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
The game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
21 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
12 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
12 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
5 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
5 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
37 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
37 Go to comments