Super Rugby Aotearoa: Chiefs player ratings vs Highlanders
Both teams were desperate to win this game in a bid to avoid the wooden spoon in Super Rugby Aotearoa. The Chiefs 0 wins from 4 outings and the Highlanders with just their 1 point victory over the Waikato-based franchise earlier in the competition.
The Chiefs got a cracking start with a point a minute in the first quarter but they didn’t count on Aaron Smith leading the resilient Highlanders back to a heart-breaking 33-31 last gasp victory.
Here’re the Chiefs player ratings.
1. Aidan Ross – N/A
Lasted a minute with a leg injury. Sad as the last few rounds he’s looked like he’s getting his mojo back.
2. Bradley Slater – 8
Has grown massively with his extended spell starting. Has been strong and reliable at the set piece but displaying some presence in open play now too. Two tries from rolling mauls, classic, bullish Mooloo from the man from Ferdinand land. The Chiefs missed him in the last quarter.
3. Nepo Laulala – 7
A rock. Funny moment when he gave Aaron Smith a big bear hug to slow him down off a quick tap. Got away with it.
4. Tupou Vaa’i – 6.5
Looks a little coltish but showed he was tough taking one to the chin from Thompson. Still learning his trade but obviously brimming with potential. Did well in defence making some good spot tackles, the most obvious one on the wing to deny Ash Dixon.
5. Mitchell Brown – 6.5
Good piston in the Chief’s V8 forward performance.
6. Lachlan Boshier – 8
Try in the 5th minute running a smooth line. Big source of line out ball. Lovely display of defensive rucking over Scott Gregory at 52 minutes and some classic turnovers at 72 and 78 minutes that seem to seal the Chief’s victory…… but the Rugby Gods thought otherwise!
7. Sam Cane – 6.5
Lovely last pass to Boshier for his try. Yellow carded for an indiscretion at the breakdown and couldn’t grab Mitch Hunt as he scurried for his try in the 47th minute. Obviously frustrated he can’t spark his team.
8. Pita Gus Sowakula – 7.5
Slow start but storming run at the end of the first half just after a poor option off a scrum. That seemed to spark him up as he got his demolition derby runs and some spirited defence into action. Off at 66 which was a turning point.
9. Brad Weber – 6.5
Topped the tackle count with Wainui and provided good service. Nasty swinging arm on Aaron Smith and a brilliant tackle on Thompson to snuff out a Highlanders attack at the end of the first half. Looks to be getting back some of that attitude that made him a standout last year.
10. Kaleb Trask – 6
Started the game with a natty little netball pass to Boshier, played flat in the first quarter but couldn’t make a difference to stem the tide in the second half.
11. Solomon Alaimalo – 5
The play didn’t come his way and he didn’t show much inclination to find work.
12. Alex Nankivell – 7
Keeps it simple and uncomplicated. Runs straight lines, good pressure at the tackle at 19 minutes to effect turnover. Off at 51
13. Anton Lienert-Brown – 7.5
Seemed to enjoy playing at centre again, strong running and pilfering early and then smashing over for a well deserved try in the 11th minute. Faded on attack after that but a great defender.
14. Sean Wainui – 7
Spent the game on the left wing with 14 on his back and is a cruncher on defence. It’s not often a winger tops the tackle count but is solid as.
15. Damian McKenzie – 7
Set up ALB with a snappy inside pass early on. What a shame no one kicks to him anymore in open play. We saw a glimpse of what he can do around the 59 minute mark with some high balls coming his way and then the explosive run on the way to his disallowed try.
SUBS
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho – 5
On at 58. Line out hiccough again and gave up a crucial penalty under pressure.
17. Reuben O’Neill – 7
Must have been a shock after a minute to get on the paddock. Acquitted himself well.
18. Ross Geldenhuys – N/A
On at 60
19. Adam Thomson – N/A
On at 60
20. Mitch Karpik – N/A
On at 66
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi – N/A
On at 65
22. Aaron Cruden – N/A
23. Quinn Tupaea – N/A
On at 51
Comments on RugbyPass
Very 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.
2 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 commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to comments