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Wallabies player ratings vs Springboks | Rugby Championship
The Wallabies Bledisloe Cup sins have been absolved with a memorable 28-26 victory over the world champion Springboks at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast.
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The Wallabies, in particular the forward pack, were dogged all night and laid the platform for success, yet this test match will always be remembered for the return of Quade Cooper.
The mercurial playmaker put in a mature, controlled performance and provided this young Australian side with an astute game manager, something they have been starved of this season.
Cooper’s crowning moment was the post siren penalty kick that secured the Wallabies victory and secured himself as the starring role in an immortal moment in Australian rugby history.
This is how the Wallabies rated:
1. Angus Bell – 6/10
Had a torrid time of it in the set piece, but, to his credit, he managed to win the Wallabies a vital scrum penalty that secured his side an opportunity to take further points. His general support play was also first class.
2. Folau Fainga’a – 6
His set piece on the whole was solid despite the odd infraction, yet he did put unnecessary pressure on his side with a no arms, ankle high tackle that attracted a yellow card. Will need to adjust his tackling style if he wants to secure that hooker role for the Wallabies.
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3. Allan Alaalatoa – 6
Like his fellow front rowers, he had a tough time in the set piece but kept at it and exhausted himself for the cause.
4. Izack Rodda – 7
The Wallabies needed him to step up against the likes of De Jager and Etzebeth, and Rodda threw himself into the challenge and provided some starch in the contact zone. He was not called upon in the offensive line out but claimed a critical lineout steal to relieve pressure.
5. Matt Phillip – 6.5
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Like Rodda, he brought some physicality and on numerous occasions slowed down or defused the Springboks lineout maul, yet was also heavily penalised when his timings were off and earned himself a yellow card for infringing in that space.
6. Lachlan Swinton – 7
The Wallabies needed him to bring the physicality and, after a somewhat quiet performance in Perth last weekend, Swinton imposed himself on the Boks while also illustrating his prowess in the lineout as the Australia’s main man in that facet of play. Still guilty of the odd infraction in particular ball security, but, overall, a quality shift.
7. Michael Hooper – 8
Another relentless performance. He was unlucky not to have secured more turnover penalties, something he is not renowned for. But, as always, he was in the thick of it. What impressed was his leadership and choosing to take points when they were on offer.
8. Rob Valentini – 7
Very strong into contact both sides of the ball and he was better than Duane Vermeulen tonight. What impressed is his maturity not to push passes and appeared to understand the value of running his line, secure the possession and allowing the team to maintain the pressure off his work.
After last night’s game, you can’t rule it out. #AUSvRSA #Wallabies https://t.co/MjLbY6bbtG
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 12, 2021
9. Tate McDermott – 7
It was a pity he succumbed to a cork to his lower right leg as, despite the odd errant pass or ill-timed box kick, he had the Wallabies starting to find some rhythm and was as electric and unpredictable as ever around the base.
10. Quade Cooper – 9
The performance of a career. He was exactly what the Wallabies needed tonight – a mature game manager who could unlock the best in others. He varied his width and depth. He found space on both sides of himself and behind the blitz defence. When he spoke, the way in which Wallabies zeroed in on him, hanging off every word, you knew this was the type of player this team needed – and he delivered for them. Redemption manifest!
11. Marika Koroibete – 7
Looked for work and looked to impose himself on the Boks at every opportunity. He was guilty of crabbing and perhaps running away from his support at times, yet his intent to take on the Boks was admirable.
12. Samu Kerevi – 7.5
Was instrumental in tonight’s win. He took the hard yards when required, but also varied it up with some astute space running coupled with an offload game made him a real handful for the Boks. Despite dropping one cold when the Wallabies were well on attack, he was one of their best.
13. Len Ikitau – 7
Appeared to come out of his shell tonight and found trust in himself as an international rugby player. Was very physical in defence and made a number of bone-jarring hits. Also showed he has a left boot, something that could serve the Wallabies well if they learn how to harness it.
14. Andrew Kellaway – 7
Scored a wonderful wingers try, cutting back in after Samu Kerevi had made the space after jinking away from some rush defence. Held is depth and attacked the space. Pleased that he executed the opportunities when they came.
15. Tom Banks – 6
Had a bit of work to do fielding any number of high balls and made a fist of it. Had some god moments with the ball in hand but never really found a way into the game.
Bench:
16. Feleti Kaitu’u – 7
One to watch. His set piece was on the money, but when he held up Malcom Marx and secure a maul turnover, he showed there is a bit to him.
17. James Slipper – 6
Didn’t sure up the scrum as much as one would have hoped, but the final scrum of the evening was definitive and all his experience and guile no doubt contributed to that, which was the precursor for the now famous Quade Cooper penalty kick.
18. Taniela Tupou – 6.5
He really should be starting as he appears wasted as a finisher, although his finish tonight was very good.
MATCH REPORT:
A shock call-up to face the world champions, Quade Cooper kicked a perfect seven-from-seven penalties and a conversion in a game that had a dramatic conclusion#RSAvAUS #Springboks #Wallabies #RugbyChampionshiphttps://t.co/i4RMmOvH8h
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 12, 2021
19. Rob Leota – 6
On for his first cap and made a fist of it.
20. Pete Samu – 7.5
Was a real impact player for the Wallabies when he came on. He works for the space and soft shoulder very well and offers a work rate an intelligence to the Wallabies in the finishing stages. He was good tonight.
21. Nic White – 7
Secured the Wallabies a penalty at the end to give them a shot at victory, yet, prior to that, he controlled the game admirably given the Wallabies scrum was on the back foot and South Africa’s lineout and driving maul off it were a significant issue to contend with.
22. Reece Hodge – 5
It’s best not to mention that kick with about two minutes to go.
23. Jordan Petaia – N/A
Didn’t see enough.
Comments on RugbyPass
“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to comments