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The five best performers from the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa
COVID-19 is back in New Zealand, the Blues and Crusaders weren’t allowed to play their final match of the campaign and crowds weren’t allowed to attend the one game that did get the green light to go ahead this weekend.
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That still didn’t stop Super Rugby Aotearoa going out with a bang as the Highlanders and Hurricanes played out a entertaining, high-octane battle in an empty Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
In proved to be the final match of a generally exceptional 10-week competition, the Highlanders were spurred on by co-captains Aaron Smith and Ash Dixon’s 150th and 100th respective Super Rugby appearances to churn out a 38-21 victory.
Even without any fans in the stands, both sides put out a compelling display of running rugby, a fitting sign-off from the competition given how the five-team tournament has played out since it kicked off in June.
With that in mind, here are the five best performers in the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
If there is anything to take away from the Highlanders’ Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, it’s that Aaron Smith remains one of the best halfbacks on the planet, if not the best of them all.
Some may say that title belongs to Springboks star Faf de Klerk, but it would be nigh on impossible to find any other halfback in the world who has performed at such a consistently high level for such a prolonged period of time.
Ever since he debuted for the Highlanders back in 2011, Smith’s sublime standards have rarely dipped, and Saturday’s clash was further evidence of that in what’s been a sensational season in the Kiwi domestic league.
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The variety of passes he made throughout the match were key to the Highlanders’ chances of success, while his leadership shone as he conducted his side’s attacking rhythm.
Finished the game with 47 running metres, one defender beaten, four clean breaks, an offload, a turnover won and a try assist to cap off a good display in his 150th outing for his beloved franchise.
Peter Umaga-Jensen (Hurricanes)
For a third straight week, young midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen has starred in the Hurricanes backline to thrust himself further into the All Blacks reckoning.
The presence of those such as Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor might restrict the 22-year-old’s chance of national honours, but he’s making himself hard to ignore for Ian Foster and his fellow selectors.
Standing at 1.87m and 102kg, Umaga-Jensen possesses a big physical frame, but his point of difference lies in the deft skill set he has with ball in hand.
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Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon admits it was a weird feeling playing his 100th #SuperRugby game in front of an empty Forsyth Barr Stadium. #HIGvHUR https://t.co/9pXrWNEp5Y
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 16, 2020
Both aspects of his game were on show in Dunedin, as he busted through the line three times and beat three defenders to run for 63 metres, scoring a try and setting up another in doing so.
Regardless of whether he makes the cut for Foster’s 35-man squad in two weeks’ time, the development Umaga-Jensen has shown in Super Rugby Aotearoa makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
Speaking of the All Blacks, a mammoth selection headache looms for Foster within his outside back cohort given Jordie Barrett’s coming-of-age campaign.
Previously renowned as a prodigious talent that perhaps lacked the maturity or composure to establish himself as an All Blacks starter and a franchise player at the Hurricanes, the 23-year-old has altered those perceptions this season.
His improved decision-making and coolness under pressure have been hallmarks of the Hurricanes’ change in fortunes since he returned from injury against the Chiefs in round three.
Barrett couldn’t extend his side’s winning run to six straight matches, but his influence on the match was in no way diminished as he ran for a match-high 122 metres, beat six defenders, broke the line three times, threw three offloads and scored six points.
With figures like those commonplace on Barrett’s stat sheet, he’s bound to give Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan and older brother Beauden a tightly-contested run for the All Blacks’ No. 15 jersey.
Jamie Booth (Hurricanes)
Given the unenviable task of stepping up in place of star halfback TJ Perenara, Jamie Booth delivered a spellbinding display of running rugby in the Hurricanes’ No. 9 jersey.
Wreaking havoc in the first half, the plucky ex-Highlanders scrumhalf caused his former side plenty of issues as he splintered their defensive line twice with some searing breaks down the left edge.
The 25-year-old showed a clean pair of heels and some tidy footwork to play a key role in his side’s first try inside the opening five minutes before breaking away to score himself 25 minutes later.
The win may not have fallen the way of the Hurricanes but this man did everything within his power to get the Canes over the line.
Could Jamie Booth now be an option for an #AllBlacks jersey later this year? #SuperRugbyAotearoa #HIGvHURhttps://t.co/R9avgFu7uZ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 15, 2020
Hurricanes fans could be at pains, then, to understand why Booth was taken from the field midway through the second half just as the Highlanders were pulling away considering his influence on the first half.
Still, with 91 running metres, two defenders beaten, three clean breaks, an offload, 13 tackles from 15 attempts and a try to his name, there’s plenty to admire about the diminutive Manawatu product’s performance.
Michael Collins (Highlanders)
One of the more underrated players in New Zealand, the Highlanders seemed to have found a spot for Michael Collins in their midfield in the closing stages of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
It’s there, in his preferred position, where the experienced 27-year-old flourished as his communication, organisational skills and distribution were prominent in a dangerous Highlanders attack.
Those aspects of Collins’ game were again vital to the Highlanders’ competitiveness, making it unsurprising to see him cash in on his second try in as many weeks as he finished off a lovely flowing move.
Few people expected the Highlanders to enjoy much success in #SuperRugbyAotearoa, but a post-lockdown resurgence saw Aaron Mauger's side defy expectations. #HIGvHUR https://t.co/DGekct90f2
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 16, 2020
He added a further 68 running metres, four clean breaks, eight defenders beaten (both of which were match-high figures), three offloads and a 100 percent tackle success rate to complete a polished performance.
With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Collins will no doubt be surveying his options, but with efforts like this in weeks gone by, you can expect the Highlanders to try and persuade him to stay in Dunedin beyond this year.
Comments on RugbyPass
I’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
19 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
19 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene 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.
19 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.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 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.
19 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.
12 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 comments