Blues player ratings vs Brumbies | Super Rugby Trans-Tasman
The Blues once again illustrated their credentials as title contenders in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman 2021, overcoming a tough challenge from the Brumbies in the first half to seal victory with an assured and controlled second half performance taking the game out of reach.
The clash at Eden Park was a mostly tight encounter as neither side were able to gain ascendency early on, the Brumbies in fact looking the more assured of the two sides, spending prolonged periods of time in the Blues’ half. The Blues had not beaten the Canberra franchise since 2017 and were made aware early on of the quality their Australian opposition possessed at set piece.
In a first half dominated by jostling for possession and territory, it was eventually the Blues through Kurt Eklund who bagged the first points of the night with a quarter of an hour gone. The Brumbies not to be deterred however, hit back taking the lead through a Noah Lolesio penalty and building pressure through phases to notch a score at lineout time for hooker Connal McInerney. It was only a splash of individual brilliance from first Rieko Ioane and then Finlay Christie that saw the Blues take a 17-10 lead into halftime.
Ringing the changes and emptying a bench of four All Blacks ultimately paid dividends however as the Blues showed their strength in depth and astute game management in the second half to close out the game with three more scores and bag a 38-10 win.
The Blues’ ratings on the night:
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe – 7.5/10
Asserted himself in a big way at scrum time in a fascinating duel with Super Rugby centurion Allan Alaalatoa. Made the most of the Blues pack’s considerable weight advantage and gained three scrum penalties in the process, however will perhaps be frustrated with a missed opportunity to gain the killer penalty try with the Brumbies under the pump on their 5m line. Off at 61.
2. Kurt Eklund – 6.5
Initially played it short at lineout time perhaps showing a wariness of the dangerous Brumbies lineout (the best in the competition after all). The Blues lost two of his throws but the 29-year-old managed to nab his second try of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman off the back of a quick hit-and-run maul. Was a versatile and effective presence at the breakdown, working well with Papalii as the two led the defensive effort. Off at 67.
3. Marcel Renata – 6
Good scanning in defence popping up to add his efforts to a busy Blues wall in the first half. Combined effectively with Tu’inukuafe to pile on the weight at scrum time however struggled more than his propping partner. Conceded a couple of scrum penalties that compounded the Brumbies pressure and faced a tough challenge in the form of Scott Sio. Threw a fantastic offload in the build up to Christie’s try. Off at 43.
4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti – 8
As always, showed his value to this Blues team, popping up to carry whenever asked to do so and a titanic presence in defence. Not flashy but always got the job done on the night working hard to keep the Brumbies lineout mauls at bay, only giving way after a heavy period of pressure from the lineout specialists of the comp. Formed an effective locking partnership with Tuipulotu to ensure a strong set piece for the Blues in the second half.
5. Josh Goodhue – 6.5
Busied himself from the off with attacking carries and proved himself an insurer’s worst nightmare in defence, clattering into anyone he could see wearing white. Made a good effort with his maul defence but lost the Blues ball twice at lineout time. Departed on 33 mins with an ankle injury.
Yoink, yoink, yoink, yoink and YOINK
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— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 29, 2021
6. Tom Robinson (c) – 6
A relatively quiet game from Big Red as other members of his pack stood out instead. Covered ground that by some miracle wasn’t already covered by Papalii to make important tackles but was caught offside to give the Brumbies their first points. Managed to secure an important lineout steal in the second half and benefitted from Tuipulotu showing up as early as he did.
7. Dalton Papalii – 8
A consistent presence at seemingly every contact area notching a handful of important breakdown steals – the most for his team. Basically assisted Eklund’s try almost carrying his teammate over the line. Made the most tackles of his side in a game that was extremely attritional and defensively inclined in the first half.
8. Hoskins Sotutu – 6.5
Always made metres with ball in hand and often the first to grab the ball as it popped out of the ruck, either in attack or as the beneficiary of a teammates’ turnover, such a role highlighting his distribution and decision-making skills. Nearly lost the ball in the headlights early on from Lolesio’s chip with a couple of Brumbies around him.
9. Finlay Christie – 8.5
Another excellent performance from the 26-year-old Scottish-born Tasman Mako as he continued to make a strong case for that starting 9 jersey in Auckland. Provided good contestable box kicks and ensured a high tempo around the park whenever the Blues had ball in hand. Also put in some really solid defensive work with a try saver on Valetini a highlight. Produced a superb individual weaving effort to beat five defenders and dot down under the poles for the Blues second try. Made the most metres and beat the most defenders for the Blues.
