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Hurricanes player ratings vs Brumbies | Super Rugby Pacific
By Adam Julian
Déjà vu for the Hurricanes in Canberra. Eliminated by the Brumbies in the Super Rugby quarterfinals following an epic tussle at GIO Stadium.
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In an eerily similar fashion to 2022 there was a late concession of points which wasn’t clawed back despite a herculean effort from captain Ardie Savea.
The Hurricanes end 2023 with a 9-6 record. Last week’s victory against the Crusaders is an obvious highlight in an otherwise frustrating campaign which saw them go 0-4 against the Chiefs and the Blues.
Here’s how the hurricanes rated:
15. Josh Moorby – 6
Tried to inject himself from the back on attack but lacked his usual incisiveness. Kicking was nothing to write home about.
14. Daniel Sinkinson – 7
A brave effort from the diminutive young winger. Made a joint-high 14 tackles as a lot of traffic was sent down his channel. His 53rd-minute break was the best of his 10 carries.
13. Billy Proctor – 6
Always rock solid defensively and makes few errors. Rarely breaks the opposition line however which might leave him out of the All Blacks midfield conversation.
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12. Jordie Barrett – 5
An unusually quiet night for Barrett who was tightly marked and offered little. He did make a quality try-saving tackle in the first half.
11. Kini Naholo – 7
Scored the opening try, looked for work, and finished with an impressive 17 carries. Not always the best on defense positionally, but he did win a turnover in the second half with a well-timed tackle.
10. Brett Cameron – 7
The Hurricanes backline has looked far more confident, threatening, and organised with Cameron running the cutter. Young Aidan Morgan really struggled in the last Blues and Chiefs losses and was surplus for requirements the rest of the season. Cameron kicked 18 points tonight with only one blemish from the tee. He was generally sound in his option-taking though was somewhat unfortunate to get trapped five meters out when the Hurricanes were ahead 33-25. The subsequent rolling maul try turned momentum the hosts’ way.
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9. Cam Roigard – 7
Didn’t snipe as frequently with the ball in hand but he distributed quickly, and his left foot kicking clearances were precise. Has made a strong case in 2023 for All Blacks selection.
8. Brayden Iose – 7
Made 11 tackles and nine carries in a busy shift where he didn’t quite replicate the pyrotechnics of the Crusaders victory. If he can stay injury free the future is bright. He made giant strides in 2023.
7. Ardie Savea – 9
Limited impact at the breakdown in the first half but he was among the top tacklers. His second-half display was herculean. Scored a try which trigged a 17-point scoring spree for the Hurricanes and then won a turnover. In the last minute, he won another turnover which presented a chance of victory. Unfortunately, Savea was held up over the line with the last thrust.
6. Devan Flanders – 6
His 60m runaway was reminiscent of Peter Jones and put the Hurricanes ahead 33-25. A panic pass in the 76th minute ruined a promising attack. Had six tackles and 10 carries.
5. Caleb Delany – 7
Was the Hurricanes main supply of lineout ball and ploughed through nine tackles – a player who’s recovered strongly after an injury-ravaged season.
4. James Blackwell 7 – Another industrious display by the veteran who topped the tackle count with 14. His carries are frequent enough but lack the punch of his All Black contemporaries.
3. Tyrel Lomax – 5
Conceded half the Hurricanes penalties in the first half one of which resulted in a try a minute later. Was outmuscled, especially initially, by James Slipper His high tackle count saves him from a lower rating.
2. Dane Coles – 7
Faultless lineouts, carried often without making much headway. Usual bustle at the rucks. Perhaps a surprise he was dragged so early.
1. Xavier Numia – 6
The loosehead side of the scrum was more stable for the Hurricanes. Numia was unable to gain much ground with his carries but defended robustly.
Reserves:
16. Asafo Aumua – 6
Lineouts were on target. Aumua was tightly marked on defense.
17. Tevita Mafileo – 6
Resolute in the scrum when it mattered. Carried vigorously.
18. Owen Franks – 5
Conceded a crucial penalty late in the piece otherwise held firm in the scrums and was composed in organising the Hurricanes’ last assaults on the Brumbies line.
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere – 5
Shutdown by the Brumbies’ defence as he tried in vain to puncture holes in tight.
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 7
Won two turnovers and his energy was palpable. Unlucky to concede a penalty for not supporting his body weight.
21. Jamie Booth – 6
Passing was quick and accurate in a brief stint.
22. Ruben Love – 5
Limited opportunity. Could have been brought on earlier to replace a quiet Moorby?
23. Bailyn Sullivan – 5
Little ball came his way, 2023 was not as memorable as last year.
Slipper certainly had the edge on Lomax. The Brumbies front row might have been advantaged by having the Wallabies second row pushing, but Mafileo made a big difference when he came on for Numia - it was Mafileo getting his side up that enabled Flanders to run for that great try.