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Reds player ratings vs Waratahs | Super Rugby Pacific

By Nick Turnbull
Filipo Daugunu. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

The Reds travelled south to take on their most ancient and fiercest rivals, the New South Wales Waratahs at the iconic Leichhardt Oval in Sydney on Friday night. In a weather affected affair, both sides were guilty of poor handling skills in the first half yet it was the Waratahs who won the all-important territory game in rain-soaked conditions yet somehow the sides went into the sheds at 10 points apiece.

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The second half was attritional. Both sides were physical on either side of the ball yet it was the experience of the Queensland Reds that saw them home 20-16 in the end. It wasn’t the greatest Queensland performance but one of absolute grit that should bode well for the rest of their campaign.

This is how the Reds rated tonight:

1. Dane Zander – 6/10
Was a late call up into the matchday 23 due to the injury to Taniela Tupou. Was under pressure at the scrum and didn’t really offer much in the way of ball running. Was guilty of several infringements yet put in a very sound defensive performance.

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2. Alex Mafi – 7
Played with great intent and looked to impose himself on proceedings in all facets of the game. Was required to put in a big shift in defence and didn’t disappoint.

3. Feao Fotuaika – 6.5
Similar to Dane Zander, Fotuaika worked his way through some very tough minutes and won some of his one-on-one battles and was dependable in defence. Solid.

4. Angus Blyth – 7
One of Queensland’s better performers exhausting himself in defence and managed to disturb the New South Wales lineout at times. If he is going to take the next step to Wallabies gold, performances like this won’t do his ambitions any harm.

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 7.5
Was exceptional in the areas that mattered – defence and discipline. There was a maturity about his play that Wallabies selectors would be enthused about. His line speed and physicality were his signature tonight.

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6. Angus Scott-Young – 6.5
Exhaustive as always but also guilty of making some basic errors. That aside, he took over the captaincy for a period of time and handled the duties well.

7. Fraser McReight – 7.5
Exceptional performance in difficult conditions. What impressed is that the referee wasn’t giving away free passes at the breakdown and McReight appeared to read referee Murphy’s interpretations and managed to provide a positive impact in that space. Was up against a particularly tough customer in Charlie Gamble and their battle was an entertaining sub-plot to this encounter.

 

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8. Harry Wilson – 7
Was a handful again this week but his defence at times was an issue. Enjoyed the intent, but the execution wasn’t always on the money. Still a solid performance is a tough encounter.

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9. Tate McDermott – 7.5
Was replaced in the first half with a leg injury but prior to that managed to make two try-saving tackles and was as threatening as always. His execution of the box kick was a concern at times yet overall, he came to play and did so until injury ended his night.

10. James O’Connor – 7
He may have been the difference in the end. Despite the Waratahs doing enough to put themselves within range of winning the match, overall, the limited amount of possession Queensland had was, on the whole, used constructively by the veteran. It was by no means a performance to be remembered, but a performance that would be educational to his young opponents.

11. Filipo Daugunu – 5
A night to forget. Fell off a few tackles, dropped the ball and passed to vacant space. Has better rugby in him.

12. Hamish Stewart – 7
Had to go looking for him as he played a very understated match tonight. That’s not to say he was absent, however. He was very much holding the Reds defensive channels together and was resolute over the ball. A quiet achiever.

13. Josh Flook – 7
His try-saving tackle on James Turner will be one for the ages. The Waratahs look destined to score after an impressive build-up yet somehow, he found a way to force Turner into touch. Building nicely and will start demanding selection with performances like this.

14. Jordan Petaia – 7
Was solid tonight without being spectacular. He puts himself into positions that holds up defenders and provides space for those around him. A very intelligent player who is gaining some momentum after a tough run with injuries.

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15. Jock Campbell – 6
Has had better games. Was guilty of some poor execution when kicking the ball and never really found his way into the match. Has better rugby in him.

Replacements:

16. Josh Nasser – 5.5
Looked to involve himself however the execution wasn’t always there despite those efforts.

17. Harry Hoopert – 5.5
Like Nasser the effort was there, but he did infringe and didn’t make the impact desired by the bench.

18. Zane Nonggorr – 6
Looked alert and played with some real vigour in tight.

19. Ryan Smith – 7
The best of the finishers. Nothing flashy and did what he does best by operating in tight. Scored a smash and bash try to finish off some solid work by his teammates.

20. Seru Uru – 6.5
Added to tempo and threat when in possession, yet the conditions were not ideal for his skill set.

21. Spencer Jeans – 7
Had it all to do when McDermott came off injured but showed he has the class to play at this level. A good fit.

22. Lawson Creighton – N/A

23. Mac Grealy – N/A

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of 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.

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