It’s a well-documented fact amongst Rugby League fans that Catalans Dragons’ form both in England and in Perpignan is different, to say the least.
The Dragons seem to struggle on this side of the Channel when it comes to winning games – at least compared to their own Stade Gilbert Brutus ground (and other grounds they’ve played at, too).
But just how different is the form? Well, TotalRL.com has looked into the last four seasons of Super League action (dis-counting Magic Weekend games), and directly compared their home and away form – here’s the results!
2015
Home Form: 8 wins from 11 – win percentage: 72%
Away Form: 1 win from 11 – win percentage: 9%
This year has been perhaps the season which has summed up the Dragons’ contrasting form more than ever; with just a solitary win all season away from home – and that was at bottom club Wakefield. In reverse, their three games they didn’t win in Perpignan included a draw against Salford, and losses to two of the top four in Leeds and Huddersfield.
2014
Home Form: 10 wins from 13 – win percentage: 77%
Away Form: 3 wins from 13 – win percentage: 23%
Although they came within a game of the Grand Final last season, the Dragons’ form on the road was only marginally better than this season – winning just three games on the road. They were much more dominant in Perpignan, winning an impressive ten from thirteen.
2013
Home Form: 8 wins from 13 – win percentage: 61%
Away Form: 4 wins from 13 – win percentage: 30%
2013 was slightly better on the road in 2013, winning at the likes of St Helens and Hull KR – as well as London and Bradford – to pick up four wins in England two seasons ago. They were slightly down on recent years in Perpignan too – but they still won eight out of their thirteen league games at home.
2012
Home Form: 11 wins from 13 – win percentage: 84%
Away Form: 6 wins from 13 – win percentage: 46%
2012 was the Dragons’ best year in England in recent years – as their top-four finish was refeclted in the amount of games they won in England. A thumping eleven wins out of thirteen in Perpignan was staggering alone – but almost a 50 per cent record over the Channel also made for impressive reading.
COMBINED HOME WIN PERCENTAGE 2012-2015: 74%
COMBINED AWAY WIN PERECENTAGE 2012-2015: 28%
Summary
Worryingly for Catalans, their form has gradually worsened in England over the last four years looking at the stats. With four away games in the Super 8s, their Old Trafford chances look bleak at best. However, the Dragons have shown last year that they can compete at the business end of the season – but with just one win in the country so far in 2015 in the league, a big improvement is needed from the Dragons.
