It depends on the circumstances, and the short memories of fans, I suppose. If he misses 5 tackles, but is either saved by the winger, or his miss means the winger is out of position and looks to be to blame for the missed tackle then it's forgotten. IMO missed tackles are only remembered if they pretty much directly lead to an obvious try or big gain (ie the oppo centre strolls straight through the hole Tuner has created).

Missed tackles are what puts teams under pressure and field position so it does effect even if not directly causes a try.

I agree, I'm referring to your comment "It seems if he makes few breaks but misses 5 tackles that fans say he had a good game"

The fans will all see and remember the breaks, but I'm not sure all fans see (or remember) the 5 missed tackles.

Turner's missed tackle stats are precisely that - stats. Whilst statistics offer some measure of qualitative assessment, separated from their CONTEXT, they form only part of a much bigger picture.

The bigger picture at Saints - as evidenced not just by Turner but Swift's actions also, is that both players are encouraged to blaze out of the line and smash the ball carrier in an attempt to compensate for Saints stacking the majority of its defenders in the middle of the field.

This puts tremendous pressure on both players to "get it right" else we concede an easy try. Very often they do get it right. But there are occasions when other teams move just that bit quicker, or utilise dummy runners to confuse the defenders.

There's nothing forcing Saints to employ this defensive strategy. They could just as easily switch to a more balanced pattern - which would certainly help both Turner and Swift's numbers.

Given that they don't I can only assume they are broadly happy with Turner's defence and accept those errors which are made as the inevitable price which must be paid for having a very strong defence overall (according to the figures - 2nd).

Its very difficult to criticise him too much because he has had a pretty positive impact on all our games, much improved performances this season made lots of tackle busts and put in some big hits as well. As people have already said we are not sure if these misses led to try's scored in the set, I think Walsh made 6 tackles last week and missed 5 of those, but I don,t think anybody has brought this up at the moment.

I didn't see the Cas game and not seen any stats but I don't think Luke should be immune if those stats are correct. That's pathetic if true.

If you are going to bag Turner for missed tackles you should include half the team as well.

Bag the team in the "Turner" thread ?

People are doing well to find reasons to bag him given his form.

I don't see how stating he misses about 4/5 tackles a match is bagging him. I'm going off the stats and my own eyes. Everyone knows he's dodgy in defence.

He is playing well with the ball tho.

Any wonder he misses tackles when he has to keep one eye on the clown outside of him.