Hurricanes player ratings vs Crusaders | Super Rugby Pacific

Valiant efforts from the Hurricanes’ big names weren’t enough to snap the losing streak in Wellington this afternoon, going down 24-21 to the Crusaders.

They will feel hard done by with how the game ended, but they only have themselves to blame for the amount of handling errors they tallied as well as the soft defence put up on their try line.

It’s a quick turn around for the black and yellow as they play Moana Pasifika on Tuesday, which shapes as a must-win fixture if they’re wanting to avoid tonight’s opposition at the business end of the season.

Here’s how the Hurricanes rated:

1. Pouri Rakete-Stones – 5/10

A short shift for the loosehead with his departure at the oranges. Managed a dozen tackles and did his job at scrum time.

2. James O’Reilly – 6/10

A late promotion to the run-on side and performed admirably with some dynamic carries down his flank. Didn’t miss a step with his core roles either.

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3. Tyrel Lomax – 6/10

Another week, another 70 minutes for the tighthead. Steadied his side in the set piece and found ways to move traffic with and without the pill.

4. James Blackwell – 5/10

Stood up to the challenge of going toe to toe with an All Black and finished with the most tackles of anyone in a yellow jumper with 14. 

5. Scott Scrafton – 5/10

Took the lead role for a number of the Hurricanes’ pods in the first half and found his front the majority of the time to create clean ball for the next phase. Off at halftime.

6. TK Howden – 5/10

A promising first knock for the Feilding High School product. Clocked up some decent metres from his six runs and only had one miss from his seven tackle attempts. Off for Flanders 10 minutes into the second half.

7. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 5/10

Made himself known with his actions and voice. Can’t have been happy with the turnovers though, after losing it in contact twice and getting bundled over the sideline after opting not to find grass.  

8. Ardie Savea – 8/10

Another week, another masterclass from the inspirational skipper. Did just about everything you could ask of a player besides getting in on the scoring. Even with the likes of Will Jordan and Richie Mo’unga sharing the stage he was the best on the grass for the full 80.  

9. Jamie Booth – 7/10

Thrust into the nine jersey with Perenara suffering from back issues. Mixed crisp service with some clever darts that exploited the big boys around the fringes. Emptied the tank before leaving the field at the end of the third quarter.

10. Jackson Garden-Bachop – 5/10

Deferred a lot of the decision making to the All Black outside him, but chipped in when needed with the tactical kicking and floated a lovely pass to give Josh Moorby room to work with. 

11. Wes Goosen – 5/10

One of the more reliable Hurricanes in recent seasons. Had the odd wrong read which saw Sevu Reece get on his outside, however, the typically zestful winger often had his legs taken from under him by the South African.

12. Jordie Barrett – 7/10

Second time’s the charm for Barrett with 12 on his back. Had a hand in everything for his team this afternoon. When he wasn’t challenging the defence in the front line he was working out of the back field to return the Crusaders clearances. 

13. Billy Proctor – 4/10

A solid defensive effort from the midfielder, but not so much on attack. Was a big reason for Mo’unga having a quiet night, only he negated his hard work by turning it over multiple times when they had the red and blacks on the brink of folding.

14. Julian Savea – 6/10

Was at his rampant best with ball in hand, bumping off George Bridge every time they met and in one instance somehow got out of trouble with four Crusaders on him. He also took a leaf out of Barrett’s book by putting it on the toe for a 50/22. 

15. Josh Moorby – 6/10

A lively performance in only his second match at the Super level. Always seemed to be around the ball and took his meat-pie tally to two after showing some fancy feet.

Reserves

16. Kianu Kereru-Symes – N/A

17. Pasilio Tosi – N/A

18. Tevita Mafileo – 4/10

Was back-pedalling in nearly all of his scrums forcing Savea to make his mind up quickly.    

19. Caleb Delany – 5/10

Does his best work piggybacking off his teammates’ half breaks. Building nicely with every opportunity. 

20. Devan Flanders – 5/10

Productive in his half an hour of game time.

21. Cam Roigard – 5/10

Had a tough act to follow after a big night from Booth, but kept his side rolling in the right direction.

22. Bailyn Sullivan – 5/10

Didn’t see much ball with the way his forwards were operating.

23. Ruben Love – 5/10

On to go for Garden-Bachop with 10 to go and brought the requisite energy.