Hurricanes player ratings vs Crusaders | Super Rugby Pacific
The Hurricanes have sent a message to the rest of Super Rugby Pacific going into the finals with a hard-earned 27-26 win over the Crusaders in Wellington on Saturday.
Leicester Fainga’anuku scored the Crusaders’ first try in just the third minute, the visitors looked set to run away with for periods of the first term.
But the Hurricanes didn’t give up.
The Canes trailed by 11 points at the break, but managed to 19-7 in the second half. Going into the playoffs next week, the Canes will take plenty of confidence and momentum out of this victory.
Here’s how the Canes rated.
- Josh Moorby – 7.5
Fullback Josh Moorby went missing for periods of that match, especially in the first half. As the Hurricanes struggled to make their mark, so did Moorby – but that changed after the break. The outside back ran the ball with purpose and intent, and ended up scoring the go-ahead try late in the contest.
- Daniel Sinkinson – 7
Daniel Sinkinson didn’t really get an opportunity to run with the ball in space, or showcase the very best of his skillset, but the winger still managed to turn some heads. In just his second game for the Hurricanes, Sinkinson kicked a 50/22 late in the first half – which led to Billy Proctor’s try.
- Billy Proctor – 7.5
Billy Proctor has been an unsung hero for the Hurricanes this season. Proctor is a reliable centre in both attack and defnece, and that trend continued on Friday night. Proctor finished with a try, nine tackles, and he also ran the ball nine times for more than 30 metres.
- Jordie Barrett – 8
This was Jordie Barrett’s best performance in a Hurricanes jersey for a number of weeks. The midfielder was at his playmaking best, and ended up finishing with two try assists – moves that appeared simple at first, but were significantly important and skilful upon further review.
OOFT 🔥
Sensational skill from Jordie Barrett to set up Billy Proctor!#HURvCRU #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/XevE6QkcRq
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) June 3, 2023
Barrett was threatening the Crusaders’ defensive line all night with some nifty onehanded offloads, and two of them resulted in tries. In Barrett can carry this type of form into the Test season, then the All Blacks are in good hands.
- Kini Naholo – 8
Wow. That’s the summary – well, it could be, but it isn’t. If we go into more depth, Kini Naholo has continued to impress on the left wing for the Hurricanes. By half-time, the rising star had run for a staggering 101 metres from just five carries – and was clearly the Canes’ best player at the stage of the contest.
By the end of the match, Naholo had run for almost 150 metres, beaten seven defenders and made two line breaks.
- Brett Cameron – 7.5
Things didn’t quite go to plan for Brett Cameron from the get-go. While things took a turn, it’s the right place to start. Cameron’s first kick 96 seconds into the game went out on the full – an unforced error against his old side. But like I said, things took a turn.
Cameron didn’t overplay his hand as the flyhalf, but certainly made his mark with his playmaking ability. The Hurricanes would’ve really struggled with the one-Test All Blacks’ poise, grace and skill.
- Cam Roigard – 8.5
It’s almost getting to the stage where if Cam Roigard doesn’t make the All Blacks this year, then what else could he have done? Really, this year Roigard has done everything to a high standard. Replacing TJ Perenara in the No. 9 jersey this year, the rising star has made that jumper his own.
Roigard continued to impress in round 15, although it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Starting with the bad, the halfback did kick the ball out on the full just before the 30 minute mark. But in the second half, the Hurricanes came alive – and so did Roigard.
The halfback began to showcased the very best of his running game, which included a brilliant long-range burst in the 62nd minute. Roigard also added another try to his season tally, and was generally a playmaking genius around the park.
- Tevita Mafileo – 7
Hurricanes prop Tevita Mafileo put in a solid 65 minute shift on Saturday night. Mafileo was solid at the scrum – helping the Canes hold their own against the Crusaders’ all-star pack, and even dominate them at times. The front rower also ran the ball six times and made 100 per cent of his tackle attempts.
- Dane Coles – 7
It’s only fitting that legendary Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles bids farewell to Sky Stadium a winner. Before the match, Coles ran out onto the sacred turf in Wellington for the final time as a Hurricane – and did so alongside his children.
