each game.

The kind of impact that Vodacom and SuperSport are hoping to make in the 2019 tournament.

For every tackle made by a South African player, the two companies, together, will donate R100 to the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) in support of those who are taking even bigger hits on a daily basis.

The aim is to raise R1 million.

So can they do it?

Below a look at 2018’s tackle stats:

Lions: 2 499 tackles made. 406 tackles missed

Sharks: 2 326 tackles made. 335 tackles missed

Stormers: 2 280 tackles made. 322 tackles missed

Bulls: 1 992 tackles made. 310 tackles missed

For a total of 9 097 tackles made, meaning R 909 700.00 would have been raised in 2018.

With 1 373 tackles missed by SA teams last year, though, CHOC would have missed out on R 137 300.00!

So with a little help from the defence coaches, Vodacom and SuperSport may well reach their target of R1 million for CHOC.

The players said defence coaches will be working on:

Elton Jantjies: 45 missed tackles in 2018 (a tournament high as well)

Kwagga Smith: 43

Lionel Mapoe: 34

The players CHOC will be hoping to see in action every week:

Kwagga Smith: 235 tackles made in 2018 (1 less than the tournament high by Michael Wells)

Philip van der Walt: 191

Marvin Orie: 184

Pieter-Steph du Toit: 182

Rugby fans can contribute by adding R5 to every Super Rugby match ticket purchased, buying CHOC merchandise at all SA derbies, or making a donation at www.choc.org.za.

A season of superhero inspiration will see the Bulls take part in a CHOC hospital visit, the Lions and Stormers host CHOC House Parties, and the Sharks take the CHOC children for a movie night.

For 40 years, CHOC has been providing nationwide comprehensive support to children and teenagers with cancer, life-threatening blood disorders and their families.

“We are extremely grateful to be part of the initiative, especially in this, our 40th anniversary year. The children and teenagers with whom we work are superheroes themselves, having to face many a daunting challenge on their cancer journey. CHOC is proud to walk this journey with them and their families and we know they will be very excited to have a few real-life superheroes to spend time with” said Carl Queiros, CEO of CHOC.