Crusaders player ratings vs Chiefs | Super Rugby Pacific 2024
The Crusaders and Chiefs approached the opening game of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season with two very different outlooks on the match.
The Chiefs were hungry for redemption after losing the final to the Crusaders at home last year, but the reigning champions were adamant this was not a rematch. That’s because it is a vastly different-looking Crusaders outfit in 2024, not so much in quantity of their personnel losses, but the quality.
The red jersey demands excellence though and there would be no excuses from Rob Penny’s men.
It was a tale of two halves, with the Chiefs taking no time at all to make their intentions in the match clear. The Crusaders weathered the storm and fired back in the second half, but it wasn’t to be as they fell short in the dying moments.
Here’s how the Crusaders rated:
1. George Bower – 5
The long-awaited return for the All Black front rower got off to a rapid start and Bower was guilty of letting a tackle go that resulted in the Chiefs’ first line break of the day. The prop was generally a step behind early, being late to secure the ruck on the first Crusaders attack of the game, resulting in a turnover.
The prop was present in some of the Crusaders’ less cohesive moments defensively in the first half, but was far more reliable in the second period. A turnover when the Chiefs were threatening to find their rhythm again couldn’t have come at a better time.
In his first game back after an ACL surgery, Bower ended up returning to the field on the other side of the scrum after a short spell on the bench.
2. George Bell – 7
Bell’s defence was impressive in his showings on the team’s northern pre-season tour, a promising sign given the absence of Codie Taylor who’s expected to return in May. The youngster’s defence was again strong on Friday, finishing as the game’s second-highest tackler.
The hooker’s execution at line-out time was strong in the first half, and it needed to be against an organised Chiefs unit. In the second period, things weren’t as consistent. The hooker was trusted to go deep into the game, remaining on the field well into the final 10 minutes.
3. Tamaiti Williams – N/A
No sooner than Williams got into the match through a sprint down the sideline did he appear to pull a hamstring and be taken from the field.
4. Scott Barrett (c) – 6.5
The captain was quiet early by his standards, perhaps rusty having not featured in any of the team’s pre-season games. A try early in the second half brought the Chiefs’ lead back to just five points, and the All Black looked to be re-familiarising himself with the pace of the game.
Barrett doubled down on his defensive prowess in the second period, working his way into the game but couldn’t provide the big plays that were needed late.
5. Quinten Strange – 4.5
Strange left the field for a concussion test and in his absence Jamie Hannah was brilliant. Upon returning, the lock was immediately out of sync with his forwards at the line out and was caught out of position, failing to lift Dom Gardiner which resulted in a turnover and then a try moments later.
Strange was twice caught out wider in the defensive line by cunning Chiefs attackers, inevitably struggling with the mismatch. The All Blacks XV lock was quiet elsewhere on defence and missed two of his attempts.
6. Dom Gardiner – 8
Dom Gardiner won the race for the No. 6 jersey in the absence of Ethan Blackadder, beating Christian Lio-Willie, which is no mean feat.
Gardiner was active early, with varied success coming from his enthusiasm. Strong tackles and carries showed his promise but ill-discipline got him caught on the wrong side of the ruck – something referees are cracking down on this season.
As far as interactions in the game, the young flanker had to be up there if not the most involved in the game during his 52 minutes on the field. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a huge effort.
7. Tom Christie – 7.5
It took no time at all for Christie’s defence to be felt in the match, and inevitably in a game where the Chiefs dominated possession for long periods, Christie easily topped the tackle count with 26.
8. Cullen Grace – 7
Grace produced a well-rounded showing in the season’s opening match, claiming 18 tackles while contributing five carries. He proved to be one of his team’s stronger carriers, regarding post-contact metres as well as offloads.
Grace’s potential is undeniably high, but now with some big names missing on the Crusaders’ team sheet he faces more responsibility in the big moments. On the night he did his core roles well and will look to build off that in round two.
9. Mitchell Drummond – 6
Drummond provided poise when his team needed it, making a couple of big plays and one costly fumble in the first half. He serviced his runners well and was never caught late to the play. He claimed a try assist and was his usual, reliable self around the park.
