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Crusaders player ratings vs Chiefs | Super Rugby Aotearoa Final
The Crusaders have done it again! Their unprecedented reign as the most dominant Super Rugby franchise in Aotearoa was ensured after an enthralling 24-13 victory over the brave Chiefs at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch this evening.
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Famed for their culture, the Crusaders had to dig deep to find a path to victory as at one stage they had All Blacks Codie Taylor and Sevu Reece on the sidelines after both receiving yellow cards for dangerous play. But find a way they did and the trophy will remain in Christchurch for another year.
This is how the Crusaders rated:
1. George Bower – 7/10
Was a powerful in the set piece as expected yet he also contributed effectively around the breakdown on both sides of the ball.
2. Codie Taylor (VC) – 6.5
An off night by his standards. Whilst he was effective and did his basics well, he didn’t appear to have the work rate in defence or attack as he has shown earlier in the tournament. An uncharacteristic yellow card in the second half put pressure onto his side.
3. Michael Alaalatoa – 7
Solid anchor in the scum. Was industrious around the park and physical in the contact. A dependable shift.
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4. Scott Barrett (C) – 7.5
Lead the side well and also managed the relationship with Ben O’Keefe admirably as his side were way ahead on the penalty count. Worked tirelessly around the breakdown that resulted in the Chiefs getting slow ball. A Captains knock indeed.
5. Samuel Whitelock – 8
He was huge in the lineout being the main man for his side but also causing all sorts of issues for the Chiefs. This coupled with his work on the ground was telling tonight. Quality forward showing no signs of ageing.
6. Ethan Blackadder – 7
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Much to like about his game, especially his work through the middle of the park when on the attack. His running was forceful and was a handful for the Chiefs all night. Defensively he was sound without being staunch but overall a quality night out.
7. Tom Sanders – 7.5
For a bloke who wasn’t expecting to start I thought ‘The Colonel’ was superb tonight. Outside of his toughness the signature of his play is his second efforts. If he does one thing, he often follows it up with another. Memorable effort tonight.
8. Cullen Grace – 8
Defensively probably the best Crusader forward on the park. Just a ‘True Grit’ performance by him this evening and what I liked was he appeared to find another gear when others were tiering. I surprised he was replaced.
McKenzie jumps to receive the ball and the earthbound Codie Taylor leaves the ref with no choice #CRUvCHI
Credit: @StanSportAU pic.twitter.com/BcTySakBWp
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 8, 2021
9. Mitchell Drummond – 7.5
A solid but unspectacular scrum half performance. He gave his side the rhythm and tempo they enjoy. The best compliment I can give him is look how much time Richie Mo’unga had to weave his magic tonight. Drummond played his part in that.
10. Richie Mo’unga – 9
Sublime to watch. One of the most complete performances by a first five in a Super Rugby Final since its inception in 1996. Yes, there was an error or two to prove to us he is still human but his option taking and execution were next level. One for the ages.
11. George Bridge – 7.5
Was a determined performance by him and he was a handful for the Chiefs. Looked for work off his wing and was hard into contact. Starting to show his All-Black form again.
12. David Havili (VC) – 8.5
If there wasn’t a bloke called Richie Mo’unga this bloke would have been the best player on the park. He was arguably the most intelligent player out there. He knew what to do and when to do it without overplaying his hand or suffocating those around him. Unsung hero.
13. Leicester Fainga’anuku – 8
What a performance! He was immense in attack and made multiple meters time and tiem again getting his side on the front foot but what really pleased was his defensive effort. Keeping Anton Leinert-Brown quiet is a effort worth remembering.
14. Sevu Reece – 7
Outside of his yellow card for a high shot he was having a solid game, scoring a cracking try early on and pinching a few turnovers yet he had a few defensive misses as well. A fair night out but not his best.
15. Will Jordan – 7.5
He was dangerous, but a times dangerous to his own side with some poor option taking. Yet the positives far outweighed the negatives and he was, as always exciting to watch. However, to be fair, he wasn’t the best 15 on the park tonight.
The Crusaders have survived two yellow cards to defeat the Chiefs 24-13 in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final to clinch their fifth straight title. #SuperRugbyAotearoa #CRUvCHI https://t.co/e2dWyAxGjD
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 8, 2021
Reserves:
16. Brodie McAlister – 7
Did well when having to come on when Codie Taylor was sin-binned.
17. Tamaiti Williams – 7
The Big Unit did his bit.
18. Oliver Jager – 7.5
The Irishman made the required impact when coming on. Really enjoyed his physicality and
19. Mitchell Dunshea – N/A
Didn’t see enough.
20. Whetu Douglas – 7
Did his job.
21. Bryn Hall – 7
Pretty much picked up from where Mitch Drummond left off. Quality service and support game.
22. Dallas McLeod – N/A
23. Braydon Ennor – 6
Great to see him back but didn’t see much from him.
Comments on RugbyPass
Let’s make them both Capt. I think we'd get the best of both of them and it would help alleviate some of the pressures of the role. They'd have to confer over on field decisions which should lead to “ learnings “ for both. They are our two best consistent performers.
16 Go to commentsOur best player by far..but not a good Captain..poor tactician cost the AB'S and Canes games by not taking the easy points and going for tries when the lineouts were a shambles..can he read a game? And his throat slitting gesture should disqualify him from the AB Captaincy..it is not the appropriate behaviour of an AB Captain.
16 Go to commentsForget what was said or how many players said it. TONY BROWN IS THE NEW ATTACK COACH. That’s the only story worth freaking out over. The springboks are going to grow their game an awful lot over the next cycle and it’s not just the 19 disgustingly arrogant Irish players who refused to shake Ebens hand and said “see you in the final if you can cheat your way past France” who will find that out first hand.
121 Go to commentsOn one hand I think it's a bit ridiculous that this gar into the season and with only 2 wins the Crusaders may make the finals. On the other hand if it was only top 4 or 5, then that last several weeks may be mainly dead rubbers. Nope, 8th place after round robin shouldn't be able to lift the trophy.
1 Go to commentsI do think the media in NZ treated him badly. Sam is a legend. He is humble, a great rugby mind and leader. What happened in the final could happen to anyone. The margins is so fine these days. I lay blame at the feet of the coaching staff and NZ rugby. The stats tell’s all. The AB’s was the worst disciplined side in the WC with more red and yellow cards than anyone else. Problem is NZ rugby is not training their players to play safer. And thats the danger a fast game brings. More yellow and red cards. But Sam Cane in my eye was and still is a great ambassador for the game, that just had a stroke of bad luck.
5 Go to commentsI hope Jim and co. Add this to their list of icebreaker questions they can ask all their guests going forward. So we can eventually hear what everyone thinks about this subject. “What do you think Ireland meant…”
121 Go to commentsHe’s a dominant personality. That might be both a good and bad thing in team dynamics. Certainly it ruined Smith’s first crack at 10 with Owen at 12. BTW, Bristol flatter to deceive. When things really matter, they tend to deliver less rather than more. Farrell would have been good for them
36 Go to commentsGot a lot of over the top abuse from Crusader fans, in particular, who thought every 7 they had was miles better. Now we will see if anyone is better? Laid his body on the line every game so finishing early makes sense. A lot of life left after rugby.
5 Go to commentsA poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
121 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
36 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
36 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
16 Go to comments