Super Rugby Aotearoa - Chiefs player ratings vs Hurricanes
Chiefs player ratings: The Chiefs ended their difficult Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign with a difficult slog against the Hurricanes, ending in another loss.
There or thereabouts throughout, the issue for the Chiefs was again missed opportunity with several small moments that went against Warren Gatland and his men. What will please Gatland, as it has all season, is the heart the Chiefs showed to stay in the fight and improve throughout the course of the match.
Here’s RugbyPass’ Chiefs player ratings:
Ollie Norris – 4/10
Tonight was always going to be about the experience for young Ollie Norris, a name few knew anything about this time last year. A respectable showing that will serve him well.
Samisoni Taukei’aho – 4/10
Nepo Laulala – 3/10
An average night for Laulala, struggling to get the dominance at scrum time but his experience was valuable for the younger Ollie Norris.
Naitoa Ah Kuoi – 6/10
Picking a line out throw against the opposition and getting the ball back for your team while gravely defending is one core skill of a great lock. Naitoa Ah Kuoi has come into his own this season and played well tonight. More than a handful of takes at the lineout, one against the throw, and when given room to run, knew exactly what was required and didn’t attempt any fancy passing moves.
Mitchell Brown – 3/10
Luke Jacobson – 6/10
It didn’t take the 2019 All Black bolter to show how integral a part of the Chiefs forward pack is. Carrying hard, a menace at the breakdown, critical in the lineouts, and a good supportive voice to youngsters around him, Jacobson showed all his attributes from the first whistle tonight.
Sam Cane © – 5/10
Being there to make the crucial tackles, signs were good from Cane early, but sadly it didn’t last long. Fans had to hold their breath for a moment after the inspirational Chiefs skipper took a heavy knock to the neck attempting to make a tackle on Jordie Barrett. The best news is that Cane got to this feet and left the field unaided, bringing his night to a premature end in the 26th minute.
Pita Gus Sowakula – 5/10
The big Fijian proved a handful for even the best Hurricanes defenders, carrying hard and showing his power. At times guilty of trying to force an offload to keep the Hurricanes guessing, the key to Sowakula’s game moving forward will be backing his pace and power, because that’s starting to provide solid return.
Brad Weber – 3/10
Again a bit slow on the pass, Weber appears to have lost a bit of spice to his game but has constantly looked like one trick away from re-igniting again.
Kaleb Trask – 6/10
Did exactly what was required of him tonight, just go out there and play. What was noticeable is that Trask backed his decision making, went after gaps in the Hurricanes defence. Freedom and backing is what Trask needs right now – these experiences will suit him well moving forward.
Sean Wainui – 7/10
Wainui is undoubtedly one of the better stories for the Chiefs this season. More often than not, when the proud Maori has ball in hand, chances are he will look to do something to ignite good go forward ball. That attitude was clear again tonight, leading the Chiefs backline in running metres by a clear margin and scoring a try.
Alex Nankivell – 3/10
Flaws in Nankivell’s game are clearly on defence. Guilty of ball watching, Nankivell proved easy work for the in-form Umaga-Jenson who easily took advantage of space to brush past his midfield rival on route to his first try. On the other side of the ball, when Nankivell carries, he’s always a handful.
Anton Lienert-Brown – 4/10
As always a strong carrier, Lienert-Brown made some good gains into the Hurricanes defence tonight but didn’t have enough opportunities with ball in hand. Strong when defending as always.
Shaun Stevenson – 3/10
Damian McKenzie – 4/10
Always dangerous with ball in hand, McKenzie kicked more than fans would be used to once again in this game. On the occasions the smiling assassin did run and carry, typically things began to happen for the Chiefs. With more good territory, McKenzie will return to his form of old, but right now is clearly short on a bit of confidence despite his strong accuracy on goal.
The bench players:
Bradley Slater 5/10
Notching a try for the Chiefs late in the game off the back of a rare driving maul, Slater has established himself as a strong contender for the top lineout thrower. Nobody in this team more deserving than a bit of limelight for his efforts.
Robb Cobb**
Angus Ta’avao – 3/10
Tupou Vaa’I – 3/10
Mitchell Karpik – 5/10
A couple of good turnovers after being forced to come off the bench early, Karpik would’ve enjoyed more time on the grass and proved reliable for the Chiefs in absence of Sam Cane, not for the first time in his career.
Lisati Milo-Harris – 3/10
Quinn Tupaea – 3/10
Kini Naholo** – 3/10
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
15 Go to comments