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Maori All Blacks player ratings vs Moana Pasifika
By Mike Rehu
A colourful season finale to New Zealand’s rugby season was expected as the Maori All Blacks took on Moana Pasifika, a would-be Super franchise making its debut in the rugby world.
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The Moana Pasifika team showed off their Tau Kaukawa, meshing Samoan, Tongan and Fijian styles into an impressive challenge. Then the Maori Timatanga haka was delivered in ferocious style.
The Maori blew two try chances before scoring the only first half try but Moana Pasifika led at halftime 9-7 with three well-taken penalties.
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The Maori had the better of the second half, the forwards off the bench making a good impact. If there was one criticism, they probably got a bit carried away with the lineout mauls. Finals core 28-21.
15) Kaleb Trask – 6.5
Early doors didn’t impress with his field kicking but after bombing a try with a foot in touch he pierced the gap between the halfback and prop to score the first touchdown of the match.
14) Shaun Stevenson – 8
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Playing against his cousin Rayasi he got the best of the family feud. First up forced a maul turnover on Rayasi after 5 minutes, then completely embarrassed his cuz with the dancing feet, sadly a try denied by Trask’s errant foot in touch. ‘Nga Waewae uira…the Lightning Feet’.
13) Billy Proctor – 7
Proved a good foil for Tupaea, and led the defence well with the M?ori concentrating on the ball and holding up the carriers to form mauls. A great line and pick up to finish for a try after Tupaea’s incredible burst down the left touchline. ‘Te Kaiwawao puioio… the tough defender’.
12) Quinn Tupaea – 8
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Beaten in the air first minute by Sowakula but it was all one way traffic for the Mighty Quinn from there on in. Robust turnover on Fainga’anuku at 22 minutes and an awesome piece of individual play that led to Proctor’s try
‘Ka wani ke to kemu.. your game is inspired!’
The Maori All Blacks have clinched a 28-21 victory over Moana Pasifika in an historic encounter at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton. #MABvMPA #MaoriAllBlacks #MoanaPasifika https://t.co/Tvct74eK89
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 5, 2020
11) Sean Wainui – 6
Featured in several strong runs but off with an HIA after 29 minutes.
10) Otere Black – 7.5
Smart play through out from the first five, his cross field kicks were a little askew first up but he really settled into the game and directed the team seamlessly. ‘Te Tianara…. the General’
9) Bryn Hall – 6
Was busy as you’d expect, and had his hands full coping with the in-form Folau Fakatava. Off at 71.
8) Liam Messam – 7
Potential try 8th min spoilt by a double move. Finished the game so full respect for his fitness. ‘Te Koro maruwehi.. the respected senior’.
7) Billy Harmon – 6
Got a couple of his trademark jinking runs and a spectacular line out take at the back in the 8th minute. Found himself offside at 9 and 31 minutes but at 52 minutes made a big tackle on Whakatava to snuff out a potential five pointer. Off at 61.
6) Whetukamokamo Douglas – 6.5
Made sure the M?ori won the contact area and did a lot of cleaning up. Off at 61. ‘Te Tane komarohi…. the Strong Man’.
The first-ever clash between the Maori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika promised fireworks from the kick-off, but the pre-match challenges have set the tone for the match ahead. #MABvMPA #MaoriAllBlacks #MoanaPasifika https://t.co/7h0afipuKq
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 5, 2020
5) Manaaki Selby-Rickit – 8
Big hit on Sowakula at 12 minutes to stop the attack in its tracks. Two line out steals and was still looking full of energy at the end. ‘Te Maroro Roa…. the long Flying Fish’.
4) Isaia Walker-Leawere – 7.5
He’s a big specimen and formed a very good pairing with his lock partner. At 28 minutes got in a huge hit on Apisai. Loves to carry. ‘Te Atua Whiowhio…. the Locomotive’.
3) Josh Hohneck – 7
Had to switch over to tighthead at the last minute. At 33 minutes had a nice powerful run but got isolated and penalised for holding on. ‘Nga matimati hapiripiri…sticky fingers’. Off at 65.
2) Ash Dixon – 7
Only emerged from the dark places to throw his impressive darts into a well-functioning line out. Started the second half fun with a maul try. Off at 70. ‘Kapene Miharo…. Captain Marvellous’
1) Pouri Rakete-Stones – 7
Thrown into the starting lineup after Marcel Renata cried off last minute the chunky front rower did well all over the paddock. Off at 65 minutes. ‘Te Kowhatu.. the Rock’.
For all the promise and strides forward the Wallabies have made under Dave Rennie, they have only one win, two deflating draws and two defeats to show for it. #AUSvARG #TriNations https://t.co/dXYugWxpkv
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 5, 2020
Reserves:
16) Kurt Eklund – N/A
On at 70.
17) Ross Wright – 7.5
On at 65 and first scrum smashed a penalty out. Used his ball running skills in the last minute to chew down the clock.
18) Tamaiti Williams – 7
On at 65. Tamaiti might mean boy but this guy’s a man mountain. Looked the part and blocked out the floodlights at times!
19) Ethan Roots – 7
On at 61 and an energetic 19 minutes. Couple of decent line out takes to step up as well.
20) Mitchell Karpik – 7
On at 61, nice feet to finish off a strong surging attack for the final try.
21) Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi – N/A
On at 71
22) Rameka Poihipi – N/A
23) Matthew Skipworth-Garland – 6.5
On early after Wainui’s knock and had a few exciting runs.
