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Chiefs player ratings vs Hurricanes | Super Rugby Pacific
The Chiefs have held on to defeat a late rolling Hurricanes 30-29 at Sky Stadium in Wellington this afternoon. Going into the match, the Chiefs were sitting in 6th place on the table with the hosts 8th. This encounter was a seminal fixture for both sides finals aspirations.
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Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan selected a strong forward pack that welcomed back All Black back rower Luke Jacobson, starting from the bench. It was those men that set the platform bringing both a physical and intelligent performance that enabled to the Chiefs to set up the result.
This is how the Chiefs rated;
1. Aidan Ross – 6.5/10
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Solid performance in the set piece that allowed his side the all-important momentum and front foot ball. In general play contributed nicely and didn’t lapse in defence.
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho -6.5
Really took it to the Hurricanes on the carry and put himself into some tough situations. Exactly what was required. Would have liked to have seen a greater assertion of himself in defence but all things considered a respectable day out.
3. Angus Ta’avao – 6
A strong set piece performance however was guilty of several venial sins in general play that either relived pressure off the Hurricanes or increased pressure on his own side. Not expected from a player of his experience.
4. Laghlan McWhannell – 6
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Late call up to the starting XV and put himself to work from the get-go. Appeared to know his role and was executing it well until he was forced from the field in the 24th minute.
5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi – 6.5
He was strong off the ball and imposed himself around the breakdown. Was busy all afternoon doing the grind and the accumulative affect his efforts were vital to his sides result today
6. Kaylum Boshier – 7.5
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Strong, strong performance today. Was a handful on the edges in attack and scored a deserving try. Enjoyed his accuracy at the breakdown and despite a couple of defensive indiscretions he was one of the Chiefs best today.
7. Sam Cane (cc) – 7.5
Another Sam Cane performance. He gave his opposition almost nothing. Defensively he was tireless and ensured that the Hurricanes backrow were challenged in the breakdown area. An area that the Hurricanes are strong in.
8. Pita Gus Sowakula – 7.5
He damaged the Hurricanes on the carry, bulldozed his way through them on several occasions. Such an integral part of the Chiefs attacking arsenal as his micro skills and vision to pass in concert with his power made him an absolute nightmare for the Hurricanes to handle.
9. Brad Weber (cc) – 6.5
A measured performance today. Didn’t overplay his hand and played the distributor role very well.
10. Josh Ioane – 6.5
Had a hand in the Hurricanes first try by not engaging the defence and simply passing to a player is a lesser position than himself. But as all quality players do, they get themselves back into the match and he had several influences on the Chiefs opening try.
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo – 5.5
He has had better days and although he was solid on the carry and threatened on several runs his defence at times was questionable.
12. Quinn Tupaea – 5.5
Wasn’t on his best today. He had some strong carries as expected by wasn’t as dominant today as we know he can be. In the collision as he appeared to play a little too tall into the contact. This couple with some defensive lapses hindered more than helped.
13. Anton Lienert-Brown – 8
Pound-for-pound probably the most effective rugby player on the park today. When there was a line to run, a tackle to be made or an inside clean to be done – he was there. You take ALB out of today’s match, there’s a fair chance the Chiefs don’t win.
14. Alex Nankivell – 5.5
Just didn’t really find his way into the match despite several nice touches. Some questions about his defence when playing wing.
15. Emoni Narawa – 6
Was exciting to watch with the ball-in-hand at times but did he make a tackle?
Reserves
16. Tyrone Thompson – 5.5 – Did as expect, made an impact off the bench and looked for work.
17. Atu Moli – 5 – Didn’t let his side down when he came on.
18. George Dyer – 5 – Chiefs didn’t lose much up front when he came on.
19. Josh Lord – 6.5 – Came on earlier than expected and had a fair crack today. Looked to get involved and lead by example. Enjoyed his work off the ball.
20. Luke Jacobson – 6 – Some intelligent touches during his cameo but his experience no doubt would have assisted in the Chiefs grinding this one out.
21. Cortez Ratima – 5.5 – He looked handy today despite some blemishes around the ruck.
22. Bryn Gatland – 7 – His vision and execution were on display today, particularly that 50/22 at the death to really take the wind out of the Hurricanes at the death.
23. Chase Tiatia – 7 – Such a talent and we saw that talent on display today, especially on the counter attack down the left edge.
