Blues player ratings vs Brumbies | Super Rugby Pacific
The Blues travelled to Canberra to take on the Brumbies on Saturday night in a top-of-the-table clash between the best side in New Zealand and the best side in Australia.
What developed was an incredibly scrappy but fiercely competitive match with every breakdown a genuine contest.
The Brumbies looked to have sealed a win late in the game with a try to hooker Billy Pollard and a clutch conversion from Noah Lolesio, but with time already up on the clock, the Blues managed to sneak a 21-19 victory thanks to a Beauden Barrett drop kick.
How did the Blues rate in the victory?
1. Alex Hodgman – 6.5
Wasn’t as penetrative on offence as he has been throughout the rest of the season – as was a trend with the rest of the Blues forwards thanks to the Brumbies’ dogged defence. Strong at the set-piece – the All Blacks selectors will be taking note. Off in 61st minute.
2. Kurt Eklund – 6
Struggled a little bit to leave a mark in a hugely physical contest but used his quick-stepping in close to some success. Had a few issues at lineout time early in the match but eventually came right. Grabbed one steal at the breakdown and almost scored another well-taken try off a second-quarter lineout (although, for once, not from the back of a maul) but it was snuffed out due to a knock-on. Remained on the park for the full 80 minutes.
3. Ofa Tuungafasi – 7
Conceded a penalty at the first scrum but started to dominate opposite Scott Sio as the match wore on, which played a huge role in the Blues’ eventual victory. Clocked up some decent metres with the ball in hand. Off in 61st minute.
4. James Tucker – 6.5
A tidy game from the former Brumby. Hit plenty of breakdowns, tackled with venom and carried strongly. Disrupted the Brumbies’ lineout when they were ready to launch an attack inside the 22 and nabbed four of his own.
5. Sam Darry – 4
Struggled to work his way into the match and was probably the least effective second-rower on the park tonight. Still doesn’t quite seem to know how to use his big frame – unlikely to feature in the coming weeks if the Blues have all hands back on deck. Off in 60th minute.
6. Anton Segner – 5.5
Regularly put his hand up to carry but was less industrious on defence, making just four tackles. The primary lineout option for the Blues but not always with success, conceding two deliveries to the opposition. Did nab a steal of his own to somewhat make up for it.
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7. Dalton Papalii – 6
A key lineout option when the Blues were inside the opposition 22 but otherwise a relatively quiet game from the captain. His late-game steal, however, was obviously crucial in nabbing the win. Finished the game with 12 tackles, the most of any Blues player. Ran a great support line off Mark Telea when the Blues winger made a break down the righthand side.
8. Hoskins Sotutu – 7
Despite clocking up the most metres of any player on the field, struggled a bit in contact with the Brumbies doing well to contain the All Blacks number 8 and more often than not seemed to wrestle him back behind the advantage line. Was never found wanting, however, with a game-high 19 carries, and drawing in plenty of defenders helped free up space for his teammates. Pinged once for some illegal work at the breakdown.
9. Finlay Christie – 6.5
Had a fascinating tit-for-tat battle with Wallaby Nic White and forged on for the full 80 minutes. Didn’t exactly get the ball on a dinner plate from his forwards but generally dealt well with the scrappy possession. As with most halfbacks, sometimes needs to focus more on playing and less on barking complaints to the referee.
10. Beauden Barrett – 7
Slowly built into the match and his running game started causing issues for the Brumbies defence in the second half. His long tactical kicking game wasn’t quite on the money but there were moments of class throughout from the No 10 – including the match-winning drop goal. Ran in for an easy try on halftime.
11. Caleb Clarke – 5
An excellent run early in the match saw Clarke get the best of three Brumbies defenders and set up the Blues’ first attacking opportunity but was held up from the ensuing lineout. He looked dangerous with every touch in the first quarter but soon faded out of the match after his opening showcase. Left the field with an injury in the 53rd minute.
12. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – 7
Looked sharp when given a bit of space and came close to grabbing his first Super Rugby Pacific try, beating two defenders on his way to the line but was ensnared by three further Brumbies as he crashed over the line and couldn’t get the ball to ground. Dropped the ball cold when the Blues were on attack and White raced away to almost score but Tuivasa-Sheck turned and chased the halfback down, bringing him to ground him in a dodgy tackle. Once again one of the Blues’ busiest on defence.
13. Bryce Heem – 5
A somewhat understated performance but still managed to work his way through 50 metres on attack and six tackles on defence.
14. Mark Telea – 8
Saw plenty of ball throughout the match, whether stationed on the left or right wing, often popping up at first receiver or even at halfback. Always a challenge to bring to the ground thanks to his dipping, ducking and diving, coupled with his impressive acceleration.
15. Stephen Perofeta – 6.5
It was a mixed night from the fullback. Made a couple of uncharacteristic errors, knocking the ball on twice relatively free of any major pressure but looked slick in the final 20 minutes of the match and threatened the line. Popped ahead a great wee chip kick for Telea to set up a nice attacking break earlier in the match. A nice chase off a Barrett kick almost result in points for the Blues but Perofeta was (illegally) stripped in the tackle. One poor missed penalty attempt from basically in front could have cost the Blues.
Reserves:
16. Ricky Riccitelli – N/A
Unused.
17. Karl Tu’inukuafe
On in 61st minute. Grabbed a try with his first touch of the match.
18. Nepo Laulala
On in 61st minute.
19. Luke Romano
On in 60th minute.
20. Adrian Choat – N/A
Unused.
21. Sam Nock – N/A
Unused.
22. Tanielu Tele’a – N/A
On in 53rd minute. Managed just eight minutes as an injury replacement for Caleb Clarke before having to depart the field himself.
23. Zarn Sullivan – N/A
On in 61st minute. Didn’t see any action in the unfamiliar wing role.
Comments on RugbyPass
Rodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
8 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
8 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
46 Go to comments