1
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
I remember towards the end of the original broadcasting deal for Super rugby with Newscorp that there was talk about the competition expanding to improve negotiations for more money - more content, more cash. Professional rugby was still in its infancy then and I held an opposing view that if Super rugby was a truly valuable competition then it should attract more broadcasters to bid for the rights, thereby increasing the value without needing to add more teams and games. Unfortunately since the game turned professional, the tension between club, talent and country has only grown further. I would argue we’re already at a point in time where the present is the future. The only international competitions that matter are 6N, RC and RWC. The inter-hemisphere tours are only developmental for those competitions. The games that increasingly matter more to fans, sponsors and broadcasters are between the clubs. Particularly for European fans, there are multiple competitions to follow your teams fortunes every week. SA is not Europe but competes in a single continental competition, so the travel component will always be an impediment. It was worse in the bloated days of Super rugby when teams traversed between four continents - Africa, America, Asia and Australia. The percentage of players who represent their country is less than 5% of the professional player base, so the sense of sacrifice isn’t as strong a motivation for the rest who are more focused on playing professional rugby and earning as much from their body as they can. Rugby like cricket created the conundrum it’s constantly fighting a losing battle with.
3 Go to commentsOh 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?
3 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!
3 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 comments