For the most part, Coles was sublime at the set-piece. The All Black hit all but one of his targets at the lineout, with the Crusaders intercepting one throw in the 45th minute. When the Hurricanes needed it the most, Coles won a penalty at the breakdown – and then engaged in some push and shove with All Blacks teammate Codie Taylor. Overall, a solid performance from the veteran.
- Tyrel Lomax – 6.5
Much like his front row partner-in-crime Tevita Mafileo, All Blacks and Hurricanes prop Tyrel Lomax was sensational at the set-piece. Lomax more than held his own, and also got stuck in with some impactful involvements around the park.
- James Blackwell – 7.5
When it comes to James Blackwell, I could almost write his player ratings paragraph before the game has begun. Using phrases like ‘tireless work rate’, ‘passion’, ‘relentless’ and ‘determined’, a fairly accurate summary could be drawn up before a ball is even kicked or a pass thrown.
Don’t believe me? Commentator Grant Nisbett used another favourite descriptor of mine, calling Blackwell a “work horse” during the second half. When you look at the numbers, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Blackwell finished with eight runs and the second-most tackles out of any Hurricane with 12.
- Caleb Delany – 7.5
Anything James Blackwell could do, his fellow second rower Caleb Delany could do just as well – if not better. Delany led the Hurricanes for tackles made with 10 at half-time, and continued to make his mark on the defensive side of the ball after the break. But Delany was especially impressive at the set-piece, as the lock was a regular target for Dane Coles.
- Devan Flanders – 6.5
Amongst a team of confident and in-form superstars, flanker Devan Flanders somewhat flew under the radar against the Crusaders. That’s not necessarily to say he went missing, but Flanders certainly stand out as much as some of his teammates.
- Ardie Savea – 8
Captain Ardie Savea led by example against the Crusaders, and finished with some simply incredibly numbers on both sides of the ball. As well as a tidy offload to send Cam Roigard over for a score, the world-class backrower made his mark with 12 runs for more than 50 metres, and also made 100 per cent of his 11 tackle attempts.
- Brayden Iose – 7.5
Earlier on Sunday, the Hurricanes continued that flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi had been ruled out of this match with an injury. As a result, Iose was moved to No. 8 and captain Ardie Savea shifted to openside flanker. Starting at the back of the scrum, Iose took his opportunity with both hands – well, for the most part.
Iose was yellow carded for a high tackle, and while this referred to the TMO for an off-field review, the decision was not upgraded to a red. But after coming back onto the back, the backrower made amends. Iose scored the match-sealing try late in the contest, ran the ball 10 times, and also completed 100 per cent of his tackles. The only reason his rating isn’t the same as Savea’s is due to the yellow card.
Replacements:
- Jacob Devery – 6.5
- Pouri Rakete-Stones – 6
- Owen Franks – 6
- Justin Sangster – 6
- TK Howden – 5
- Jamie Booth – 7
- Ruben Love – N/A – Subbed on too late to give a fair rating. But I’m sure all New Zealand rugby fans would agree that it’s great to see him back.
- Bailyn Sullivan – 6
Comments on RugbyPass
Article intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
2 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
2 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
15 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
18 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
18 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
2 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
18 Go to commentsthe success of the premiership can be summarized by : only 10 teams. It makes a huge difference with the overcrowded top 14 (let us not talk about Leinster and URC…)
1 Go to commentsGood for him. The ABs were fooling around again with converted fullbacks that had a penetration of a marshmallow. Laumape or as Aki has shown for Ireland, go forward is important in the centres. If it had been DMac - Aki- Aumua - Ioane- Telea- Jordan in France the final result would have been different.
4 Go to commentsDan Carter a apporté son professionnalisme, des méthodes de travail, un esprit qui manquaient à l’USAP. Son influence, même une fois blessé a été énorme. Et pour citer une anecdote, certains soirs il venait de lui-même à l’entraînement des jeunes pour dispenser ses conseils. On ne peut pas compter ce qu’il a apporté au club en heures de jeu sur le terrain. Est-ce que le club en a eu pour son argent ? Avec la publicité sur son nom et le titre, je suppose que oui.
