Waratahs player ratings vs Chiefs | Super Rugby Pacific
To kick off the inaugural Super Round in Melbourne, the Waratahs played the Chiefs at AAMI Park.
The game descended into chaos for the Waratahs early. Young prop Angus Bell was red-carded for a tip-tackle on Sam Cane, while hooker Dave Porecki was forced off the pitch with an HIA and didn’t return. The red card, which was followed shortly by a yellow card to Jamie Roberts, allowed the Chiefs to build a handy lead in the opening quarter.
The Waratahs showed plenty of fight to stay in the match and when they were back to full complement they wrestled their way back to within three points. The Waratahs’ woes continued with a shoulder injury to Will Harrison. When Tom Horton went off with an injury, the game was forced into uncontested scrums and the Waratahs had to get creative with their bench options.
The Chiefs pulled away after a decisive intercept from Jonah Lowe and from there the Tahs weren’t able to contain the Chiefs who ran out 51-27 victors.
Here’s how the Waratahs rated:
1. Angus Bell – 2/10
Was sent off within the first two minutes of the game after an ugly tip tackle on Chiefs flanker Sam Cane.
2. David Porecki – N/A
Went off for an HIA early in the game and never returned to the field.
3. Harry Johnson-Holmes – 7
Took on the majority of the workload in the front row following Bell’s departure and was tireless around the park. He was a tackle machine with a team-high 20 tackles and had his fair share of carries. He even took over lineout throwing duties when Horton went off with an injury.
4. Jed Holloway – 7
Was excellent all night. Won a crucial turnover by holding Josh Lord up in the maul to give the Tahs a boost following Bell’s red card. Was put into space of an inside line and was able to offload to Jake Gordon to set up the Waratahs’ first try.
5. Hugh Sinclair – 6
Continues to be a workhorse for the Waratahs. He put Holloway in space with a perfectly timed cut-out pass which set up the Tahs’ opening try. He was a target in the lineout and helped to right the ship after a shuffle around in the forward pack.
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6. Charlie Gamble – 6.5
Shifting to the blindside to accommodate the return of Hopper, he continues to go strength-to-strength. Used his strength to bump off the Chiefs defence and send Alex Newsome in to score right on halftime. Was a menace at the breakdown and couldn’t be shifted once he was over the ball.
7. Michael Hooper – 5.5
Was an understated performance by the Waratahs talisman, but often took the right options in attack, straightening up and taking it in contact when the Waratahs looked flustered. Was all over the Chiefs at the breakdown but couldn’t snaffle much ball.
8. Will Harris – 5
The backrower wasn’t able to enforce himself for most of the match. He made 10 tackles including a try-saver when he held up Angus Ta’avao over the line.
9. Jake Gordon – 7
Skippering the side, Gordon held the team together as players around him dropped like flies. Ran off Holloway to collect an offload which opened the scoring for the Waratahs. Nabbed his second try by intercepting the Chiefs just as they looked to be building momentum. Followed up by peeling off an important 50/22. Showed his class at the base of the ruck.
10. Tane Edmed – 6
Kept a calm head as the Waratahs were thrown into chaos in the first half. His kicking options were good for most of the match and it helped steady the ship. He was instrumental in organising his forwards and directing his players around the park. Replaced in the 65th minute.
11. Alex Newsome – 6
Ran some great support lines and was rewarded with a try right on halftime. Shifted to fullback after an injury to Harrison and was solid in the air. He tried hard to get his backline going, but took some poor options and fumbled the ball late in the game.
12. Jamie Roberts – 5
Got the Waratahs over the advantage line with hard direct running through the middle of the field. He was yellow-carded for an attempted intercept after 15 minutes. Threw an intercept to Jonah Lowe that gave back momentum to the Chiefs.
13. Izaia Perese – 6.5
Was a destructive force in the midfield, bouncing out of Chiefs tackles all night. He put in a big shift in defence making 18 tackles and used his strength by holding up players in the tackle. Wasn’t afforded a lot of space but fought hard for every metre.
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase – 6
Opened up the Chiefs defence on a few occasions but couldn’t get his hands free to pop it to his support. Won the ball back off the kick-off which set up the Waratahs’ second try. Has was very good in the aerial contest, but fell off a few tackles.
15. Will Harrison – 4
Was found out in defence a few times as he tried to cover holes in the Waratahs defence. Sustained a shoulder injury in the first half which ended his night in the Waratahs jersey.
Replacements:
16. Tom Horton – 3
On in the 2nd minute to replace Porecki. Struggled with a shoulder injury and left the field in the 44th minute, forcing uncontested scrums for the remainder of the game.
17. Te Tera Faulkner – 6
Came on two minutes into the game as cover for Angus Bell. Was able to hold up his side of the scrum despite missing a backrower and made 10 tackles during the game.
18. Archer Holz – N/A
Came on late in the game. Got in a few touches.
19. Geoffrey Cridge – N/A
Came on late. Was back-slammed in a heavy tackle.
20. Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco – 6.5
Made a short cameo before returning to the bench as the Waratahs were forced to go to uncontested scrums. He made it back on the field replacing Harris and made seven carries to gain momentum back for the Tahs. Also won some important turnovers late in the game.
21. Jack Grant – N/A
Came on with eight minutes to go.
22. Ben Donaldson – 4
Entered the action in the 65th minute and stepped into the playmaker role. In a tight tussle, he wasn’t able to show off his skills.
