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Super Rugby Aotearoa: Chiefs player ratings vs Highlanders
The wait is over, Super Rugby Aotearoa finally kicked off on Saturday under the roof in Dunedin.
A late drop goal by Bryn Gatland sealed the deal for the Highlanders in a penalty-ridden affair as the Chiefs failed to get any flow to their game with some of their star power in the backline starved for go-forward ball and space.
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RugbyPass rates the individual performances of the Chiefs:
1. Aidan Ross – 5/10
Not a man for the highlights package, Ross (like his mate Laulala) didn’t get much opportunity to test his power at scrum time but will be disappointed to have been a part of poor execution fighting against the Highlanders driving maul.
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho – 3
Now the senior hooker in the environment, Taukei’aho disappointed with his lack of accuracy at lineout time early in the game and ultimately never recovered. Poor performance by his standards.
3. Nepo Laulala – 4
In his first outing since January, Laulala went about his work in typical fashion with graft, aggression and composure but had limited scrums to work his real magic.
4. Mitchell Brown – 4
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Having to leave the field in the 21st minute due to injury, it brought an early half to a match of some importance for Brown as the senior lock but he did play well in parts, securing a rare lineout win for the Chiefs.
5. Tupou Vaa’i – 6
A very impressive (and very long) debut from the Taranaki big man. Looking strong at the breakdown, Vaa’i was a constant menace for the Highlanders who could’ve been forgiven for thinking they’d have the wood over the Chiefs in this area.
6. Luke Jacobson – 4
Struggling to have much of a say at all on proceedings, Jacobson fell off a few tackles, including one on Shannon Frizell which led to the Highlanders second try. Looks like a man who hasn’t played much rugby lately, which isn’t surprising – it’s been over a year since he had any significant minutes.
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7. Lachlan Boshier – 5
Many eyes were on Boshier heading into this match, but his impact was minimal all the while coming up with some handy wins at the breakdown. Looks like the new rules could be tailor-made for Boshier but will need more support from his fellow loosies.
'He has a brilliant mind. A brilliant sporting mind. And his work ethic is relentless. He knows the game of rugby league, he knows it really well.'https://t.co/vu1xDOrpmo
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 13, 2020
8. Pita Gus Sowakula – 6
Putting in some big hits on defence and finding himself with space to run, discipline really let the Fijian No.8 down at key times in the first half, giving away three penalties before the break. With ball in hand, Sowakula found himself with opportunities, carrying metres that rivalled some of the flashy backs.
9. Brad Weber – 6
A quiet night for the skipper, the Highlanders managed to cut down any space Weber had to work his magic and slowed down enough ball at the ruck to keep the passing speed down.
10. Kaleb Trask – 6.5
There is a lot to like about this youngster. For every mistake, Trask bounced back with solid defensive efforts against much bigger opponents. Showing strength with ball in hand, Trask also showed a lack of fear when carrying which can only be positive for a versatile young back.
11. Sean Wainui – 7.5
One of his best in the Chiefs jersey, Wainui’s first half try was just the icing on the cake in a performance where the winger got involved, showed decisiveness, and a good showing of his nifty footwork which has led many to believe there is still much to be met at this level.
The @BluesRugbyTeam will open their #SuperRugbyAotearoa campaign against the @Hurricanesrugby in front of a full house at Eden Park on Sunday.https://t.co/irKVi6yF5Q
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 13, 2020
12. Anton Lienert-Brown – 6
Carrying hard as usual, Lienert-Brown will be disappointed with his work tonight despite getting a score. Handling errors coupled with a lack of space, the All Black midfielder played with all the heart fans are used to seeing but simply didn’t have any room to do much of anything.
13. Quinn Tupaea – 5
Tupaea put in a solid shift tonight, getting involved right from the get go and carrying hard. Like many in the backline, Tupaea was flogged for room but showed the right level of intensity that is fitting.
14. Shaun Stevenson – 6
Strength was a big part of Stevenson’s game tonight, often working his way forward for critical metres in the face of tacklers. Always looked for an offload and always looked dangerous.
15. Damian McKenzie – 8.5
Scoring 17-points on the night, including that late drop goal kick which looked to have sealed it for the Chiefs (if not for Bryn Gatland doing the exact same thing down the other end of the field), McKenzie was the main menace on attack at all times that fans have come to love.
Reserves:
16. Bradley Slater – 3
Had his issues throwing into the lineout as well, enjoying fleeting success but not having the impact in other areas as needed late in the game.
17. Ryan Coxon – 3
18. Ross Geldenhuys – 3
Plenty of paperwork this week at Toulon https://t.co/vmBbqWDfXv
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 12, 2020
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi – 7
Forced to come on the field in the 21st minute, Ah Kuoi put in another reasonable shift, including a big run ending in a lifting tackle which sent Highlanders fullback Vilimoni Koroi to the sin bin. Into everything, Ah Kuoi is a long term prospect for the Chiefs and showed tonight just some of the skills in his arsenal and appeared to love having more time on the park.
20. Dylan Nel – N/A
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi – N/A
22. Aaron Cruden – 5
Time just appears to slow down when Cruden has the ball, and tonight he again always looked like making something happen but will be disappointed with a few last touch passes.
23. Etene Nanai-Seturo – N/A
Comments on RugbyPass
Oh wow… “But as La Rochelle proved in winning in Cape Town this season, a cross-continental away assignment need not spell the end of days.” La Rochelle actually proved quite the opposite. After traveling to Cape town and back they (back-to-back and current champs) got mercilessly thumped the next week. If travel is not the reason, why else would a full-strength powerhouse like La Rochelle get dumped on their @r$e$ one week later?
26 Go to commentsYou know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
2 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
2 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
26 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
26 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to comments