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.
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
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
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC0AwiQA77R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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
SBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
7 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
7 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
7 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to comments