Highlanders player ratings vs Reds | Super Rugby Pacific
The Highlanders were victorious against Australian Super Rugby heavyweights the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium this evening. The men from the deep south of New Zealand took the match 29-17 after grinding down an uncharacteristically passive home side.
Going into the match the Highlanders needed a win to keep within striking distance of a finals birth and upon this result have moved into eighth position on the Super Rugby ladder. Make no mistake, any side that can come back after being down two players and find a way to win is a side to be wary of moving forward.
This is how the Highlanders rated:
1. Ethan de Groot – 7.5/10
Solid in the set-piece and worked industriously on both sides of the ball around the recycle. What impresses is his micro-skills as a first receiver and distributor around the first pod. What’s next – a kicking game?
2. Liam Coltman – 7
Started to grow into the game in the latter stages of the first half with several strong carries through the middle of the park. Further impressed with his defensive output. Just a solid performance all round.
3. Jermaine Ainsley – 7.5
Impressed at set-piece and never allowed his opposite to gain a sniff of ascendency. But more to that, he applied himself to the task and was committed in and around the ruck defence and showed he has somewhat of a running game. Are the All Blacks and Wallabies selectors paying attention?
4. Bryn Evans – 6
An anonymous first half probably because he was quietly doing the hard graft. A fair crack.
5. Josh Dickson – 7
Was the recipient of a yellow card for an ill-timed tackle but when he returned to the park, he was a man ignited. Was a genuine ‘Iron-Man’ in defence and delivered in the set-piece.
6. James Lentjes – 7
One of the Highlanders’ best in the first half despite falling off a few tackles. Exhausted himself and illustrated a wonderful mindset and work ethic. Nearly cost his side with a no-look pass that was snapped up by Tate McDermott who crossed the paint but luckily for the visitors it was disallowed due to a previous error. Complements Billy Harmon well.
7. Billy Harmon – 8
Had a habit of popping up when his side needed him most with either a try-saving tackle or two, a mid-field carry or a charge down to maintain pressure on the Reds. The cumulative effect of all his efforts is not to be underestimated. One of the best on the park tonight.
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8. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u – 6
Another recipient of a yellow card for a low-grade tip tackle. Despite some strong carries, he was guilty of pushing a pass at times. Yet he wasn’t much of a presence in defence and was exposed either down the short side and through the middle in tight.
9. Aaron Smith – 7
A measured professional performance. Didn’t really chance his arm with a running game, yet he did influence the match with his passing game and game management. Controlled the rhythm and tempo and gave his side wonderful service.
10. Mitch Hunt – 5.5
Has had better nights out at Suncorp. Never really appeared to find a way to consistently influence the match in a positive manner. Whilst there were passages of good play, they were equalled by a missed tackle or poor execution.
11. Scott Gregory – 6.5
A mixed bag. The best thing about him is he plays with great intent but his execution can be hit and miss. Yes, he scored a try, but he also dropped off a tackle or two and was exposed positionally at times. But all things considered, a fair performance.
12. Fetuli Paea – 7
An astute performance and was a handful for the Reds’ attack. Didn’t make every tackle but nullified many Reds raids. Did his job and linked well.
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen – 7
scored a really impressive try as he had work to do on the edge to get there but he made it happen with sheer will. Like Paea, he linked well and thwarted the Reds several times. Good job.
14. Sam Gilbert – 6
Blessed with talent but yet to shake off the exuberance of youth that can fuel a poor decision or two as displayed this evening, Still, all things considered, he contributed to a much-needed Highlanders win.
15. Connor Garden-Bachop – 7.5
The stats might not illustrate the intelligence this man played with tonight. Be it his 50/22 kick, or a covering tackle or support-line run he was very impressive and evidently committed to the lads he was playing alongside tonight. Appeared to play with that extra spring in everything he did. A statement match from him.
Reserves:
16. Rhys Marshall – 6
Has a lovely throw and also displayed some impressive footwork around the contact zone. Brought the energy a reserve should.
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown – 6
Akin to Marshall, he brought some zeal for the contest and really took Queensland on through the middle with some telling drives. Impressed in the set-piece.
18. Saula Mau – 6
Dominated the scrum and looked to inject himself into the fray when opportunities presented themselves.
19. Max Hicks – N/A
On late and didn’t see enough
20. Hugh Renton – 6.5
Enjoyed his performance. Managed to win the advantage line several times with his carries and contributed in other facets of the match. Could find himself back as the starting No 8 next week.
21. Folau Fakatava – 7
Was the energy conductor when he came on. Just took the game away from Queensland through his work around the base, bringing runners in close and flat to the line and gaining that ascendency which deflated their opponents.
22. Marty Banks – 6
Just managed the game nicely and didn’t overplay his hand.
23. Mosese Dawai – 6
Had several impressive carries and looks comfortable at this level.
Comments on RugbyPass
Very 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.
2 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 commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to comments