Super Rugby Stats Watch: JOC-and-Jock combination powering elite Reds attack

Saturday’s night Super Rugby match between the Queensland Reds and Sharks is shaping to be a battle of titanic proportions as two red hot backlines clash on Suncorp Stadium.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: James O'Connor of the Reds takes on the defence during the round four Super Rugby match between the Reds and the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Saturday’s night Super Rugby match between the Queensland Reds and Sharks is shaping to be a battle of titanic proportions as two red hot backlines clash on Suncorp Stadium.

Under the guidance of Gold Coast playmaking axis James O’Connor and Jock Campbell the Reds have emerged from nowhere to seize the mantle of Super Rugby’s top pointscoring team, with 135 points in four games.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: James O'Connor of the Reds takes on the defence during the round four Super Rugby match between the Reds and the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The statistic that best demonstrates the Reds’ relentless attack in 2020 is leading the competition in tries originating from their own half, with seven.

Fans are rightfully salivating for Saturday night’s blockbuster with the Sharks because they rank second in both categories; with 123 points and six long range tries from the same number of games.

The Sharks’ dangerous back three stars four-try winger Makazole Mapimpi and the competition’s most lethal fullback, Aphelele Fassi.

SHARKS CONVERT GOLD COAST CLUB INTO GROUND ZERO FOR QLD INVASION

Fassi has run for 397 metres in four matches, nearly a 100 metres more than his nearest competition, Jaguares winger Emiliano Boffelli, and beaten 25 defenders on 43 carries.

Those statistics won’t worry the Reds because O’Connor and Campbell are in top form as well.

Fullback Campbell produced his finest Super Rugby performance last week, recording two clean breaks, seven defenders beaten, 70 run metres and a try assist.

Jock Campbell of the Reds with the ball during the Round 4 Super Rugby match between the Queensland Reds and the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, February 22, 2020. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

O’Connor’s match was his best in Reds colours as well with similarly eye-catching figures, breaking the line on four occasions to run for 92 metres and a try in the team’s biggest ever Super Rugby win.

The JOC-and-Jock combination were expected to showcase their skills from inside centre and the wing this season but their irrepressible form has forced coach Brad Thorn’s hand in dumping original playmakers Isaac Lucas and Bryce Hegarty to the bench.