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Super Rugby Aotearoa: Hurricanes player ratings vs Highlanders
The Hurricanes have finished their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign off with a disappointing display against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, losing 38-21. The Canes were the better side in the first half, and could’ve piled on more points but were unable to execute when it counted.
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Jamie Booth was the best player on the park throughout the first forty-minutes, running in support to finish or prolong a couple of counter attacks from his side. Booth ran in support of Jordie Barrett five minutes in, a play that started 30-metres out from the Canes line, but finished with Vince Aso crossing in the corner.
The two sides headed into the sheds at the half-time locked at 14-all.
The home side took control in the second and the Hurricanes had no answers, with the Highlanders going on a 24-0 run to secure the win. Hurricanes number eight Ardie Savea was yellow carded with just under 25-minutes to play, and a penalty try was also given which gave the Highlanders all the momentum.
While the Hurricanes were impressive in the first and that does have to count for something, it’s an 80-minute game. Here’s how the Hurricanes rated in the final match of Super Rugby Aotearoa:
1. Ben May – 5.5/10
In his final match in Super Rugby, the experienced loosehead prop was largely ineffective against the Highlanders. While the Canes had a stable scrum, he made the fewest tackles of any starting forward and only had three carries as well.
2. Dane Coles – 5.5
It was a frustrating night for the All Blacks hooker. While he was accurate in his few opportunities throwing into the lineout, he didn’t get much of an opportunity to shine in either attack or defence.
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3. Tyrel Lomax – 6
In a poor Hurricanes display, Lomax managed to reach double figures in defence. He also got involved a few times in attack but his impact is still not quite there.
4. James Blackwell – 7
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Blackwell is probably the hardest working guy in the Hurricanes side. When the going got tough on Saturday and the Canes were down by a big score, the second rower was constantly getting busy in both attack and defence.
5. Scott Scrafton – 7.5
In a losing side, Scrafton was at times a shining light for the Hurricanes. He created the break for the opening five-pointer of the match with a brilliant cut-out, bounce pass to Jordie Barrett. The lock also nearly sent Prinsep over for a try later in the half had it have not been for a forward pass. Most impressively, he was regularly a nuisance for the Highlanders lineout during the dominant first half. He had less of an impact after the break with his side on the back foot, but he still did his job.
6. Reed Prinsep – 6.5
Prinsep worked really hard against the Highlanders, both with brave runs and tough defence. He thought he’d scored a try in the fast half, running a direct line off Scrafton that saw him run through the Landers defence and under the posts from 40m; but the play was called back for a forward pass. Strong night in defence, especially around the breakdown, finishing with 12 tackles. Even when the scoreboard began to tick for the Landers, Prinsep didn’t stop, putting in a solid shift.
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 7
It was a quiet night in attack for the 23-year-old, who didn’t really get a chance to run in space. But the scoreboard could’ve been a lot uglier for the men from the capital had it not been for the flanker’s defensive performance – finishing with the most tackles of any player in the match with 18.
8. Ardie Savea – 6.5
Every time Savea gets his hands on the ball, he looks dangerous; constantly crossing the gain line with defenders hanging off him. Had a moment to forget that cost his dearly in the 57th minute, when he was yellow carded and gave away a penalty try for infringements around a Highlanders driving maul close to the line.
Of course this was going to happen in the final match of the competition ? #SuperRugbyAotearoa #HIGvHURhttps://t.co/AURMOtgcdg
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 15, 2020
9. Jamie Booth – 8
Even though the Hurricanes were well outplayed in the second half, they were the better team in the first and Jamie Booth was a large reason as to why that was. Coming in to replace co-captain TJ Perenara, Booth was the Hurricanes best player on Saturday afternoon. He both helped his side maintain their fast tempo and ran the ball with effectiveness while he was on the park. The scrumhalf also contributed heavily to the opening try, and scored a try of his own later in the first.
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop – 6.5
His organisation and leadership is probably his best traits on the rugby field, and that was clear throughout the first half, setting up the break that led to Jamie Booth’s try. Obviously Garden-Bachop struggled in the second as did his teammates, so there’ll be plenty of lessons learned heading into the Mitre 10 Cup season.
11. Chase Tiatia – 6.5
Every time he got the ball, it was an injection of energy for his side but he was unable to do anything with due to the Highlanders strong defence. Tiatia had a try ruled out 10-minutes into the second half for obstruction.
