With just over a week until the Heineken Champions Cup returns, we’re taking a look at some of the individual statistics for the opening two rounds. London Irish’s Ben Loader has been one of the most effective attackers so far…

Carries – Zach Mercer (40)

When it comes to carries, no player has matched Montpellier Hérault Rugby No.8 Zach Mercer, with the Englishman racking up 40 over two games – 23 of those came in his side’s 32-27 win at London Irish on the opening night, at least seven more than any other player in Round 1.

Exeter Chiefs flanker Dave Ewers has managed 33 while Northampton Saints’ Lewis Ludlam, Edinburgh Rugby’s Viliame Mata and Stade Rochelais’ Grégory Alldritt have all amassed 29.

Metres – Mike Haley (204)

Munster Rugby full-back Mike Haley leads the way when it comes to metres made, gaining 204 during the opening two rounds – 132 came in their opening round defeat to Stade Toulousain (18-13).

London Irish full-back Ben Loader gained 146 metres in Round 2, more than any other player, and sits fourth overall in the statistic on 184, with ASM Clermont Auvergne’s Alex Newsome (195) second and Cell C Sharks’ Makazole Mapimpi (191) third.

Line breaks – James Lowe (5)

Leinster Rugby wing James Lowe is the only player to have made five line breaks so far, with the Ireland international also grabbing two tries in a Round 2 thrashing of Gloucester Rugby (57-0).

Loader features again among the top players for line breaks, making four, along with Mapimpi, DHL Stormers’ Hacjivah Dayimani and Stade Toulousain’s Lucas Tauzin.

Defenders beaten – Ben Loader (13)

Loader evaded a staggering nine defenders in London Irish’s Round 2 defeat at DHL Stormers (34-14), adding to the four he achieved on the opening night.

Harlequins’ Nick David and Vodacom Bulls’ Stravino Jacobs have also proved difficult men to stop, with both tallying 10 defenders beaten over two games.

Offloads – Noa Nakaitaci (6)

Lyon have been the leading side when it comes to offloads over the opening two rounds, with Noa Nakaitaci (6) and Felix Lambey (5) the leading contributors to their total of 42, which no other team has come close to matching.

Dayimani and Castres Olympique’s Leone Nakarawa have both managed five, the latter’s all coming in a Round 1 defeat to Exeter (27-12).