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Hurricanes player ratings vs Highlanders | Super Rugby Pacific

08 Apr 2023

(Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

The Hurricanes have surged up to first on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with a hard-fought 29-14 win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

After a thrilling first half, second half tries to Cam Roigard, Salesi Rayasi and James Blackwell saw the visitors run away with a convincing win.

But no bonus point – something coach Jason Holland said was “frustrating” on Sky Sport after the match. Here’s how the Hurricanes rated in the win.

Josh Moorby – 7/10

Fullback Josh Moorby has quite impressive this season, and Saturday nights New Zealand derby was no different. Moorby works very hard, and that reflects quite well in his stat line. The outside back ran for almost 60 metres, got stuck in on the defensive side of the ball, and kicked well out of hand.

Julian Savea – 5

‘The Bus’ wasn’t too busy on Saturday. Savea went missing for long periods of that match, but worked hard to get himself involved when and where he could. The winger had six carries for 20 metres, and also made four tackles.

Billy Proctor – 8

Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor had another strong performance on Saturday night, as he continues to build on his promising start to the season. Proctor is one of the best defensive centres in New Zealand, but it was his attacking game that stood out tonight.

Proctor ran the ball 10 times for more than 80 metres, and also beat seven defenders. To put it simply, Proctor is a star of the future – but is getting it done today.

Jordie Barrett – 8

The Hurricanes wouldn’t be the same team without Jordie Barrett. While it wasn’t the All Blacks’ best performance in a Canes jersey, his impact can’t be ignored. The star midfielder finished with 100 per cent tackle accuracy from eight attempts, and was also among the leaders for carries out of any Hurricanes player.

Salesi Rayasi – 8.5

In-form winger Salesi Rayasi added another two tries to his season tally in round seven – having scored about 15 minutes into the game, and crossing for another with about 15 to play. Rayasi showed his speed, strength and athleticism with the first effort, and ran a brilliant supporting line to secure his brace.

In the end, Rayasi carried the ball 11 times for 40 metres, and also got stuck in on the defensive side of the ball.

Aidan Morgan – 6.5

Aidan Morgan was given an opportunity to start in the No. 10 jersey this week after Brett Cameron was injured against the Force, and the rising star didn’t look out of place. No team wins at Super Rugby level without their flyhalf, so the scoreboard has to reflect on Morgan a bit.

But there were periods of the game where Morgan went missing – unable to make an impact as the likes of Cam Roigard, Jordie Barrett and Du’Plessis Kirifi took control.

Cam Roigard – 8.5

Halfback Cam Roigard was certainly in the conversation for player of the match honours. The rising got off to a bit of a slow start, but quickly came alive midway through the first half – and he didn’t look back either.

Cam Roigard goes yoink 🥷#HIGvHUR #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/riyCdkLBjr
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 8, 2023

Roigard looked cool, calm and collected throughout a statement game from the Counties scrum-half. Not only was his playmaking around the park quite brilliant, but the New Zealand also had an impressive amount of carries to his name at the break.

Early in the second half, Roigard set up James Blackwell with some clever thinking. Then, shortly after, Roigard intercepted a flick pass from Folau Fakatava, and ran about 70 metres on his way to the try line.

I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again: Ian Foster, are you watching? If the All Blacks are looking for a bolter at this year’s World Cup, then they could do a lot worse than picking the Hurricanes’ No. 9.

Xavier Numia – 6.5

Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia put in a solid shift throughout a thrilling first half. While Numia failed to make a significant impact, you can’t fault his work rate and desire. The front rower was penalised in the 19^th minute though for collapsing at the scrum.

Dane Coles – 6.5

It was a tough first half for All Blacks hooker Dane Coles. The Super Rugby veteran certainly packed a punch as he brought his trademark physicality to the contest, but was unable to make a defining impact against the Landers.

Coles only carried the ball twice and made four tackles, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom – the 36-year-old was practically perfect at the set-piece, having hit seven of his eight targets at the lineout.

Tyrel Lomax – 7

Much like his prop partner Xavier Numia, Lomax didn’t stop running throughout a back-and-forth first term. It didn’t all go the Hurricanes way throughout the first half, and it certainly didn’t come easy as the forwards were locked in a titanic battle at the set-piece.

All Black Tyrel Lomax won a penalty at the scrum inside the opening five minutes. Around the park, Lomax made nine tackles on the defensive side of the ball – the second-most out of any Canes player by the time he went off.

James Blackwell – 7.5

Every time James Blackwell plays for the Hurricanes, he gives his all. The lock is always in the thick of the action, and Saturday night was no exception. Blackwell finished with a staggering 11 carries to his name, and also made 11 tackles on the defensive side of the ball.

The try-scoring hero crossed for a five-pointer early in the second half, as he fought his way over from close range. Blackwell was also a general at the set-piece.

Dominic Bird – 7

Bird was a late callup to the Hurricanes starting XV after an injury to Isaia Walker-Leawere, and the veteran didn’t look out of place. The lock was one of the go-to players for Dane Coles and Asafo Aumua at the set-piece, and also made his mark around the field.

At the half-time break, Bird had made eight tackles and missed none – leading the Hurricanes on the defensive side of the contest at that stage.

Brayden Iose – 7.5

Brayden Iose ran the ball with purpose and intent during his time out in the middle at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The flanker ran over Highlanders centre Fetuli Paea in the leadup to Salesi Rayasi’s first try – a sign of what was to come. With seven carries and nine tackles to his name, Iose can be proud of his performance tonight.

Du’Plessis Kirifi – 8

Du’Plessis Kirifi regularly flies under the radar for the Hurricanes – at least this season. Time and time again, the flanker works tirelessly for his team, but sometimes doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Well that changes tonight.

Kirifi was one of the Hurricanes’ best on Saturday, and it all started with impressive burst into the Highlanders 22. The flanker beat a couple of defenders on his 15 metre burst through the heart of the Landers’ defence.

By the end of the match, Kirifi finished with nine carries and 14 tackles to his name. Simply outstanding from the Wellington Lions captain.

Ardie Savea – 8

World-class backrower Ardie Savea is a work horse. Each and every time he takes the field in a Canes jersey, he works his heart out for his team. The No. 8 made a try-saving tackle on Highlanders winger Jonah Lowe just before half-time, and also proved hard to stop on the attacking side of the contest.

Savea also won a penalty at the breakdown in the 33^rd minute – with the Highlanders hot on attack as well.

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