Maori All Blacks player ratings vs Ireland
On a typically wet and windy night in Wellington, the Maori All Blacks sought to keep alive their unbeaten record against Ireland.
While they were able to strike first off the back off a lineout set-play, Ireland took control in the middle period of the match and took a 12-point advantage into halftime.
The Maori All Blacks certainly didn’t give up hope and scored three tries in the second spell, but Ireland were the better team throughout and never relinquished their lead, eventually making history with a 30-24 victory.
How did the Maori All Blacks rate in the defeat?
1. Ollie Norris – 5.5
Not as impressive a performance as last week. Still maintained his strong carry game but didn’t always find it easy-goings. Initially penalised for incorrect entry at the maul when Ireland were looking likely but that was soon upgraded to a yellow card – despite questions about whether there was actually anything wrong with his actions. Off in 57th minute.
2. Kurt Eklund – 6
Chalked up some metres out wide in the tramlines but struggled closer to the action. Pinged for not rolling away in front of the posts, handing Ireland three points. Safe at lineout time. Off in 63rd minute.
3. Tyrel Lomax – 4.5
Scrums were a mixed bag – didn’t take too many backwards steps but never looked confident. Probably didn’t accomplish anything tonight to suggest he’s threatening to reclaim his spot in the All Blacks. Knocked on a bounce pass when the Maori All Blacks were hot on attack. Off in 57th minute.
4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit – 6
A willing ball-carrier, regularly putting his hand up to cart the ball forward. Penalised for one side-entry at the breakdown. Looked solid in his first full run-out after returning from injury. Off in 63rd minute.
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere – 6.5
The key man in the lineout for the Maori All Blacks. Made a nice break from a ruck but didn’t have enough support to keep the attack flowing, and generally carried strongly. Toed the line with his discipline at times. Copped a penalty for a neck roll in a ruck clear-out.
6. Reed Prinsep – N/A
Left the match after 16 minutes with an injury.
7. Billy Harmon – 6.5
Another solid performance from the Highlanders loose forward. Hit plenty of breakdowns and carried with vigour while also topping the tackle charts. Only major error was not reeling in the bouncing ball after a Maori All Blacks lineout steal, with Ireland pouncing and scoring moments later.
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8. Cullen Grace – 7
Another big shift. Did well to somehow hold Gavin Coombes up over the try line when a score looked likely. Ran a great support line outside Ruben Love and threw a pinpoint pass back in-field to the same man for the Maori All Blacks’ third try. Snared one lineout steal. Knocking on the All Blacks’ door.
9. TJ Perenara – 6
Got into an argument with referee Karl Dickson after some dark arts at the ruck from Ireland. Snared a crucial breakdown turnover on the Maori All Blacks goal line when Ireland were looking likely with his last player of the match. Off in 52nd minute.
10. Josh Ioane – 4.5
Cleverly put in a dinky low kick to get the game started, which Ireland knocked on, but struggled off the boot throughout the rest of the match. Kicked the ball far too long from a Maori All Blacks turnover, sending it dead, but wasn’t able to get much distance when trying to hit the sidelines. Also had issues off the tee in terrible conditions with both his conversion attempts ending up nowhere near the posts.
11. Connor Garden-Bachop – 6
Caught out for Ireland’s first try, with the visitors takings a quick lineout. Generally looked dynamic out on the left wing, putting his markers under pressure whether it was running with the ball in hand or popping kicks through. Did make one kick error, sending the ball out on the full.
12. Alex Nankivell – 3
It was generally a horrid game for the Maori All Blacks midfielders. A wide pass that couldn’t find Garden-Bachop handed Ireland the ball for their first score. Threw a similarly poor ball from the base of the ruck which cost the Maori All Blacks an attacking opportunity. Stripped with one carry from a kick-off but it thankfully didn’t cost his side. Off in 64th minute.
13. Bailyn Sullivan – 4
Couldn’t get his running game going. Wasn’t paying attention when Ireland took the quick lineout to score their first try. Threw a poor pass to his midfield partner when the Maori All Blacks were on the attack, with Nankivell knocking on. Knocked one on himself with his first real attacking run.
14. Shaun Stevenson – 7
Grabbed the Maori All Blacks’ first try then made a great break down the righthand flank to set up his side’s second real attacking opportunity. Had a couple more nice touches throughout the game but was sin-binned in the 73rd minute for an illegal knock-down.
15. Josh Moorby – 7
Had a couple of great touches in the first 10 minutes and generally was able to get his fend working to perfection throughout the evening. Doesn’t offer the same kicking skillset as Zarn Sullivan, the man he replaced this week, but is perhaps more of a running threat. Off in 57th minute.
16. Leni Apisai – N/A
On in 63rd minute.
17. Tamaiti Williams – 7.5
On in 39th minute for some scrum cover – but wasn’t needed for long. Returned as a permanent sub in the 57th minute. Helped the scrum take things to the next level.
18. Marcel Renata – N/A
On in 57th minute. Scrum remained strong.
19. TK Howden – 7
On in 63rd minute. Forced a breakdown penalty with his first action of the game when Ireland were building nicely.
20. Caleb Delany – 8
On in 16th minute. Had a huge impact from the bench. Made a number of great runs, including one down the left sideline and created what was eventually a penalty try for the Maori All Blacks. Also grabbed a steal at the lineout. Has a big future ahead of him with the Hurricanes after getting a taste of action this year.
21. Brad Weber
On in 52nd minute. Couldn’t galvanise his troops but his delivery was on target tonight. Grabbed the final try of the game after running a good support line off Ruben Love.
22. Ruben Love – 8
On in 57th minute. A super sub. Sparked and eventually scored a brilliant try in the 71st minute with a scintillating run from the back, then created the final try of the game.
23. Billy Proctor – N/A
On in 64th minute.
Comments on RugbyPass
Good summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
5 Go to comments