10. Rivez Reihana – 7.5
Reihana’s composure given the circumstances was exceptional. Calmly navigating exits in the first half and taking his opportunities off the tee, then kickstarting the second period with his skillset single-handedly.
11. Macca Springer – 5
Springer had little influence on the match without any ball to play with out wide, but his few touches contributed positively. The winger started the second half holding up his opposite in the tackle.
12. Dallas McLeod – 3
McLeod struggled to find any rhythm in the match, especially on the attacking side of the ball. He persisted and had some positive play late, chasing hard and putting pressure on the Chiefs backfield, but ultimately couldn’t find his feet in the game.
A dropped ball with just minutes to spare saw the Crusaders’ last opportunity of the game go begging, capping a frustrating evening for the one-time All Black.
13. Levi Aumua – 8
Aumua is out with a point to prove in 2024. Having excelled with Moana Pasifika, the bruising midfielder is hunting higher honours.
Without much possession early, Aumua’s defence was impressive. He’s clearly trusted to be a focal point in the defensive line and was keen to get involved.
14. Sevu Reece – 7
It was a great moment for New Zealand rugby on Friday night seeing Sevu Reece back on the field, fit and firing. Reece suffered a torn ACL during last year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign and was devastated to miss the Rugby World Cup.
Reece’s trademark work rate was present from the outset, without any opportunity with the ball in hand the winger was involved at the breakdown and seeking work defensively.
His first try of the season came through nothing but effort, and at a crucial time for his team as the Chiefs were building momentum and threatening to run away with the game.
15. Chay Fihaki – 5
What an opportunity for Chay Fihaki in 2024, inheriting the starting fullback role with the injuries to Will Jordan and Leigh Halfpenny. The youngster has been heralded as a hugely promising prospect for a number of seasons now but has missed a crack at consistent selection up until now.
The fullback possesses a hell of a boot, but each of his early punts landed straight in Damian McKenzie’s arms – possibly the worst outcome any Crusaders fan could hope for. That mistake was punished dearly.
Fihaki missed a crucial tackle that gave Etene Nanai-Seturo-Seturo a chance out wide, which the winger spectacularly converted.
The second half rolled around and Fihaki was a different player, supporting play well to get in the position to score just minutes into the period and seeking a crucial turnover 10 minutes later.
Reserves
16. Quinten MacDonald – 4
17. Joe Moody – 4
18. Owen Franks – 8.5
An early return to action didn’t phase the 36-year-old. The former All Black’s scrummaging was a rare area of superiority the Crusaders enjoyed in the match. His activity around the park was energetic, springing off the ground after every tackle.
19. Jamie Hannah – 9
When asked what young Crusaders player will impress in 2024, Scott Barrett replied with the name “Jamie Hannah”. In the season opener, the rookie showed why.
Hannah’s line-out nous was clear soon after he took the field early after Strange’s concussion test. Great second run and superb offload, single-handedly generating momentum.
Hannah’s carries continued to make metres and he yet again had a huge influence in a scoring effort when he provided the inside ball to a galloping Chay Fihaki.
20. Christin Lio-Willie – 7
21. Noah Hotham – 8
Hotham got away with one mistake in his minutes off the bench but was otherwise superb. His deliveries were crisp and he was extremely energetic. His defence forced a mistake from the Chiefs with just four minutes left, gifting his side a chance to win the game down by one.
22. Taha Kemara – 6
23. Ryan Crotty – 6
Comments on RugbyPass
I guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
41 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
2 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
41 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
41 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
2 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
4 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
1 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
4 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to commentsInteresting comments about Touch. England’s hosting the Touch World Cup this year and the numbers have exploded since their last World Cup in 2019, something like 70% more teams and 40 nations taking part. And England Touch have made a big thing about how many universities are in their BUCS University Touch Championship as well as Sport England membership. Can only see this growing even more domestically as more people become aware of it
10 Go to comments“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
4 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
4 Go to comments