Chiefs player ratings vs Crusaders | Super Rugby Pacific
The Chiefs have beaten the Crusaders 34-24 in an all-time classic Super Rugby Pacific clash at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.
Led by star playmaker Damian McKenzie, the Chiefs snatched the lead back with just seven minutes to run on the clock, and they didn’t look back from there.
The win was the Chiefs’ ninth of the campaign, as they extend their lead at the top of the table – and continue their dominance over both the Crusaders and New Zealand opposition this season.
Here’s how the Chiefs rated.
- Shaun Stevenson – 8/10
After an uncharacteristically quiet first half, I wondered whether Shaun Stevenson would find his way to the try line against the Crusaders. The high-flying outside back has made try-scoring a habit this season, but didn’t come close during the opening 40 minutes.
But right on time, Stevenson broke the game open with a try late in the piece. This five-pointer was his ninth of the campaign, as he extends his lead at the top of the try-scoring charts. Stevenson had also sent teammate Brodie Retallick over for a score earlier in the night.
- Emoni Narawa – 8
Emoni Narawa didn’t have many opportunities to star on Saturday night, but the winger made most of what he got. Without a doubt, Narawa was one of the Chiefs’ best against the Crusaders – finishing with an incredible 90 running metres from six carries, having made two clean breaks, and beating one defender as well.
- Daniel Rona – 6.5
Daniel Rona has been one of the finds of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season, but much like a few of his teammates, it just wasn’t his night on Saturday. While the Chiefs were brilliant, Rona failed to stand out like he has in the last few weeks.
Rona only ran the ball three times and made four passes – but one of them was a brilliant cut-out pass in the first half. Rona held his own in defence as well, having finished with seven tackles and one miss.
- Rameka Poihipi – 7
Rameka Poihipi had a quiet night against the Crusaders, or at least he didn’t stand out as much as he usually does. Poihipi finished with 100 per cent tackle accuracy from six attempts, and also ran the ball five times for a tough 15 metres.
- Etene Nanai-Seturo – 6.5
To an extent, this rating may be considered somewhat harsh. Etene Nanai-Seturo worked tirelessly in an effort to get involved, but the ball just didn’t come his way too much – certainly not with the try-line within range.
The former All Blacks Sevens star managed to beat three defenders from his four carries, ran for 36 metres, and also got stuck in on the defensive side of the ball with eight tackles. Nanai-Seturo was replaced midway through the second half for Bryn Gatland.
- Damian McKenzie – 9
Payer of the match, and if you’ve been following the RugbyPass’ MVP leader board for the season, McKenzie is the new frontrunner for that accolade. The flyhalf has been brilliant all season, and that trend continued with another masterful display against the Crusaders.
McKenzie got off to a slow start. Whether it was nerves or just an inability to execute at the time, the pivot made some errors – he had two kicks charged down in the opening 22 minutes, and these nearly led to tries. But McKenzie made amends throughout the match, and then some.
Oh yes 😮💨@ChiefsRugby get the crowd roaring with this beauty!#CHIvCRU #CultureRound #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/LFd4lrFx7W
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 29, 2023
The 40 Test All Black was sensational off the kicking tee, and ended up with 19 points and one try assist to his name. With the game in the balance, McKenzie created something from nothing to send Shaun Stevenson over for a late score.
McKenzie also played a key part in Brodie Retallick’s try, and made a try-saving tackle on Braydon Ennor in the second half. Sensational.
- Brad Weber – 6.5
It wasn’t a bad showing from Chiefs co-captain Brad Weber on Saturday night, but it wasn’t great either. The All Black failed to make a noticeable impact on the match before he was replaced by Cortez Ratima inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
Weber tried to make an impact but it just wasn’t his night. While the halfback made 39 passes and finished with 100 per cent tackle accuracy, he didn’t exactly set the game alight with his performance.
- Aidan Ross – 7
Prop Aidan Ross put in a solid shift against the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions. Just to start with, the Chiefs largely controlled the scrum battle against the Crusaders – and Ross deserves praise for this feat.
But Ross was generally impactful around the park, having run the ball a few times with intent and purpose. The 27-year-old was especially impressive on defence though, having made 13 stops from as many attempts.