23. Dylan Pietsch – 5.5
Got on the park and was active in defence. Almost went the full length of the field after putting in a chip and chase.
Comments on RugbyPass
Article 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 !
2 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.
2 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
15 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.
18 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. 🥴
18 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…!!!
2 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!
18 Go to commentsthe success of the premiership can be summarized by : only 10 teams. It makes a huge difference with the overcrowded top 14 (let us not talk about Leinster and URC…)
1 Go to commentsGood for him. The ABs were fooling around again with converted fullbacks that had a penetration of a marshmallow. Laumape or as Aki has shown for Ireland, go forward is important in the centres. If it had been DMac - Aki- Aumua - Ioane- Telea- Jordan in France the final result would have been different.
4 Go to commentsDan Carter a apporté son professionnalisme, des méthodes de travail, un esprit qui manquaient à l’USAP. Son influence, même une fois blessé a été énorme. Et pour citer une anecdote, certains soirs il venait de lui-même à l’entraînement des jeunes pour dispenser ses conseils. On ne peut pas compter ce qu’il a apporté au club en heures de jeu sur le terrain. Est-ce que le club en a eu pour son argent ? Avec la publicité sur son nom et le titre, je suppose que oui.
1 Go to commentsThe SA sides are suffering from a bum rap here. There isn’t a side anywhere in the world that would do things differently in their shoes. They’ve been set up to fail in the EPCR comps by vested interests, with last minute intercontinental travel requirements that costs an arm and a leg to book in advance just on the possibility they might be required. And the total nonsense that denies any chance of home venues is entirely biased and absolutely unsporting. Either EPCR, the Top14 & the Gallagher Premiership get it sorted on a fair and equitable sporting basis for ALL participants or expect the ridicule to continue. Right now, these comps are a joke!
18 Go to commentsSA sides should do the right thing and leave the champions cup, they are lowering the standard with completely one sided games, not up to the right level. The greatest club tournament in the world is being banjaxed by the weak SA sides.
18 Go to commentsCouldnt agree more. SA sides need to show more committment and really have a go at the Champions Cup. Its quite possibly the most prestigious title in Europe and SA sides need to respect that prestige and serve up their best. EPCR needs to do more to ensure that sides from South Africa and sides travelling to and from SA have a better chance in this competition. The Bulls were put in a really difficult position of having to travel there and back in one week. One could argue that this is what the SA sides signed up for and that La Rochelle didnt complain or send out weakened sides despite having to travel to SA and back and play on successive weekends but surely the situation is also unfair on La Rochelle as well and so EPCR needs to think about successive gameweeks and the travel effect of the competition
18 Go to commentsI hadn’t watched much Canes this season but sat through a replay of that Chiefs game with no distractions. That pack is beastly. I really like the look of Iose. He loves the tough stuff. The first Quins clip may be the best I have even seen for a TH driving his opposite into oblivion. i need to take your word for the contribution of Walker, but Collier there with a straight back pushing up from under was a lovely thing to see. Have you fallen in love with Baxter also, Nick? I think Stuart Barnes may have written his column about him recently, naked. He positively frothed.
14 Go to commentsSmart guy. I wish he was running the RFU or something!
2 Go to commentsWhy Barrett, when Leinster already have at least 4 top centres.?
15 Go to commentsGood write up, Brett. Rebels are an interesting one for sure. 88 points scored in the last two games, but against two teams that are unlikely to be in the top 4 at seasons end. However the other side of the coin, against the Hurricanes, the team to beat atm, they conceded 54 points, and add in another 53 points to the then high flying Reds, and things don’t look so good. The acid tests will be against the Blues and the Chiefs. I do hope they do contest the finals this year, if only to confound those working on their demise. Les Kiss has made a big difference to the Qld. Reds, and they could so easily have now been sitting unbeaten at the top of the table. But they have now lost some games in a most disappointing fashion, and now step up against the Highlanders this weekend seriously depleted, four absolute key players down, two to suspension, two injured. Of the other Australian sides, the Brumbies look unlikely to fold to anyone any time soon, while the Waratahs and Force both disappoint. But still and all, winning games against the NZ sides is very welcome, and one would hope for more to come. Who will come out on top ? A North Island side for sure should contest the final, but I would hope an Australian side might just get there this year. Brumbies most likely, Qld. Reds could be formidable with a full team back on the field.
12 Go to commentsThe stat that illustrates some progress compared to recent years is that Aussie sides have won 5 of 12 games against Kiwi sides. The Tahs have lost 2 tight games against Kiwi sides, while the Reds and Tahs have contrasting experiences in games against Kiwi sides decided by that farcical thing called golden point.
12 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes pack has stepped up in a huge way this year. Their improvement at scrum time has been a big contributor to their success. Aumua looks like he is playing with a lot of confidence and put in a really good display at both set piece and in general play on Saturday. Him and Numia are putting in a good case for higher honours, A dominate combination with Lomax will help their case. And their loose forward depth is class. Iose has benefited from regular game time and Lakai has shown his versatility and promise. Thanks Nick. Hope all is well.
14 Go to commentsSamoa have enough former internationals who want to flick a switch for a country most have probably hardly set foot in. If you’re that passionate about Samoa, go live and play rugby there to qualify instead of just waltzing into the side and kicking a player actually from Samoa out of the squad. All these ex internationals hasn’t really made them that much more competitive because most look like they're going through the motions.
2 Go to comments