Hurricanes player ratings vs Brumbies | Super Rugby Pacific

With three Super Rugby Pacific semi-finalists already chosen, the fight for the last spot was in a chilly Canberra.

The Hurricanes visited the home of the Brumbies and both teams reverted to experience in the knock-out realm, especially in the front row where Owen Franks and Dane Coles got the call for the Kiwi side.

It was all on at the breakdown with all but the kitchen sink thrown; it was viscerally physical as the Canes built a lead on the foundation of Barrett’s boot.

Why Super Rugby Pacific’s eight-team finals structure shouldn’t change.

Why Super Rugby Pacific’s eight-team finals structure shouldn’t change.

Two players were carded for high shots; Ikitau got a red and Franks was brandished a yellow. Once Franks went off the Brumbies got their maul machine fired up but the Hurricanes regained the lead 22-15 at the break.

In the second half, the Canes lost their way with crucial experience in the form of Coles, Franks and TJ Perenara all leaving the park. Various young men in gold then took turns to drag their team into the mire but it ended 35-25 to the Brumbies, with the Hurricanes only grabbing three points in the second half.

Here’s how the Hurricanes rated:

1. Tevita Mafileo – 6/10
The beefy prop made his presence felt at the breakdown. With minimal scrums, there was plenty of petrol in the tank for collisions at the tackle and Mafileo won all of his contests. Off at 61.

2. Dane Coles – 6.5
He joined Brodie Retallick to wave a “pick me!” flag at the All Black selectors. A measured, professional outing where he did everything well with maximum effect. When he trotted off at 55, the rot seemed to really start.

3. Owen Franks – 5.5
Old man Franks got it wrong against little Noah Lolesio and if it was up to the crowd he would have been off for good – but only got the yellow. Returned for the first scrum in the 37th minute, that might be a record! Off at 48.

4. James Blackwell – 5.5
Business as usual, industrious and accurate. Suspicions remain whether you can have 1.90cm lock in pro rugby – although he snapped up three lineout takes. Called offside at 59 for a valuable Brumbies three-pointer.

5. Isaia Walker-Leawere – 6
Pinged at the fifth minute in the lineout but the big-bodied one was immense in the carry, reaching double figures in the first quarter. Couldn’t wipe the grin off his face either, even though he flagged early. Off at 55.

6. Blake Gibson – 6
Top lineout taker at the front for his team and made some very wise decisions during the match; anticipates well. Good to see him have an extended period fit, something that never happened when he played in blue. A very good rugby player who until now, has sadly never fulfilled his immense potential.

7. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 5.5
A mixed bag, as usual. Penalised in the seventh minute in the tackle. Gave away three points but got one back a minute later, also made a good try-saving turnover in the 46th minute. Perhaps still just a little one dimensional. Off at 68.

8. Ardie Savea – 6
Looked a little jaded even though he pumped up 16 carries. Didn’t have the edge that we usually see from him and couldn’t single-handedly turn his team’s slide around in the second half. High expectations, maybe – but he’s done it before.

9. TJ Perenara – 5.5
150th Super rugby start for Perenara and got a little twist in his leg in the first minutes. Was quite sprightly though and his service and passing action seem to have sped up. Off at 61.

10. Aidan Morgan – 6
Got a mouthful of Ikitau shoulder at 22 minutes. The pint-sized 10 had some good moves from the backfield and is growing into the role in the attack line. Needs to lengthen his punt a little but one for the future.

11. Salesi Rayasi – 6
There was a lot to love about the wing’s first hour but it fell away pretty swiftly after that. He went looking for work, first with his booming punts off the left foot. Then early in the second half, we saw him pop up frequently – particularly on the right flank – and he ended as top carrier for his team. Tom Banks got around him a couple of times-  most notably for the 65th minute try. He also lost possession more than once with ball in hand. Then to finish him and his team off, a brain explosion; his kick was charged down, he played the ball on the ground and was yellow-carded for the rest of the match.

12. Jordie Barrett – 7.5
Barrett showed what he brings to matches that matter with five booming penalty goals. It looked like he’d had some extracurricular training from brother Beaudy too, with a beauty of a cross-kick for Moorby’s first try. Important defensive lapse when he slipped off Simone for his try and his HIA in the 58th was the death knell for his team.

13. Billy Proctor – 5.5
He’s the Blackwell of the backs, a good workman-like performance with solid straight runs in midfield and a lovely slip to Moorby for his second try.

14. Julian Savea – 4.5
The big bus had gearbox problems in the high gears tonight, had a couple of rumbles but needed the Hulk mode in the last 20. Off at 72.

15. Josh Moorby – 6.5
Two lovely tries in the 17th and 40th minutes showcased his pace and finishing ability. However, made a shocker of a kick out on the full at 62 to give the Brumbies an attacking lineout and hammer another nail in the Hurricanes coffin.

Reserves:

16. Asafo Aumua – 4
On at 55 and expected more from an All Black wannabe who needed a big game.

17. Pouri RaketeStones – 5
On at 61. A couple of nice runs but couldn’t shift the dial.

18. Tyrel Lomax – 5.5
On at 48. Had some good periods in the open. Barely any scrums.

19. Caleb Delany – 4
On at 55. Ineffective.

20. Braydon Iose – 5.5
On at 68. He’s a great athlete but couldn’t break a firm Brumbies’ defence.

21. Jamie Booth – 4.5
On at 61. Surprisingly quiet from a guy who usually lights the touch paper.

22. Ruben Love – N/A
On late and penalised to end the match.

23. Wes Goosen – 5
On at 58 for Jordie’s HIA. Ran laterally a couple of times but provided no spark.