North v South: North player ratings vs South
The North have lost an all-time classic at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, pipped by the South well after the siren had sounded, which saw them win 35-38.
Going into the match, there were plenty of questions that still had to be answered around the future combinations and selections for the All Blacks.
Both sides played an exciting brand of rugby, crossing for two tries in the first half but a penalty saw the South lead 14-17 at the break. After Aaron Smith scored just seven minutes into the second half, the South responded through Will Jordan and Tyrel Lomax to blow their lead out to 10 with 20 to play.
A late fight back saw the North regain the lead, and they looked as if they’d secured the victory when Ardie Savea secured a penalty at the breakdown in the dying stages. But the South never gave up.
Even though they lost, it was a quality performance from the North side. Here’s how RugbyPass rated the North.
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe – 6.5/10
The North were out scrummed for most of the first half, but managed to save it late before the break, and in the 10 minutes that followed before both starting props went off. ‘Big Karl’ did his job.
2. Asafo Aumua – 7.5/10
Aumua has shown plenty of promise since bursting onto the provincial scene a few years ago, but if his performance on Saturday night is anything to go off, then it might just be time for Aumua to take that next step. The 23-year-old showed plenty of promise at the set-piece with a very good showing considering the conditions. He also showcased his dangerous running ability more than once, especially down the left edge.
3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – 7/10
Just like Tu’unukuafe, he got better as the game went on. Tu’ungafasi also ran strongly with the ball a few times. Came back on later in the second when Johnstone went off for a HIA, and looked hungry to get involved.
Inter-island rivalry was cranked up again for only the third time in 33 years with the #NorthvSouth match up in Wellington. Here's how the South team rated.https://t.co/tigoiBk0sW
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 5, 2020
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) – 7/10
As an established All Black, there was plenty of expectation on Tuipulotu going into this match with the national side set to have plenty of youth or untested players named in the position. It was also a great opportunity for the North captain to take that next step in his career, as he looked to back up his exception form from Super Rugby Aotearoa. He was relatively quiet in the first half, but was more lively in the second, mainly in defence.
5. Tupou Vaa’i – 7/10
The 20-year-old made his mark in defence, leaving the field with the most tackles of any player at the time when he was subbed off in the 50th minute.
6. Akira Ioane – 7/10
Would’ve impressed the All Blacks selectors, performing strongly until the final whistle in a promising 85-minute performance. Finished with the most metres run of any forward, and eight tackles as well.
7. Ardie Savea – 7.5/10
Back in his familiar role as an openside flanker, Savea was busy from the get-go. Had the most tackles of any player with 13, and also ran for an impressive 42 metres. Savea secured what so nearly was a pivotal turnover at the breakdown with two and a half minutes to play, only for the South to come back fighting.
8. Hoskins Sotutu – 8.5/10
What a performance from the 22-year-old! His work rate was elite and it definitely wouldn’t have hurt his chances of earning a starting All Blacks jersey sooner rather than later. Sotutu looked threatening with the ball in hand, case in point being the lead up play for Aaron Smith’s try. The number eight was wide on the right edge and drew in all three South defenders before getting a one-handed offload off to McKenzie, who played supplier for Smith.
9. TJ Perenara – 6.5/10
Finished the match with one try assist, running in support of Reiko Ioane before handing the ball off to Damien McKenzie who ran in untouched. Perenara put in a solid shift, but didn’t get the chance to have too much of an impact; subbed off at half-time.
10. Beauden Barrett – 8/10
Isn’t it great seeing Beauden Barrett back in a black 10 jersey? Brought his experience, skill and poise to the contest, and let it do the talking from early on. Barrett set up Reiko Ioane for the opener in the third minute, with a grubber kick behind the South defensive line.
New Zealand and the rest of the rugby world wanted an exciting game of rugby, and the North and South Islands delivered it.https://t.co/oTGi3Q40DX
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 5, 2020
11. Caleb Clarke – 8/10
Wow. Just wow. Clarke was incredible for the Blues throughout Super Rugby Aotearoa, and it was always going to be a talking point seeing how and if he could step up in this unofficial All Blacks trial. Started the game with an impressive 40 metre break through the heart of the Souths defence, which set the tone for his night. The winger finished with the most metres run of any player, bettering the second best of 76 by 40 metres.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown – 7/10
A quiet game from Lienert-Brown, but he did his job nonetheless. One of the highlights of the match was his one-handed offload inside the last 10 minutes that sent Akira Ioane on a 30-metre spurt.
13. Reiko Ioane – 8/10
In 2017, Ioane admitted that playing centre for the All Blacks was probably his “long-term goal.” Well that goal won’t be too far off after tonight – he simply thrived in the position, and embraced both the pressure and the opportunity that came with getting more involved. A favourable bounce early on saw him cross over for his first, before adding to his tally late with a hard and direct line at the South defence. Also showed quick hands to create the break that eventually led to McKenzie’s try.
