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Crusaders player ratings vs Chiefs | Super Rugby Pacific
By
Ned Lester
Super Rugby Pacific welcomed the 2023 season with the reigning champions hosting their fierce rivals from Waikato, the Chiefs.
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The pace of the match was rapid from the get-go, the new laws undoubtedly contributing to a flowing game that saw a healthy dose of running rugby from both sides.
Tactical kicking suited the dewy Christchurch conditions and the Chiefs looked to pin the Crusaders back with some long kicks, but the Crusaders showed more intent with their attack early and profited to lead 10-7 at the half.
The second 40 was a different story though, the Chiefs started taking their opportunities with ball in hand and scored 24 unanswered points. Execution on their exits won the territory battle for the Waikato side and they ultimately played to their strengths with X-factor outings from Damian McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson and replacement Josh Ioane.
The pressure that the Chiefs managed to pile on in the second half pushed the Crusaders’ tackle count to north of 200 with an uncharacteristically high number of missed tackles from the defending champs.
Here’s how the Crusaders rated:
1. Joe Moody – 6.5
Had the Crusaders scrum marching forward in the few scrums that the game produced. Showed good enthusiasm in the contact whether it was in the tackle or at the breakdown. Overall a solid return for the All Black with more to come.
2. Codie Taylor (vc) – 7
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One of the big All Black matchups of the game saw Codie Taylor come up against Samisoni Taukei’aho. Both had early jitters with the lineout but Taylor looked to make up for it with opportunistic snipes around the ruck. Off at the half.
3. Fletcher Newell – 6
A physical presence in the limited contacts he found. Scrummaging is his party piece but those contests were a rarity in the match.
4. Scott Barrett (c) – 9
Barrett’s ability to be at the right place at the right time to disrupt and make the Chiefs’ attack awkward was superb. Doesn’t quite possess the same accuracy as his brothers when it comes to the grubber but two efforts in the first half came off well.
5. Mitchell Dunshea – 4
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Filling a limited role in a forward pack stacked with All Blacks. Showed decent ability to contest at lineout time and chase some high balls, but struggled against the class of his opposites.
6. Ethan Blackadder – 8
Absolutely immense work rate in a rampaging return for the All Black, chewing through carry meters and constantly turning every tackle into a turnover threat with his ability to bounce back to his feet in an instant. Tested his shoulder plenty of times with some heavy hits, one of which was awarded a yellow card. Regardless, Blackadder’s chances at claiming the All Blacks No 6 jersey are off to a fine start in 2023.
7. Tom Christie – 5.5
A tackling machine who put in a big shift, but, the Chiefs ultimately profited off some of the Crusaders’ disconnection in the defensive line and Christie’s focus on his defensive assignment left some gaps inside him.
8. Cullen Grace – N/A
Early exit with a shoulder injury.
9. Mitchell Drummond – 6
Initiated some varied attack throughout the first half. Was clearly conscious of the new rules, looking a bit rushed to clear from the ruck at times but scrambling well under pressure for the most part.
10. Richie Mo’unga – 5
Provided a handful of his typically unpredictable moments but was ultimately lacklustre. Kicking was subpar with the Chiefs earning the upper hand in the kicking duels. That loss of territory was key in the Crusaders’ demise tonight.
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku – 6.5
Strong under the high ball and showed good timing and instincts in defence. Physicality around the ruck was like another forward at times. While his strength is in the physical game, the pace of the other outside backs had Fainga’anuku a step behind in some scramble play.
12. Jack Goodhue – 6
Had some subtle and productive touches. His defensive positioning and communication was sorely missed when he left the field.
13. Braydon Ennor – 5.5
injected himself into the game well with some dominant tackles early but disappeared in the second 40.
14. Sevu Reece – 7.5
Typically reliable in getting in position to contest the high balls, regardless of the meters and effort required. Energetic on both sides of the ball. A mixed bag in broken play,
15. David Havili (vc) – 8
Richie Mo’unga handled the majority of the Chiefs’ tactical kicking game at the back. However, Havili’s few exits drove his opposition further back and ultimately handled that aspect of the game better. Havili slotted back into the fullback role seamlessly, positioning himself well as the last line of defence and seeking some nice lines on attack, claiming the first try of the season.
Reserves:
16. Brodie McAlister – 7
Sured up the lineout, playing the full second 40.
17. George Bower – 7
Proved an active defender but a mixed bag in the scrums.
18. Tamaiti Williams – 5
Shows good agility for his frame and cut down Damian McKenzie when the elusive flyhalf nearly broke the line.
19. Zach Gallagher – 4
His opposites started to shine in the final minutes and Gallagher was unable to return the favour.
20. Christian Lio-Willie* – 9
On early and put in a superb performance. Proved an energetic and agile defender with excellent discipline.
21. Willi Heinz – 6
Snappy and accurate with his deliveries from the ruck and provided some good leadership with his defensive communication. Gave away a couple of penalties late.
22. Fergus Burke – 5
Had limited impact but made good contact on his one clearance under pressure.
23. Macca Springer* – 6
Was unfortunate to be on the receiving end of so much scrappy ball in his debut. Only upwards from here for the 19-year-old.
Thought Drummond had a very poor game - his indecision cost the Crusaders on a number of occasions, he seems to struggle with the new law implementations, his delivery was slow and he didn't do much other than pass or box kick (badly). This made life more difficult than it should have for Mo'unga. The Crusaders have a problem at halfback.
That said, Mo'unga was also pretty average. The Crusaders had pretty much nothing in attack other than running straight ahead. Backline very flat, little variation - compare that to the Chiefs who were deep, had good structure and were well drilled. Will be very interesting to see if/how the Crusader's coaching team fixes that.
On a positive note, Barrett and Guzzler were outstanding for their respective teams - bodes well for the ABs!