Five of the best: The top five players from round three of Super Rugby Aotearoa
Three weeks into the second edition of Super Rugby Aotearoa and there are only really two sides in contention for the title.
As evidenced on the weekend, the Blues and Crusaders are another level above the rest of the competition as they dispatched the Highlanders and Chiefs with ease to maintain their top two places on the standings.
That’s handy given both sides will square off against each other for a juggernaut encounter at Eden Park on Sunday in a clash that will really show who deserves to be favourites to take out the all-Kiwi crown.
There are still six days before that match takes place, though, so now seems the right time to reflect on the last two days of action that saw the Auckland and Christchurch-based franchises shorten their already low odds of making the competition’s final.
It should come as no surprise, then, that this week’s edition of this column is dominated by those from the Blues and Crusaders.
Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Headlining the stars on show in Super Rugby Aotearoa over the weekend was Crusaders first-five Richie Mo’unga, who played with the same vein of form that made him the league’s MVP last year.
It took a couple of weeks after slow starts against the Highlanders and Hurricanes, but the 26-year-old was in inspired form in his side’s 39-17 victory over the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.
Mo’unga’s dazzling footwork, exquisite playmaking touch and excellent kicking was outstanding and the influence he wields over his side is so immense that one would have to wonder if the Crusaders would have even beaten the Chiefs had he not played.
Most would say they probably would have, but the presence of Mo’unga ensured Scott Robertson’s men had a much easier time of clinching victory as he ran for a round-high 101 metres, beat a round-high 11 defenders, made three clean break (the second-most of the round), bagged a try assist and kicked 10 points.
Undoubtedly the best first-five in New Zealand at the moment, it’s hard to imagine the Crusaders securing a fifth straight title without Mo’unga on hand to guide them to further success.
Akira Ioane (Blues)
Like Mo’unga, Blues loose forward Akira Ioane has burst out of the blocks in 2021 to re-establish himself as one of the premier back rowers in the country.
Last season, after years of below-par performances where he failed to adjust his all-round game and meet the standards required of him by the All Blacks selectors, the 25-year-old became a bona fide star of the Blues squad.
His enhanced work rate, improved ability at the set piece and stronger commitment to his defensive chores were key to the Blues’ revival, as were his attacking traits, and it’s looking again that he will be crucial to the franchise’s chances of success this season.
The two-test powerhouse exploded into action in his side’s season-opener against the Hurricanes just over a fortnight ago and stepped it up a notch against the Highlanders in their 39-17 win at Eden Park on Sunday.
Ioane finished the match 54 running metres (second-most of any forward in the round), three defenders beaten (equal-most for the round), two clean breaks (joint-most of any forward in the round), eight tackles from 10 attempts, a turnover, two lineout takes and a try.
He also would have had a try assist – and a spectacular one at that – were it not for a dodgy officiating call, but Ioane’s outstanding output in all facets of the contest has to be recognised and it wouldn’t be out of the question to say he’s in pole position for the national No 6 jersey.
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Otere Black (Blues)
While Mo’unga is certainly the best first-five in New Zealand at the moment, Blues pivot Otere Black has also been nothing short of sensational for his side in the opening weeks of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The 25-year-old doesn’t quite pose the same threat as Mo’unga does as an individual attacking threat, but the impact he has as a composed figure in a backline jam-packed with talent has been significant for the Aucklanders.
Showing his ability to unleash the talents of those outside of him, Black has become a vital piece of the jigsaw head coach Leon MacDonald as thrown together.
That much was on show against the Highlanders this weekend, as the Maori All Blacks veteran was constantly seen putting teammates into holes while popping up where need be as well.
With a try, a clean break, an unblemished tackle count and a total of 19 points to his name in that clash, an All Blacks call-up could well be in the offing should he keep up his good work for the Blues.
David Havili (Crusaders)
After having indicated his preference to play at fullback during pre-season, Crusaders vice-captain David Havili was thrust into the midfield for his side’s clash with the Chiefs to accomodate for the selection of Will Jordan at No 15.
It’s understandable why Scott Robertson wants Jordan on the field in his best position, which has in turn forced Havili into his secondary spot, but the way in which he conducted himself at Orangetheory Stadium was second-to-none on Saturday.
The 26-year-old carried the ball with aplomb, with his best run of the match coming in the opening quarter when he burst through the defensive line and slipped a quality ball into the mitts of Leicester Fainga’anuku who controversially scored in the corner.
Havili didn’t shirk away from his defensive duties either, as he completed all 10 of his tackle attempts and looks like a genuine long-term option at No 12, especially in the absence of the injured Braydon Ennor, which could open a return to the All Blacks.
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Dalton Papalii (Blues)
Ever since he made his test debut in 2018, Blues flanker Dalton Papalii has often been a forgotten name when discussing the makeup of New Zealand’s loose forwards.
At the time of his arrival onto the international scene, the likes of Kieran Read, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire and Matt Todd had already established themselves.
Following the 2019 World Cup, the focus has shifted more towards the likes of Cane, Savea, Shannon Frizell, Hoskins Sotutu and Akira Ioane, but Papalii’s has frequently been absent from those discussions.
Why that is hasn’t always been clear given the prodigious talent Papalii possess, and there have been plenty of times he has shown what he’s capable of while playing for the Blues.
One of those times came on Sunday when he tore into the Highlanders’ attack like a seagull to a bit of stray food. Wherever the Highlanders players went, Papalii was there to stop them, and he did so in emphatic fashion.
The power he puts into his tackles is almost enough to grimace at just by watching it, and the 23-year-old’s work rate is just as astounding.
A head knock forced an early exit from the field at Eden Park, but with 12 tackles for the match – the equal-most along with Frizell – and a turnover to boot, Papalii ensured his presence was felt as he looks to build on his four tests caps accrued over three years.
Comments on RugbyPass
It was a pleasure to watch those guys playing with such confidence. That trio can all be infuriating for different reasons and I can see why Jones might have decided against them. No way to justify leaving Ikitau out though. Jorgensen and him were both scheduled to return at the same time. Only one of them plays for Randwick and has a dad who is great mates with the national coach though.
53 Go to commentsBrayden Iose and Peter Lakai are very exciting Super Rugby players but are too short and too light to ever be a Test 8 vs South Africa, France, Ireland, and England, Lakai could potentially be a Test player at 7 if he is allowed to focus on 7 for Hurricanes.
5 Go to commentsPencils “Thomas du Toit” into possible 2027 Bok squad.
1 Go to commentsDon’t see why Harrison makes the bench. Jones can play at 10 if needed, and there is a good case for starting her there to begin with if testing combinations. That would leave room for Sing on the bench
1 Go to commentsWhat a load of old bull!
1 Go to commentsOf the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.
29 Go to commentsIrish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
5 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
5 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to comments