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Super Rugby Aotearoa: Highlanders player ratings vs Chiefs
The final instalment of Super Rugby Aotearoa round 6 was played out at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, with the last-placed Chiefs hosting the hard-working Highlanders in what could be described as a face-saving opportunity for both sides.
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The Highlanders, not a side to be taken lightly despite sitting in 4th position on the ladder, have had their moments against the likes of the Blues and Crusaders, but were yet to display consistently they have the ability to close out a match. Perhaps today was the day to add to their recent domination over the hosts, who have not defeated the men from the south since 2018?
For this encounter Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger welcomed All Black Josh Ioane back to the match day 23 after his injury lay off starting from the bench. Ioane was joined there by the 200 cm Manaaki Selby-Rickit, the son of All Black lock Hud Rickit, who in his playing career represented both Queensland and Waikato.
The visitors were blown off the park early and went into the sheds 24-7. Yet, true to their hard-working spirit, the Highlanders left it until after the 80th minute to win the match 33-31 with a try to second five Sio Tomkinson. It was a thriller and one that will make Highlanders history.
How the Highlanders rated:
1. Ayden Johnstone – 7/10
When things got tough, he rolled up his sleeves and ensured his side got some basic go-forward to give his side some platform to work off. Was solid in set piece, a fair old shift that would make any front rower proud.
2. Ash Dixon (cc) – 7.5/10
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Never let up even when things were looking ugly early on in the match. Showed his young side the grit required to win at this level and to never quit. Worked hard in tight and made tackles others missed. Such a asset to New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay and Highlanders rugby.
3. Siate Tokolahi – 6.5/10
Had a crack. Solid in set piece, was guilty of the odd infringement, but like his fellow front rowers, he got stuck in when his side were looking for workers establish some momentum.
4. Pari Pari Parkinson – 6.5/10
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Was guilty of being a little high into contact but displayed a work ethic to stay in the contest. Was the go-to man in the lineout and delivered there, yet was guilty of a couple of infringements. Credible effort.
5. Jack Whetton – 5/10
For such a big man, he failed to deliver what his huge frame possibly could. When the Chiefs were really dominating the Highlanders up front, Whetton did not impose himself upon them. Instead appeared to spend more time complaining to referee Mike Fraser. He did not secure that lock position in the absence of the injured Josh Dickson. Needs to be better.
6. Shannon Frizell – 8/10
Commanding performance and a significant contributor to the Highlanders victory. Was causing the Chiefs all kinds of issues down the left edge in the second half, coupled with being a dependable option in the lineout and a fair effort in defence. Frizell did his All Black chances no harm this afternoon.
7. Dillon Hunt – 6/10
A fair performance against a world-class opponent but didn’t dominate the game in any facet.
8. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u – 6/10
His ruck defence early on was atrocious. He was caught out of position twice and that contributed to a Chiefs try. Furthermore, in attack he dropped a ball within striking distance of the line costing his side offensive pressure if not a try. He did work his way back into the match with some enterprising attack, and even picked a try, but not his greatest day out.
9. Aaron Smith (cc) – 8.5/10
Simply the best scrum half on the planet. Along with Ash Dixon, Smith kept his side in the match and displayed the grit required to claw back victory when all appeared lost. His own try working off Josh McKay touching the ball twice was pure, pure class. That and his hold up pass allowing Tomkinson to score the winning try were just a joy to watch.
10. Mitch Hunt – 7.5/10
Early in the match the backline was not clicking, but those issues appeared to be more apportioned to the centres. Hunt looked dangerous but really came into his own in the second half when moved to fullback, scoring a wonderful try down in the left edge after running deep from a trigger play. Has a big future with the Highlanders.
11. Scott Gregory – 6.5/10
Very credible performance after a shocker against the Blues several rounds back. Appears to be happier on the left wing as opposed to the right or fullback. Looked to be involved and had several handy involvements.
12. Patelesio Tomkinson – 6.5/10
Had an average start but what a finish
13. Rob Thompson – 4/10
Poor today. Felt for him as he was trying hard but nothing was coming off. Conceded penalties, a yellow card and poor defensive reads don’t equal a good day out. He did make some metres, but even in possession managed a forward pass. I’d expect a player of his quality to bounce back next opportunity.
14. Josh McKay – 7/10
Quality shift. Came looking for work when things were not looking good for the Highlanders. He always looked threatening in possession and was physical in the contact zone. Worked maturely with Aaron Smith to set up one of the better tries scored in this competition.
15. Michael Collins – 8/10
Wonderful game. Never gave up and looked threatening in possession. He worked well with the space afforded him and the play rarely died with him – if anything, he sparked further attack. Moved to the centre role in the second half and looked equally comfortable in that role. He’s a player that one.
What a match. That's all that needs to be said about the Highlanders' clash against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato, as they overturned a 24-0 deficit to claim an unlikely 33-31 win.https://t.co/o6qrhFWwuC
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 19, 2020
Replacements
16. Liam Coltman – 6/.5/10
On in the 57th minute. Dependable performance by such a dependable player.
17. Ethan De Groot – 5/10
On in the 70th minute. Did his job.
18. Jeff Thwaites – 6/10
On in the 53rd minute. Has a bit of game about him and may benefit from a start next week to bring his game on further.
19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit – 5.5/10
On in the 53rd minute. Had a crack but guilty of some silly errors. Should respect the opportunity and opposition more before mouthing off as he appeared to do. Raw, but looks like there is something there to work with.
20. Jesse Parete – 6/10
On in the 53rd minute. Looked to bring some energy and impact and did that.
21.Folau Fakatava – N/A
22. Josh Ioane – 7/10
On the 41st minute and despite some early errors got the Highlanders attacking shape functioning and used his options nicely. Highlanders were such a better side for his presence today.
23. Jona Nareki – 7/10
On in the 70th and scored a try in the 75th and showed some speed and class in doing so. Special talent.
Comments on RugbyPass
Absolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
5 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
14 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
14 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to commentsJake White is a brilliant coach and a master in the press. This is another masterclass in media relations and PR but its also a very narrow view with arguments that dont always hold water. White wants his team to win, he wants the best players in SA and wants his team competitive. You however have to face up to the reality of a poor exchange rate and big clubs with big budgets. SA Rugby cant compete and unless it can find more money SA players will keep leaving regardless of Springbok eligibility and this happened in 2015 - 2017. Also rugby is not cricket. Cricket has 3 formats and T20 cricket is where the money is at. When it comes to club vs country the IPL is king but that wont happen because the international calendar does not clash with the club calendar in rugby. So the argument about rugby going down the same path as cricket is really a non-starter
22 Go to commentsNZ rugby seem not to have learnt anything from professional rugby. Super rugby was dying and SA left before they died with the competition. SA rugby did a u turn on their approach to international players playing overseas and such players are now selected for Bok teams. As much as each country would love to retain their players playing in local competitions, this is the way the world is evolving my friends. Move with it or stay 20 years behind the times. One more thing. NZ rugby hierarchy think they are the big cheese. Take a more humble approach guys. You do not seem to have your players best interests at heart.
5 Go to commentsBeaches? In Cardiff? Where?
1 Go to comments