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Wallabies player ratings vs Los Pumas | Rugby Championship
The Wallabies machine marches on defeating Los Pumas 32-17 at Cbus Stadium on Queensland’s Gold Coast in their final performance of this years Rugby Championship.
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The Australian’s have now won 4 matches in a row, something they have not achieved since 2017, giving their fans genuine optimism for a successful tour of the northern hemisphere later this month.
This is how they rated tonight;
1. James Slipper – 7/10
An ageless performance by the Gold Coast local who appears to be revelling in every opportunity he gets to represent his country. It wasn’t the strongest Los Pumas scrum, yet he made sure his side had ascendency in this aspect of the match and generally in the contact zone.
2. Folau Fainga’a – 7.5
His best performance in a Wallabies jersey this year. Despite another wobbly Wallaby offensive lineout when in their opponents 22, of which he must take some responsibility for, he was impressive working off the lineout, in the scrum, in general play but also he upped the defensive efforts tonight that is unequivocal evidence of his improvement.
3. Taniela Tupou – 7
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Guilty of a few alignment errors in attack, but, outside of that, was strong in the scrum as expected. Enjoyed his work rate as he was a handful when carrying, but also creating space for others by running his attacking lines drawing defence into his channel.
4. Izack Rodda – 6.5
It appears his best rugby of 2021 will be played on the northern tour. He was solid tonight, but he does have better rugby in him. Would like to see him impose himself more but enjoyed his work rate.
5. Darcy Swain – 7
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Climbed another rung on his international ladder tonight as he caused Los Pumas issues across the park. Like Rodda, he will need to raise his physicality to another level if these Wallabies are to achieve the greatness the crave, but took positives steps again tonight.
6. Pete Samu – 6
Was solid without perhaps as being as effective as he has been off the bench earlier in the year. One thing he is starting to do with greater consistency is take the Wallabies through the middle of the park and constantly run the inside the supporting line.
7. Michael Hooper – 8
Was relentless as ever but he does appear to be learning the value of getting points on the board early. His hold up pass to Andrew Kellaway running down the left edge was as good as any centre running around in international rugby. Throw in the usual Michael Hooper performance and yep – he was outstanding
8. Rob Valentini – 8
Is starting to show he so much more than the ‘battering ram’ I initially thought he was. He was so strong in defence, often holding up his opponents either forcing a turnover or at the least slowing down their ball. His ball running was a real feature again tonight.
The Wallabies have closed out their Rugby Championship campaign with a fourth straight victory after picking up a 32-17 win over Los Pumas on the Gold Coast. #Wallabies #LosPumas #ARGvAUS #RugbyChampionship #TRC2021 https://t.co/rMw4f54OVH
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 2, 2021
9. Nic White – 7
A really intelligent performance tonight and balanced his options well. He is usually an energetic player but it appears the pressure Tate McDermott is applying on him for that starting position made him up the tempo tonight and the Wallabies looked aligned and dangerous when White was on the park.
10. Quade Cooper – 7.5
Not his greatest night with the boot but his game management was subtle yet telling tonight. He knows how to get the Wallabies into the right spaces but can show he can keep the team compact or turn on the expansive game with one pass. as evidenced by his longer passing game in the second half.
11. Andrew Kellaway – 8.5
Was superb for the Wallabies tonight, scoring three wonderful tries. He showed his versatility by switching to fullback and showed he is more than capable in playing up the back at international level. Adds to theme of Wallabies returning from the wilderness. Despite not being capped before this year, he almost appeared lost to the Australian game, but his performance tonight has secured his selection for some time yet.
12. Samu Kerevi – 7.5
Was a real presence in the mid field for the Wallabies tonight and scored a wonderful try, holding off Quade Cooper’s right hip, straightening his line and exploited the gap. Just an example of his prowess. Left the field with an ankle injury and the Wallabies were lesser for his absence.
13. Len Ikitau – 6.5
Had some quality touches in attack yet he did drop off a few tackles tonight. Despite some defensive issues he was still a handful for the Pumas this evening.
14. Jordan Petaia – 6
He just hasn’t found that form of 2019 but still showed he is a handful. Enjoyed the fact he went looking for work and was consistently looking for offloads and strong through contact. A solid performance tonight.
15. Reece Hodge – 6
He once was the most consistent players in the Wallabies, but errors have crept into his game. He was, on the whole, a solid performer tonight and ran some wonderful support lines tonight but has better rugby in him.
Wallabies star Pete Samu has lifted the lid on his axing from the Australian national squad by former head coach Michael Cheika in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup. #Wallabies https://t.co/qQxCRXeBYG
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 2, 2021
Reserves:
16. Lachlan Lonergan – 6
Last man standing! Came off the bench and played on the wing and back row. He impressed over the ball and ran some very educated lines and manages to evade two shoulders getting contact on him when carrying. He is an intelligent player who did bring some impact despite a fairly benign bench performance tonight.
17. Angus Bell – 7
Was impressive tonight in the set piece, but also running two passes wide of the ruck, or as a primary carrier closer in. Building nicely.
18. Greg Holmes – 6
The 38-year-old came on and immediately brought pressure onto Argentina’s scrum. Probably his last test but he gave about 20 quality minutes to finish his Wallabies career, perhaps….
19. Matt Philip – 6
Had some issues from the re-starts and appeared to be targeted by the Pumas in that area. But, outside of that, he was industrious and physical tonight.
20. Sean McMahon – 6
Exciting to see him back in international rugby. He was solid tonight but lacked the impact hoped for.
21. Jake Gordon – 6
The Wallabies appeared to lose their alignment when he came on. Not all on him, but still had some quality involvements around the base. However, he does not appear to be threatening White or McDermott for that starting role.
22. James O’Connor – 6
Had been out of the game for a long time and that was apparent tonight. Despite that, he had some moments that reminded us of his quality.
23. Tom Wright – 6
Appeared to have regained some confidence. He was solid and largely mistake free tonight.
Comments on RugbyPass
Exciting place to be for the young fella. I expected he was French Polynesian when I saw him included in the France 6N squad (after seeing him in NZs), and therefor be strong grounds we might loose him to rugby down here. Good, in that he is good enough to warrant such a profile, and from a journalism’s fan interaction aspect, to finally get a back ground story on the fella. Hope he has settled into NZ OK and that at least one rugby country will fit with him to help his development, which, if so, he should surely continue for a few years, and then that he can experience France to it’s fullest with a bit more maturity and less reliance on family than you would have at his current age. A good 3 or 4 years before he would be ready for International duty if he wanted to wait. Of course he already sounds good enough to accept a call up, and to cap himself, in the more immediate future (he’d have to be very very good in the case of the ABs), and he’ll get a great taste of that being with the Canes who have a bunch who are just a few years further into their career and looking likely Internationals themselves.
11 Go to commentsI 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.
11 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 comments