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen – 7
Switching to inside centre for this week, Umaga-Jensen still managed to score a try late in what’s been an impressive Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign for the 22-year-old. Didn’t have as much space to roam though and struggled at times because of it.
13. Billy Proctor – 6
Despite his energy, Proctor wasn’t able to make an impact against the Highlanders with limited carries.
14. Vince Aso – 7
It wasn’t a surprise to see Aso, a proven try scorer, cross over for the first try of the match; finishing off what might’ve been the try of the season. He was millimetres from a second later in the half, but he stepped into touch bizarrely without a defender pressuring him to do so.
15. Jordie Barrett – 6.5
Barrett has really stood up as a playmaker this season, and showed that again in the first half; he nearly set up Aso for his second try had the winger not stepped into touch. Some tough hits in defence as well, so it’ll be fun to see where, how and if he fits into representative plans going forward.
Solid showings from the Highlanders all-round – especially after they sprung to life in the third quarter of the match. #SuperRugbyAotearoa #HIGvHURhttps://t.co/9cgBtldteY
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 15, 2020
Reserves:
16. Ricky Riccitelli – 5.5/10
17. Tevita Mafileo – 6.5/10
Was effective when he got his hands on the ball.
18. Pouri Rakete-Stones – 5.5/10
19. Liam Mitchell – 5.5/10
20. Devan Flanders – 6/10
21. Jonathan Taumateine – N/A
22. Danny Toala – N/A
23. Salesi Rayasi – N/A
Comments on RugbyPass
Super Rugby desperately needs to lose at least 2, but up to 4 teams. Rebels quietly going bankrupt would have made that a bit easier. Teams like the Rebels and Force serve only to weaken Australian Rugby and Super Rugby more widely. In 13 years in the comp the Rebels are yet to win more games than they lose in a season, have never finished in the top half of the competition, and have come dead last a number of times. The Western Force, barring a brief stint of mediocrity under John Mitchell from 2007-2009 have been even worse. Sadly it’s hard to see a future for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby. Likewise I think the writing is on the wall for the Highlanders, it’s hard to see how NZ rugby can continue to support 5 SR teams, and population distribution suggests one team in the south island would make the most sense.
41 Go to commentsNice that Connor Evans is happy to stay on here, that JD Schikerling is returning and Steven Kitshoff. Dobbo is careful to bring back just anybody but having a new financial lease of life, it has made the Stormers a more attractive club. On top of being good quality, having the financial backing helps a lot
1 Go to commentsEngland-qualified too, I believe.
1 Go to commentsThis might turn out to be emblematic of a real issue in Irish rugby. Ireland have one of the best -if not the best - senior sides in the world, and one of the best under 20s sides as well, but don’t seem to be giving graduating under20s players many opportunities to break through into URC starting lineups. There is a risk that a lot of the junior talent they are developing will either be wasted, or lost to other nations.
1 Go to commentsYou ask good questions, Nick. The group who have put together the proposal to play out of Tarneit and participate in the growing of the ground’s capacity are not a bunch of white knights who have been dragged in post-crisis; they were around whilst the Rebels accummulated $23m in debt. Why do we come up with ideas that might make the franchise affordable after it’s broke and not when it might have prevented the trainwreck this offseason was? As for Gordon/Kellaway v Lolesio/Wright, they are both good options. I think the former are better rugby players but the goal kicking of Noah may be decisive when Schmiddy makes his choices. I know Harry Jones has the hots for Edmed but I think it’s one of his few poor choices and he and Jorgensen aren’t close to the other pairs. By coincidence, the wife and I went into town over the weekend to watch Brian Cox and Patricia Clarkson in Long Day’s Journey into Night. Beautifully acted but it was 3.5 hours in the chair and very hard work. Like the Rebels, there were only small bursts of joy to go with a lot of bad news and a depressing story line. In the end, I was hoping it would end and I could give my sore butt a break. Again, familiar.
41 Go to commentsGood decision, very good player but not international quality. But so was Jamison Gibson Park …..
3 Go to commentsLoose forwards always look good going forward and winning. It’s the same loose forwards for the Crusaders and the Canes this year as last year. Too much of the shiny new things getting noticed here while older consistent ones getting bagged. It’s early days. Calm the farm.
6 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
41 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
6 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
6 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
3 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
3 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
10 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
6 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
41 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
10 Go to commentsWowee!
10 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to comments