Waratahs player ratings vs Chiefs | Super Rugby Pacific

For the second match of the Super Rugby quarter-finals, the Chiefs hosted the Waratahs in the Waikato. 

In front of a raucous home crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato, it was a fast start by the Chiefs who nabbed a penalty goal and try to Brad Weber within the first six minutes.

The Waratahs responded via try to Dylan Peitsch who gathered up a Ben Donaldson grubber to score in the corner. 

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 16

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 16

However, itt was the Chiefs who were able to build points and put on tries as they really came alive in the second half and continued their try-scoring efforts.

It must be said, though, that the Waratahs were their own worst enemies, consistently taking poor options and giving away possession way too easily, making 15 handling errors. 

The Chiefs made them pay, applying pressure in defence and piling on five tries to win 39-15 and progress through to the semi-finals. 

Here’s how the Waratahs rated:

1. Angus Bell – 7

Made some devastating runs through the Chiefs midfield, carrying 11 times for 48 hard-fought metres. He is proving to be one of the most dynamic young props in the competition

2. Tom Horton – 5.5

Called into the starting line-up before kick-off. His lineout throwing has improved throughout the season and was passable tonight. Made a crucial tackle two metres out to prevent a Chiefs try.

3. Harry Johnson-Holmes – 6

Returning from injury and put in a solid shift at scrum time. Was laid out by a barnstorming Samisoni Taukei’aho. Came through the ruck to steal the Chiefs ball to put away Will Harris for his try. Replaced by Paddy Ryan 10 minutes after half time.

4. Jed Holloway – 6

Was the main target for the Waratahs in the lineout, winning seven. Made nine tackles.

5. Ned Hanigan – 6

The return of Ned has been a welcome addition to the Tahs set-up. Found gaps through the middle in his four carries and was dogged in defence, making 10 tackles.

6. Charlie Gamble – 6

Putting his hand-up for higher honours with a workman-like performance. Continues to cause problems at the breakdown for the opposition.

7. Michael Hooper – 5.5

In typical fashion, Hooper’s work rate around the park was immense, making 15 tackles and carrying five times for 32 metres. Despite the stats, he couldn’t impact the game as much as he would have liked. Put away Harris for his try to get the Waratahs back in the match.

8. Will Harris – 6.5

Made some big carries and was threatening off the back of the scrum. Put the afterburners on to run 65 metres to finish off a counter-attack from the Waratahs.

9. Jake Gordon – 5.5

Skippering the side, Gordon provided the Waratahs with plenty of energy and go-forward in the first half. Took his foot off the pedal somewhat in the second stanza as the Waratahs’ attack was smothered by a well-organised defence.

10. Tane Edmed – 4.5

A poor day off the boot and played well behind the advantage, allowing the Chiefs to shut down the Waratahs attack. Predictable kicking in the open field didn’t allow the Tahs to make any inroads into the opposition’s 22 in the second half. Threw a floating pass to Donaldson which led to a Chiefs try.

11. Dylan Pietsch – 6

Started well, scoring the Waratahs first try within the first eight minutes of the game, gathering in a grubber to score in the corner. Won a number of turnovers to stop the Chiefs in attack. Dropped a ball from Gordon that could have given the Waratahs a chance to get back in the match.

12. Lalakai Foketi – 6

Had the job of taking crash-balls into contact to get the Waratahs rolling. Threw a clever flick pass to put away Harris down the sideline.

13. Alex Newsome – 5

Struggled to make an impact from centre. Dropped the ball cold on a backline move.

14. Mark Nawaqanitawase – 5.5

Reeled off some big metres by splitting the Chiefs defence out wide early in the game. Spilled the ball when they were hot on attack to start the second half.

15. Ben Donaldson – 4.5

Put in a clever grubber down the sideline to put Pietsch in for the Tahs opening try. Was smashed in the tackle by Brodie Retallick. Spilled the ball when the Waratahs were coming out of their 22, allowing Alex Nankivell to pounce on the ball for a try.

Replacements:

16. Mahe Vailanu – N/A

Came on for Horton but it was too late in the game to make a contribution.

17. Paddy Ryan – 3

The Waratahs veteran was shaky at times in the scrum. Dropped the ball 5-metres from the line.

18. Archer Holz – N/A

Replaced Bell in the final five minutes.

19. Hugh Sinclair – N/A

Came on late to close out the game.

20. Jeremy Williams – 5.5

Relived some tired legs and added some starch to the Waratahs defence.

21. Langi Gleeson – 6

Came on and made an instant impression with his ability to break the defence and get the ball away to his support players.

22. Jack Grant – N/A

Came on with eight minutes to go to close out the game.

23. Jamie Roberts – N/A

Came on in the 65th minute to help shore up the midfield.