Brumbies player ratings vs Hurricanes | Super Rugby Pacific

The Brumbies have ensured that Australia will be represented in this year’s Super Rugby semi-finals after a rousing 35-25 defeat of the Wellington Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Canberra this evening.

The home side were under early pressure after a number of infringements, with Hurricanes sharp-shooter Jordie Barrett capitalising via the boot, giving the visitors a lead going into the sheds at half-time.  Yet in what was a role reversal, it was the Australians who lifted the tempo of the game in the second half and the New Zealanders couldn’t cope with that pressure and the Brumbies ground out the result.

This is how the Brumbies rated.

1. James Slipper – 7/10
Ensured the Brumbies had a solid platform from the scrum and his battle with Owen Franks was one the fascinating one-on-one personal contest within the broader encounter. Another no-frills James Slipper performance.

Why Super Rugby Pacific’s eight-team finals structure shouldn’t change.

Why Super Rugby Pacific’s eight-team finals structure shouldn’t change.

2. Folau Fainga’a – 7
Bagged himself a try and was industrious in all facets of the game. Kept his head for most of the match and despite the early pressure, hung in there and delivered a sound performance. One for the Wallabies selectors to ponder.

3. Allan Alaalatoa – 7.5
Lead the way, especially defensively in the tighter channels. Nailed down his side of the scrum, even when it was under some serious pressure. A quality captain’s knock.

4. Darcy Swain – 6.5
Money-man for the Brumbies lineout and delivered there. A solid effort around the park but fell off the odd tackle. Appeared to have played through an injury when his team needed him. A solid, respectable performance.

5. Cadeyrn Neville – 6.5
Akin to his locking partner, he delivered at the set-piece that again was a real weapon for his side. Didn’t shirk it in defence and worked himself hard in the dark areas.

6. Tom Hooper – 8
The best Brumby on the park. Exhaustive performance altogether. Be it a carry, clean out or tackle Tom Hooper had a big hand in it all. At a time when the game could have been taken away from the Brumbies, he never stopped working and epitomised everything the Brumbies stand for. Well played, that man.

7. Luke Reimer – 6.5
Worked himself hard at the recycle and whilst he didn’t secure any actual turnovers, he ensured that a quality Hurricanes back row didn’t dominate that aspect of the game. Solid performance and clearly a player of the future.

8. Pete Samu – 7.5
Really came to life in the second half and took the game to Hurricanes with a physical and intelligent performance. He carried well through the middle but also down the edges and it’s not often Ardie Savea is the second best in his position on the park but Samu had his measure tonight.

9. Nic White – 7.5
Ran his team around well. The execution wasn’t always there but the option taking was often the most optimal. Was staunch in his cover defence and set his side up well for the win.

10. Noah Lolesio – 6.5
Like most of the Brumbies, his second half was better than his first. He did lift the tempo and looked to be more direct with his carries, which subsequently made his attack more potent. Was guilty of a few poor mistakes but overall, a solid night for him.

11. Andy Muirhead – 4
Not his best night out. Was defensively poor and never really found his way into the attack with any great potency.

12. Irae Simone – 7
Showed a real control of balance in his footwork to score a nice individual try against some serious line-speed. Had a number of other impressive touches on the ball and was a genuine threat in possession. Didn’t have it all his own way in defence but overall, a good night out for him.

13. Len Ikitau – 5.5
Was having a fair game until he was red-carded for a high tackle. It was a shame as his defence prior to that tackle had been spot-on.

14. Tom Wright – 6
Scored a wonderful try near the end to seal the deal yet prior to that was a bit haphazard on both sides of the ball.

15. Tom Banks – 7.5
One of the Brumbies’ best tonight. Had a hand in a number of the tries and managed to score a fine one himself down the right edge, stretching the Hurricanes’ defence. A wonderful way to sign off his last game in Canberra.

Reserves:

16. Lachlan Lonergan – 7.5
Brought some genuine impact on both sides of the ball – exactly what the Brumbies needed to help shut out the Hurricanes.

17. Scott Sio – 7
Really led the second-half surge with a strong performance all around. Carried well and was physical against a hard Hurricanes outfit.

18. Sosefo Kautai – N/A
Came on in the 75^th and didn’t see enough.

19. Nick Frost – 7
Strong in the air, strong on the ground. Wallabies colours beckon.

20. Rory Scott – N/A
Came on in the 75^th and didn’t see enough.

21. Jahrome Brown – 7
Strong defensive performance. Not much was getting past him tonight. Another who muscled up when it was required.

22. Ryan Lonergan – 6.5
A steady set of hands to help shut the Hurricanes down.

23. Ollie Sapsford – 6.5
Played with some genuine grit and didn’t shirk taking on some of the Hurricanes’ bigger bodies. Did his job well.