14. Sevu Reece – 7.5/10
With limited opportunities, Reece always looked dangerous when he got his hands on the ball. Finished the night with 76 run metres, and came close to scoring a try just before half-time but was dragged down just short.
15. Damian McKenzie – 8.5/10
Arguably the North’s best player. Perfect off the tee, and was once again dangerous with the ball in hand – even when he was running laterally as he often does. Crossed over for a try by running in support of TJ Perenara, after quick hands created the break. McKenzie also had a try assist to his name, again running in support of a rampaging Sotutu, before playing provider for Aaron Smith. Once Beauden Barrett went off with 20 minutes to go, the fullback stood up as a playmaker too – that can’t have hurt his chances as he continues to battle with a number of players for the All Blacks 15 jersey.
Much of the hype surrounding the #NorthvSouth match stemmed from the exciting brand of rugby many were expecting of New Zealand's best players, and Damian McKenzie's try perfectly embodied that.https://t.co/6Nch6bGPM9
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 5, 2020
Reserves
16. Ash Dixon – 6.5/10
17. Ayden Johnstone – 5.5/10
18. Angus Ta’avao – 6/10
19. Scott Scrafton – 6/10
20. Dalton Papalii – 6/10
21. Aaron Smith – 8/10
Not to discredit the work or ability of TJ Perenara, but Smith is clearly the best scrumhalf in New Zealand at the moment, if not the world. His pace, energy and accuracy took the North to another level, and they were simply a better side with him out on the park. Also scored a try seven minutes after coming on. He only played a half but still, he had to be in the conversation for man-of-the-match.
22. Peter Umaga-Jensen – 6/10
23. Mitchell Hunt – 6/10
Comments on RugbyPass
The rugby championship would be even stronger with Fiji in it… I know it doesen’t fit the long term plans of NZ or Aus but you are robbing a whole nation of being able to see their best players play for Fiji…. Every second player in NZ and AUS teams has Fijian surnames… shame on you!!! World rugby won’t step in either as France and England has now also joined in…. I guess where money is involved it will always be the poor countries missing out….
76 Go to commentsNo surprise there. How hard can it be to pick a ball off the ground and chuck it to a mate? 😂
2 Go to commentsSometimes people just like a moan mate!
1 Go to commentsexcellent idea ! rugby needs this 💪
9 Go to comments9 Brumbies! What a joke! The best performing team in Oz! Ditch Skelton for Swain or Neville. Ryan Lonergan ahead of McDermott any day! Best selection bolter is Toole … amazing player
12 Go to commentsI like this, but ultimately rugby already has enough trophies. Trying to make more games “consequential" might prove to be a fools errand, although this is a less bad idea than some others. Minor quibble with the title of the article; it isn’t very meaningful to say the boks are the unofficial world champions when it would be functionally impossible for the Raeburn trophy not to be held by the world champions. There’s a period of a few months every 4 years when there is no “unofficial” world champion, and the Raeburn trophy is held by the actual world champions.
9 Go to commentsIts a great idea but one that I dont think will have a lot of traction. It will depend on the prestige that they each hold but if you can do that it would be great. When Japan beat the Boks (my team) I was absolutely devestated but I wont deny the great game they played that day. We were outclassed and it was one of the best games of rugby I have seen. Using an idea like this you might just give the the underdog teams more of an opportunity to beat the big teams and I can absolutely see it being a brilliant display of rugby. They beat us because they planned for that game. It was a great moment for Japan. This way we can remove the 4 year wait and give teams something to aim for outside of World Cup years.
9 Go to commentsHi, Dave here. Happy to answer questions 🥰
9 Go to commentsDon’t think that headline is accurate. It’s great to see Aus doing better but I’m not sure they’ve shown much threat to the top of the table. They shouldn’t be inflating wins against the lousy Highlanders and Crusaders either.
3 Go to commentsSuch a shame Roigard and Aumua picked up long term injuries, probably the two form players in the comp. Also, pretty sure Clarke Dermody isn’t their coach. Got it half right though.
3 Go to commentsOh the Aussie media, they never learn. At least Andrew Kellaway is like “Woah, yeah it’s great, but settle down there guys” having endured years of the Aussie media, fans, and often their players getting ahead of themselves only to fall flat on their faces. Have the “We'll win the Bledisloe for sure this year!” headlines started yet? It’s simple to see what’s going on. The Aussie teams are settled, they didn't lose any of their major players overseas. The Crusaders and Chiefs lost key experienced All Blacks, and Razor in the Crusaders case, and clearly neither are anywhere near as strong as last year (The Canes and Blues would probably be 3rd & 4th if they were). The Highlanders are annually average, even more so post-Aaron Smith and a big squad clean out. The two teams at the top? The two nz sides with largely the same settled roster as last year, except Ardie Savea for the Canes. They’ve both got far better coaches now too. If the Aussies are going to win the title, this is the year the kiwi sides will be weakest, so they better take their chance.
3 Go to commentsThe World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
9 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
41 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
57 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to commentsResults probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
2 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
3 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to comments