Reds player ratings vs Crusaders | Super Rugby Pacific

The Queensland Reds’ season is over after going down valiantly 37-15 to the Crusaders at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch on Friday.

Whilst the scoreboard indicates the visitors were completely outplayed, the reality is the Reds came to play and despite being under pressure at the scrum, at one stage the score was 16-15. If not for a missed penalty goal, Brad Thorn’s men could have even taken the lead.

It was a bruising and physical encounter, but also one of skill and execution, and the Reds contributed to such with two very well worked tries.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 16

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 16

But, in the end, the Crusaders were simply too good in the key moments and took the match away from the visitors in the last 20 minutes.

Queenslanders should be proud of their side and this is how they rated tonight.

1. Harry Hoopert – 6/10

Had a torrid time of it in the scrum. Appeared to pick any number of knocks and niggles during the match but he hung and left everything he had out on the park. Outclassed and outplayed.

2. Matt Faessler – 6

A busy performance but found it very tough going up front. Didn’t shirk anything yet was a cruiserweight in a heavyweight bout. Courageous player.

3. Feao Fotuaika – 5

Was under serious pressure at the scrum that subsequently transferred to his side who couldn’t establish much of a platform to unleash their talented backline. Was physical enough but replaced before half-time.

4. Ryan Smith – 7

One of Queensland’s best tonight. Made a number of significant tackles that thwarted the Crusaders. Did the dirty work and on the whole did it well. Every team needs a Ryan Smith in their pack.

5-Angus Blyth – 5

Made an unforced error after his side had scored points that allowed the Crusaders to hit back. A cardinal sin. As always, he put in the effort yet he didn’t make any significant impact on the game.

6. Seru Uru – 6

Showed his handling skills tonight and worked well off Harry Wilson in the carry, yet appeared to lack the physicality required to dent the Crusaders tonight.

7. Liam Wright – 6

Wonderful to see him back after a horrid season with injury. An exhaustive and intelligent performance, yet also dropped off a fairly simple tackle on Leicester Fainga’unuku on the right edge. Can’t excuse those at this level in a finals match.

8. Harry Wilson – 7.5

A real ‘follow me’ type of performance by the big man this evening. Time and time again he thundered into the Crusaders’ defensive line, attracting numerous defenders. Was physical and illustrated he is more than ready for a Wallabies return.

9. Tate McDermott – 5

As busy and as energetic as ever but boy he made some poor decisions in possession tonight. Be it feeding a scrum whilst it was moving backwards, unnecessarily kicking whilst under pressure, or kicking away possession when possession pressure was required. Needed to be better if he wants to start against England.

10. Lawson Creighton – 6

Showed a bit tonight. He got caught a little lateral at times but, on the whole, his decision-making was sound. His execution was fair and the Reds may have unearthed a future long-term 10. A respectable effort tonight, but he needed to land the penalty when it was 16-15.

11. Filipo Daugunu – 7.5

Was a genuine threat tonight. Scored a wonderful try off a set piece move that should make the highlight reel. After being dropped to club rugby several weeks ago, he did his Wallabies squad selection chances no harm tonight. Class performance.

12. Hamish Stewart – 7.5

An intelligent, effective performance tonight. Be it 50/22 kicks, or linking with Lawson Creighton to execute that wonderful Reds try after half-time, there was so much to like about his game. One day, the Wallabies selectors will wake up and realise what he can bring.

13. Jordan Petaia – 6.5

Showed some serious gas when he exploited the space off turnover ball that set up the Suliasi Vunivalu try. Would have liked to have seen some more intent when looking for work. Little quiet tonight in a game where he appeared to have his opposite’s measure.

14. Suliasi Vunivalu – 7

Showed he can mix it at this level. Scored a wonderful try down the right edge to keep his side in it when it was 10-3. Appears to know where the sideline is and can operate in small spaces for a big man. Wallabies squad beckons.

15. Jock Campbell – 6

Had some moments in both attack and counter attack. Had the ball stripped from him which isn’t the first time this season. Clearly has the ability to go the next level, but needs to work on his carry and or upper body strength. A fair crack tonight.

Reserves:

16. Richie Asiata – N/A

On in the 67th minute but didn’t see enough.

17. Dane Zander – 6

On in the 58th and beefed up the scrum. Did his job there.

18. Sef Fa’agase – 5.5

On in the 34th and toiled well.

19. Connor Vest – 5.5

On in the 61st and had a crack but the game speed caught him out at times.

20. Angus Scott-Young – N/A

On in the 72nd but didn’t see enough.

21. Fraser Mcreight – 6

On in the 59th and added some class around the breakdown as expected.

22. Kalani Thomas – 5

On in the 66th was a bit beige to be honest.

23. Hunter Paisami – 6.5

On in the 63rd and brought some go-forward and starch.