1 Go to commentsThe SA sides are suffering from a bum rap here. There isn’t a side anywhere in the world that would do things differently in their shoes. They’ve been set up to fail in the EPCR comps by vested interests, with last minute intercontinental travel requirements that costs an arm and a leg to book in advance just on the possibility they might be required. And the total nonsense that denies any chance of home venues is entirely biased and absolutely unsporting. Either EPCR, the Top14 & the Gallagher Premiership get it sorted on a fair and equitable sporting basis for ALL participants or expect the ridicule to continue. Right now, these comps are a joke!
18 Go to commentsSA sides should do the right thing and leave the champions cup, they are lowering the standard with completely one sided games, not up to the right level. The greatest club tournament in the world is being banjaxed by the weak SA sides.
18 Go to commentsCouldnt agree more. SA sides need to show more committment and really have a go at the Champions Cup. Its quite possibly the most prestigious title in Europe and SA sides need to respect that prestige and serve up their best. EPCR needs to do more to ensure that sides from South Africa and sides travelling to and from SA have a better chance in this competition. The Bulls were put in a really difficult position of having to travel there and back in one week. One could argue that this is what the SA sides signed up for and that La Rochelle didnt complain or send out weakened sides despite having to travel to SA and back and play on successive weekends but surely the situation is also unfair on La Rochelle as well and so EPCR needs to think about successive gameweeks and the travel effect of the competition
18 Go to commentsI hadn’t watched much Canes this season but sat through a replay of that Chiefs game with no distractions. That pack is beastly. I really like the look of Iose. He loves the tough stuff. The first Quins clip may be the best I have even seen for a TH driving his opposite into oblivion. i need to take your word for the contribution of Walker, but Collier there with a straight back pushing up from under was a lovely thing to see. Have you fallen in love with Baxter also, Nick? I think Stuart Barnes may have written his column about him recently, naked. He positively frothed.
14 Go to commentsSmart guy. I wish he was running the RFU or something!
2 Go to commentsWhy Barrett, when Leinster already have at least 4 top centres.?
15 Go to commentsGood write up, Brett. Rebels are an interesting one for sure. 88 points scored in the last two games, but against two teams that are unlikely to be in the top 4 at seasons end. However the other side of the coin, against the Hurricanes, the team to beat atm, they conceded 54 points, and add in another 53 points to the then high flying Reds, and things don’t look so good. The acid tests will be against the Blues and the Chiefs. I do hope they do contest the finals this year, if only to confound those working on their demise. Les Kiss has made a big difference to the Qld. Reds, and they could so easily have now been sitting unbeaten at the top of the table. But they have now lost some games in a most disappointing fashion, and now step up against the Highlanders this weekend seriously depleted, four absolute key players down, two to suspension, two injured. Of the other Australian sides, the Brumbies look unlikely to fold to anyone any time soon, while the Waratahs and Force both disappoint. But still and all, winning games against the NZ sides is very welcome, and one would hope for more to come. Who will come out on top ? A North Island side for sure should contest the final, but I would hope an Australian side might just get there this year. Brumbies most likely, Qld. Reds could be formidable with a full team back on the field.
12 Go to commentsThe stat that illustrates some progress compared to recent years is that Aussie sides have won 5 of 12 games against Kiwi sides. The Tahs have lost 2 tight games against Kiwi sides, while the Reds and Tahs have contrasting experiences in games against Kiwi sides decided by that farcical thing called golden point.
12 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes pack has stepped up in a huge way this year. Their improvement at scrum time has been a big contributor to their success. Aumua looks like he is playing with a lot of confidence and put in a really good display at both set piece and in general play on Saturday. Him and Numia are putting in a good case for higher honours, A dominate combination with Lomax will help their case. And their loose forward depth is class. Iose has benefited from regular game time and Lakai has shown his versatility and promise. Thanks Nick. Hope all is well.
14 Go to commentsSamoa have enough former internationals who want to flick a switch for a country most have probably hardly set foot in. If you’re that passionate about Samoa, go live and play rugby there to qualify instead of just waltzing into the side and kicking a player actually from Samoa out of the squad. All these ex internationals hasn’t really made them that much more competitive because most look like they're going through the motions.
2 Go to comments