- Samisoni Taukei’aho – 8
All Blacks and Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho was a man on a mission against the Crusaders. Taukei’aho was especially impressive side of the ball, having made a staggering 20 tackles – and he didn’t even play the full 80 minutes.
Taukei’aho hit all but one his targets at the set-piece as well, and also got stuck in with some strong carries in attack. Another phenomenal performance from a world-class talent.
- George Dyer – 7
Much like his front-row partner in crime Aidan Ross, prop George Dyer was quite good at the set-piece. Dyer won a couple of penalties at the scrum during the first 40 minutes, as he forced his opposite Joe Moody into some errors.
Dyer also made his mark around the field of play, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The prop made 12 tackles, and also ran the ball three times.
- Brodie Retallick – 8.5
Lock Brodie Retallick hasn’t really had a bad game this season, and that trend continued in round 10. In the biggest match of their season so far, veteran Retallick led by example against the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions.
Retallick was everywhere – whether it was in attack, defence or around the breakdown, the All Black made an obvious impact. The second rower crossed for a try in the second half, and was otherwise sensational around the park.
The Test centurion ran the ball nine times and also made 13 stops on the defensive side of the ball. I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again, but Brodie Retallick continues to redefine the term ‘work horse.’
- Tupou Vaa’i – 7
All Black Tupou Vaa’i made a noticeable impact against the Crusaders. The lock was a menace at the set-piece, and also got stuck in around the field. Vaa’i finished with 11 tackles from 12 attempts, and also carried had a couple of strong carries on the night.
- Samipeni Finau – 6.5
Samipeni Finau went missing for periods of the match against the Crusaders, and was later replaced in the 48th minute. The Chiefs flanker has been great this season, but was kept at bay against the reigning champions. While Finau was brilliant on the defensive side of the ball with 12 tackles, he only touched the ball twice.
- Sam Cane – 8
Ahead of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season, there weren’t many players under as much external pressure as Sam Cane – and that’s pressure from fans, not necessarily selectors. But time and time again, Cane has silenced his critics with sensational performances for the Chiefs.
Cane led by example against the title holders on Saturday, having run the ball six and making 14 stops on defence.
In an interview on Weekend Sport with Jason Pine, All Blacks coach Ian Foster revealed that he knows who his captain is – after performances like this, it’d be very hard to question Cane as the right man for the job.
- Luke Jacobson – 7.5
Let’s start with the bad, because that’ll only highlight the good even more. Jacobson was yellow carded in the second half, and the Crusaders made their one player advantage count. But once he returned, the All Black made amends.
By the end of the match, backrower Luke Jacobson hade made an incredible 17 stops on defence – that’s sensational for an 80 minute performance, but he was in the bin for 10 of those.
Replacements:
- Tyrone Thompson – 7.5
- Ollie Norris – 7
- John Ryan – 6.5
- Naitoa Ah Kuoi – 6
- Pita Gus Sowakula – 7
- Cortez Ratima – 7.5
- Bryn Gatland – 6.5
- Lalomilo Lalomilo – 6
Comments on RugbyPass
It was a pleasure to watch those guys playing with such confidence. That trio can all be infuriating for different reasons and I can see why Jones might have decided against them. No way to justify leaving Ikitau out though. Jorgensen and him were both scheduled to return at the same time. Only one of them plays for Randwick and has a dad who is great mates with the national coach though.
53 Go to commentsBrayden Iose and Peter Lakai are very exciting Super Rugby players but are too short and too light to ever be a Test 8 vs South Africa, France, Ireland, and England, Lakai could potentially be a Test player at 7 if he is allowed to focus on 7 for Hurricanes.
5 Go to commentsPencils “Thomas du Toit” into possible 2027 Bok squad.
1 Go to commentsDon’t see why Harrison makes the bench. Jones can play at 10 if needed, and there is a good case for starting her there to begin with if testing combinations. That would leave room for Sing on the bench
1 Go to commentsWhat a load of old bull!
1 Go to commentsOf the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.
29 Go to commentsIrish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
5 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
5 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to comments