10. Otere Black – 7.5
A classic Black performance in all honesty. Ever keen to test the defensive line he ghosted through early on and on the whole orchestrated the Blues attack around the park nicely, communicating well with Christie and sharing the exit duties with Sullivan. Built important phases for the Blues in the second half and put in a solid defensive performance to boot, making few errors. Perfect off the tee.
11. AJ Lam – 5.5
Was under pressure early on down the left and it perhaps showed with a shaky clearance. Wasn’t as actively in the game as Heem but was always keen when the ball found its way to him. Finished off a well worked score after the Blues built phases for his second SRTT try. Off after 61.
12. TJ Faiane – 7.5
Made a huge defensive contribution in the backline and carried very effectively in attack making sure to have an impact whenever he had the ball, never dying in contact. His role as a defensive spearhead allowed Rieko to drift onto the next attacker. Ran the crucial dummy line for Lam’s try and claimed a well deserved score of his own displaying good footwork and strength.
13. Rieko Ioane – 6.5
Fairly inconspicuous in the first half but a hard chase through on Heem’s deft grubber in the second quarter got him back into the game. Linked up well defensively with Faiane and showed his attacking class with a cutting line off Black to hand the ball off to Christie for the halfback’s score.
Here's how the Brumbies rated in their 38-10 defeat to the Blues in Auckland. #SuperRugbyTT #BLUvBRU https://t.co/X9JAXVR6WT
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 29, 2021
14. Bryce Heem – 7.5
Continued to show his great form in SRTT with another energetic performance. Conceded an early unforced error in a game of kick tennis but went on to produce a big defensive effort. Great take to set his side back on the right path after the Brumbies score. Chased hard on kicks and was utilised consistently as a first receiver. Went joint top scorer in the comp running a fantastic line off Black for his fourth in SRTT.
15. Zarn Sullivan – 7.5
Narrowly missed a 50m penalty attempt in the first half but remains a really effective kicking option for the Blues possessing a cultured left boot. Excellent read to bite in on Banks in the Brumbies’ first attack. Showed a classy performance and continues to stamp his mark on the 15 shirt showing good physicality and a confident running game.
Reserves:
16. Soane Vikena – 6.5
On at 67 mins. Hit his mark straight off the bat at lineout time and opitimised the Blues’ change in fortune at that set piece. A good performance from the 19-year-old.
17. Alex Hodgman – 6.5
On at 61 mins. Straight into the fray making big tackles and teamed up with Laulala to draw a scrum penalty when the Brumbies looked to build in the second half.
18. Nepo Laulala – 7.5
On at 42 mins to take on the tricky Sio. Showed exactly why he has 29 caps for the All Blacks bringing back assurance and late on, dominance, to the right-hand side of the scrum, although he did concede a few penalties of his own. Landed a couple of huge hits on Fainga’a, who must have said something a bit mean to him pre-game in the tunnel.
19. Patrick Tuipulotu – 7.5
On early and the Blues were better for it. The Blues team captain carrying well and bringing an assured and calming presence to his team. Assumed a vital role at lineout time, defusing the Brumbies’ most effective weapon and reducing any nerves the Blues pack might have had at kick off.
20. Akira Ioane – 7
On at 61. Made a huge impact in attack, making the second most metres and beating the second most defenders despite only featuring for 20 minutes. Part of the All Blacks quality contingent at lineout time. Threw a body over a ruck late in the game but was deemed to be fine.
The Blues have extended New Zealand's unbeaten start to Super Rugby Trans-Tasman after they dispatched the Brumbies 38-10 at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. #SuperRugbyTT #BLUvBRU https://t.co/tfHkQ3lhnF
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 29, 2021
21. Jonathan Ruru – n/a
On at 69 mins.
22. Harry Plummer – 6
On at 67 mins. Put up a garryowen with almost his first touch to build continued pressure on the Brumbies. Picked up from where Black left off, threatening the Brumbies defence and providing a great offload for Faiane’s try before securing the conversion.
23. Mark Telea – n/a
On at 61 mins. Unable to make a real impact.
Comments on RugbyPass
A wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
24 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to comments