England boosted by intense rivalry of Exiles fixture

England coach Steve McNamara will take his side into Game Two of the International Origin Series against the Exiles at Huddersfield on Wednesday (7.45pm) knowing his players are set to experience the most intense fixture they have been involved in this year.

Statistics compiled by the RFL’s official statisticians Opta Sports Data have shown that Game One between England and the Exiles at Langtree Park last month surpassed the intensity witnessed on a weekly basis in Stobart Super League and went close to replicating the competitive levels of international fixtures against Australia and New Zealand.

The opening game saw the sides surpass the average Super League statistics on almost every count, with England and the Exiles recording almost 70 more carries, 15 more off-loads, 300 more meters and 40 more tackles than the domestic competition’s average 80-minute contest.

The speed of the game was also considerably higher than an average Super League fixture, with 13 more quick play-the-balls and 15 more burst tackles, while the defence efforts of both sides were tested to the their limits with four fewer clean breaks than domestically averaged and eight less penalties conceded.

Not only do the International Origin fixtures provide greater intensity than Super League, they match the intensity witnessed during the Four Nations Final between England and Australia at Elland Road in 2011.

The ball was in play for 53 minutes in that match, while the opening game of the Origin series this year saw the ball in play for 58 minutes. There were 369 play-the-balls during England’s 18-10 win over the Exiles compared to just 312 during Australia’s Four Nations victory.

“The levels of intensity we are seeing in the International Origin Series is the closest we can come to simulating the intensity of top class international fixtures against Australia and New Zealand,” said England Director of Performance and Coaching Jon Roberts.

“The levels we’ve seen from the players in Game One of the series were very close to that witnessed during last year’s Four Nations tournament.

“Many of our players do experience high intensity games of this standard with their Super League clubs on occasion but their development is accelerated by playing in a representative environment.

“In order to be successful in the Rugby League World Cup 2013 we need to expose our players to the most intense competition we can and the Exiles are certainly doing just that.

“We’re confident that this experience will give our players the best possible chance of delivering success in the World Cup.”

Tickets for the International Origin Series Game 2 fixture between England and the Exiles at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, on Wednesday July 4 (7.45pm) cost from £21 (£10 concessions) and can be purchased through the RFL Ticket office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
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