1
Bledisloe Cup: Australia player ratings vs New Zealand
The Wallabies have announced themselves as side of the future after working themselves to exhaustion in their 16-all-draw with the All Blacks at Westpac Stadium in Wellington this afternoon in the first of four Bledisloe Cup Test Matches in 2020.
New Wallabies Coach Dave Rennie evidently prepared this young side superbly with brave selections of debutants Harry Wilson, Hunter Paisami and Filipo Daugunu all looking more than capable at test level.
At times the Wallabies were their own worst enemies with inaccuracy at the breakdown and poor option taking in their opponents 22 yet their attitude and enthusiasm for contact was a significant improvement. Rennie’s men brought lethal line speed and rattled the All Blacks attack numerous times with bone jarring defence and new defence coach Matt Taylor should be applauded for his efforts.
There is room for improvement, but these Wallabies did themselves, the jersey and their nation proud this afternoon. How did the Wallabies rate?
1. James Slipper – 7/10
The veteran prop had a solid shift despite the Wallabies scrum having issues with timing on the engage. He was industrious around the park and showed that he is still one of the premier loose heads in the Australian game.
2. Folau Fainga’a – 6/10
Was guilty of several unforced errors in and around the lineout when the Wallabies were on attack. Needs to develop more to his game than scoring tries off the back of rolling mauls from the set piece if he is to be a long-term Wallaby.
3. Taniela Tupou – 6.5/10
Was tremendous with his line-speed, and also with his ball carries ‘Tongan Thor’ was guilty several times on infringing around the clean out whilst on attack thwarting his sides momentum. Will need to address this moving into next week.
4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 8/10
Arguably his greatest test. He was physical on both sides of the ball and largely had improved his body height in contact. Looks much more effective playing in the engine room and was a leader out there today.
5. Matt Philip – 7.5/10
The absolute ‘workhorse’ of the Wallaby pack and was in the thick of it being in cleaning out, running support lines or taking the ball over the advantage line. Will only get better after today’s test as he will know now he can be effective at this level.
6. Harry Wilson – 7.5/10
Played as all Wallaby fans hoped he would. He was physical and at times was a handful for the All Blacks and thought he outplayed Shannon Frizzell. Wilson looked comfortable at test level, but also played intelligently, running support lines allowing space to open up elsewhere. Was most effective running in the wider channels and linking up with fellow debutant Filipo Daugunu.
7. Michael Hooper – 7.5/10
Was tireless in his 100th test. Whilst I thought he was outplayed by Sam Cane, Hoop’s was a handful for the All Blacks around the breakdown. He needed to get his side to cut out the silly errors and poor option taking earlier as a leader should but all together another quality Michael Hooper shift.
8. Pete Samu – 7/10
A very tough, honest performance by the former Crusader. Was the perfect option to balance what Wilson and Hooper bring to the table and was a warrior in the breakdown and with the ball in hand busting through two would be All Blacks defenders.
9. Nic White – 7.5/10
Was a real general out there and does not appear daunted by Aaron Smith. Whilst finding the ire of the referee for too much chat, the former Exeter half was a handful for his opponents today. The only real blemish was his missed tackle on Aaron Smith that lead to an All Black try.
10. James O’Connor – 7.5/10
His option taking was more often than not the right one. He took the ball to the line when it was required and his foot work and timed pass to Marika Koroibete was centimetre perfect.
11. Marika Koroibete – 6.5/10
Scored a wonderful try yet also guilty of giving away penalties and not securing possession when on attack. That aside, a credible day out.
12. Matt To’omua – 6.5/10
Was physical in defence and had some wonderful touches in attack working off O’Connor well. Yet his option taking on the attack was questionable kicking when he should have retained possession and allow for the pressure to keep building.
13. Hunter Paisami – 7/10
Was fearsome with his physicality and what impressed was his directness. Only on one occasion was he caught drifting but his strength allowed him to stay in the contest. A very encouraging test debut.
14. Filipo Daugunu – 7.5/10
Was exceptional for debutant. Scored a wonderful try, solid in defence and worked well over the ball. If he and Harry Wilson can keep working off each other they will cause the All Blacks plenty of issues next week.
15. Tom Banks – 6.5/10
A fair day out and was largely safe up the back and chimed in nicely on a number of occasions in attack. Would like to see him be a hungrier for involvement on attack as when he is one he is a potent threat.
Reserves
16. Jordan Uelese – 6/10 – Solid but the Wallabies finishing front row collectively will need address scrum issues.
17. Scott Sio – 6/10 – Solid yet the same as Uelese will need to fix the scrum.
18. Allan Alaalatoa – 6.5 – Coming on for Toupo, he got through plenty of work and was safe when involved. Solid performance.
19. Rob Simmons 5/10 – Had some quality involvements yet for a player of his experience, he really should have not have infringed in the maul allowing the All Blacks to slot the goal leveling the scores at 16-16.
20. Rob Valetini – 5/10 – Didn’t do anything of note apart from dropping one cold.
21. Jake Gordon – 5.5/10 – Was respectable but the Wallabies looked more fluid when White was on the field.
22. Noah Lolesio – N/A
23. Reece Hodge – 6/10 – Was safe and nearly clinched it for the Wallabies with his own ‘John Eales’ moment but it wasn’t to be.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comments on RugbyPass
True 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.
21 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.
10 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
78 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
21 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
10 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
2 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes are good, especially with a decent coach now. However, let’s be real, the Crusaders and Chiefs are clearly a good degree weaker without the players they’ve lost overseas now. The Canes lost one player. It’s also why the aussie teams ‘seem’ to be stronger.
9 Go to commentsOr you could develop your own players instead of constantly taking from the SH competition and weakening it in the process? With all the player and financial resources these unions have compared to SH countries you’d think they could manage that, or is weakening the SH comps and their national sides an added bonus? Probably.
3 Go to commentsNot so fast Aaron, we might need you in black yet lol. God knows he’d be a lot less nerve-racking than hot and (very) cold players like Perofeta. It’s really a shame Reuben Love isn’t playing 10, we’ve got enough 15 options.
4 Go to commentsAnd those from the NH still seem to be puzzled (and delighted) why NZ’s depth isn’t what it once was. Over 600 NZ players overseas, that’s insane. This sort of deal is why Super Rugby coaches have admitted they struggle now to find enough quality to fill out their squads.
6 Go to commentsArticle intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
3 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
3 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
16 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
21 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
21 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
3 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
21 Go to comments