Blues player ratings vs Hurricanes | 2026 Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals

The 2026 ‘lucky losers’ were, rather predictably, put to the sword by the Hurricanes at a humming Cake Tin in the second semi-final of the weekend, falling to a 57-21 defeat.

It was a close contest in the first half, with the Hurricanes ahead just 19 points to 14, but the second half started with five straight tries to the hosts, and the Blues could then only manage a consolation effort in the 77th minute.

That ends a lukewarm campaign from the Auckland side, and Vern Cotter’s era in charge, with Hurricanes attack guru Jason Holland taking charge next season.

Here’s how the Blues rated.

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – 6

Had a real presence in his collisions on both sides of the ball, though he lacked some accuracy on defence, falling off three tackles. The loosehead’s side of the scrum was more stable, but he didn’t avoid the whistle entirely.

2. Bradley Slater – 7

Was a standout for his work rate. The hooker was often the first forward back in position after the Hurricanes made breaks, and was always moving bodies well at the breakdown. The Blues’ lineout remains scrappy, but improved marginally this week.

3. Marcel Renata – 2

A shocker from Renata, who started the game with some mild inaccuracies and went downhill from there. The Hurricanes often found space inside or outside the prop; he was penalised a couple of times in the first half alone, was pushed backward by Xavier Numia at scrum time and knocked the ball on when his team were looking to make a final play of the first half.

4. Patrick Tuipulotu – 6

A much more accurate showing compared to last week, and the big man was rewarded for his efforts with the Blues’ first try of the game. Was once again the Blues’ only reliable go-forward ball-carrier, though still doesn’t look to be moving particularly freely, leaving some concerns over his All Blacks prospects.

5. Sam Darry – 6

Guilty of some average defence early, but found his feet later in the first half and produced some big, driving tackles. Still struggling to master lineout calling in this Blues pack.

22m Entries

Avg. Points Scored

4

14

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Avg. Points Scored

4.2

5

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6. Torian Barnes – 3

Guilty of quite a few inaccurate plays early, including the penalty that led to the Hurricanes’ second try. Possibly a little too eager to make his mark rather than just focusing on his role, and making missteps in the process. Was involved in a couple of breakdowns where the Blues lost possession and dropped off three tackle attempts. Improved later in the second half.

7. Anton Segner – 6

Segner got himself into the game much earlier this week with his work around the ruck, including one highlight play where he powered through Peter Lakai. There were some strong contributions with the ball in hand, and he continued to produce relentless multiple-effort plays around the ruck. He did, however, have two knock-ons in the first half. Faded after a fast first 20 minutes and was replaced after 52.

8. Hoskins Sotutu – 6

Used his frame well in the collision area and around the ruck, without having many opportunities to use his skill set with the ball.

9. Finlay Christie – 7

A decent showing from the halfback, who was accurate with his passing and kicking, made good decisions steering the ship, but also fell off three tackle attempts.

10. Stephen Perofeta – 4

The playmaker had some good covering defence early, running down Blues players after breaks. Kicked the ball dead in-goal, and often overran his line when going up to claim the high-balls. Looked like he wanted to make things happen with the ball, had some nice touches, but ultimately couldn’t create all that much.

11. Caleb Clarke – 8

Had a big hand in the Blues’ best moments early on both sides of the ball, including a big carry that paved the way for Patrick Tuipulotu’s try. Off after 17 minutes with failed HIA.

12. Xavi Taele – 8

Some truly excellent defensive reads, with the tackle execution to match. Held up Josh Moorby in the first half and dismantled a handful of the Hurricanes’ attacking plays. Was overwhelmed at the breakdown leading to the Hurricanes’ first try of the second half.

13. AJ Lam – N/A

Off early with failed HIA.

14. Cole Forbes – 7

Started the game by forcing the issue, chasing a kick and being awarded the shepherding penalty. Didn’t have the opportunity to make any metres with his few carries, but played very well defensively, even if he was run over by Kini Naholo late in the piece.

15. Beauden Barrett – 6

Relatively anonymous for large periods, unable to have an impact with the ball.

Reserves

16. Eli Oudenryn – 8

Again, the youngster brought energy off the bench, even if his lineout throwing was far from perfect. Making a habit of scoring these five-pointers, proving himself to be absolutely rapid in the process.

17. Mason Tupaea – 6

18. Flyn Yates – 6

19. Josh Beehre – 6

20. Che Clark – 6

21. Taufa Funaki – 5

Another one who looked like he had been given the order to inject some life into his team’s attack, but didn’t know exactly how to do it.

22. Pita Ahki – 6

On early when Lam failed an HIA and immediately left Hoskins Sotutu isolated, leading to a Du’Plessis Kirifi steal. Had better involvements once he found his feet in the game, with some good defence, including one try-saving effort.

23. Payton Spencer – 7

Also on early and read the defence superbly to set up his own try in the 26th minute. Perhaps the young prince’s best game in Super Rugby at this stage in his young career.