Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Super Rugby Aotearoa: Chiefs player ratings vs Blues

(Photo by DAVID ROWLAND/AFP via Getty Images)

The Chiefs returned home to the Waikato after their gripping 28-27 loss to the Highlander’s last week in Dunedin and were keen to atone for their fervent fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Warren Gatland’s men went into the match as favourites despite the Blues’ impressive defeat of the Hurricanes in round one of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

In the absence of skipper Sam Cane, the effervescent Brad Webber led the Chiefs with winger Shaun Stevenson celebrating his 50th cap for the franchise.

Video Spacer

In conversation with the Class of 1995

Video Spacer

In conversation with the Class of 1995

Historian and author Dean Allen chatted to some of the legends from the 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok team

The team remained largely unchanged with Naitoa Ah Kuoi coming off the bench to pair up with Tupou Va’ai in the locking engine room of the scrum, while veteran All Blacks fly half Aaron Cruden moved back into the starting line up to guide his side around FMG Stadium Waikato.

With a persistent drizzle from the heavens and referee Ben O’Keefe providing a literal interpretation of the laws the match struggled to find its rhythm in the first half with the Blues being heavily penalised. The Chiefs failed to cherish possession and their option taking was questionable in the conditions.

The ‘New Blues’ came out in the second half and ground down the inexperienced and mentally vacant Chiefs to secure their first win in the Waikato since 2011.

So, who were the Chiefs’ best in the traditional North Island grudge match:

15. Damian McKenzie – 5.5/10

ADVERTISEMENT

Kicked the points he should have and looked dangerous at times but guilty of kicking poorly in general play. Plenty of effort but decision making and execution let him down too often.

14. Shaun Stevenson – 5/10 

Didn’t see much ball. Silly penalty to start second half. A forgettable performance in his 50th.

13. Quinn Tupaea – 6.5/10

Solid over the ball and pilfered deep in the Blues’ half early in the match. Has the makings to be a special player but can drop off a tackle.

ADVERTISEMENT

12. Anton Lienert-Brown – 7.5/10

Found his way into the game without fuss. Consummate professional didn’t let his side down. Was staunch in defence and in possession.

11. Sean Wainui – 7/10

Wonderful running game and attacked the high ball well and chased his kicks, yet guilty of poor passing at times putting his side under pressure. Despite that one of the better players for the Chiefs.

10. Aaron Cruden – 7.5/10

Under played himself in attack early on and looked better when he took on the line later in the match. Kicked fairly well and made a number of crucial tackles and didn’t shirk to dirty work. A committed professional performance from the veteran.

9. Brad Weber (captain) – 4.5/10

A really questionable performance. His option taking and execution was substandard despite his efforts. Somewhat absent as a leader on the night hooked at the 64th minute.

8. Pita Gus Sowakula – 6/10

Carried well and defended well. The big man was industrious throughout with fellow backrowers but lacked the extra punch through the midfield that was required.

7. Lachlan Boshier – 7/10

A comprehensive performance and frustrated the Blues over the ball as expected. Failed to link with his backs when attacking opportunity presented but best Chiefs forward on the park.

6. Luke Jacobson – 6.5/10

Worked exceptionally hard in tight yet later in the match he was guilty of infringing around the breakdown that cost his side momentum and points.

5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi – 6/10

A mixed bag. Talent and inexperience both on display but liked his attitude. Had a crack and was in just about everything. Has the makings of a very good tight forward.

4. Tupou Va’ai – 6/10

Similar to his locking partner. Worked hard but for every positive impact there was a negative. Did not look out of place at this level but still so raw.

3. Nepo Laulala – 7/10

Very solid performance by the All Black. Hands let him down at times but he worked tirelessly at set piece and in the tight. Chiefs scrum solid when Nepo was at the cornerstone.

2. Samisoni Taukei’aho – 6.5/10

Lineout needs some work but had some strong carries and was committed to the cause. Much to like about his performance but requires focus and discipline if he is to take his game to the next level.

1. Aidan Ross – 6.5/10

Had some quality moments in tight in both attack and defence. Scrummaged well against a quality opponent.

Replacements:

16. Bradley Slater – 6/10

Provided some impact and his lineout work on a slippery night was okay.

17. Reuben O’Neill – 6.5/10

Has some game about him. Carried well and made a good tackle in cover defence.

18. Ross Geldenhuys – 6/10

The veteran threw himself into it in his cameo yet the Chiefs scrum struggled with him, Slater and O’Neill on the park.

19. Adam Thomson – 5/10

If he was there to help bring the Chiefs with experience in the later stages of the match Thompson didn’t offer that tonight. Still has the quality to do that job but will need to bring it next time around.

20. Dylan Nel – 6/10

Didn’t see much of him but that is not a criticism. Did work hard to lift the tempo and crashed fearlessly into the Blues in attack.

21. Lisati Milo-Harris – 6/10

Toiled away and showed he can play at this level but needed to really martial his troops more.

22. Kaleb Trask – N/A

23. Solomon Alaimal0 – 5.5/10

Worked away but didn’t impose himself on the match.

ADVERTISEMENT

Boks Office | Episode 41 | Investec Champions Cup final preview

Hong Kong China vs Kazakhstan | Asia Rugby Emirates Women's Championship | Match Highlights

Kubota Spears vs Tokyo Sungoliath | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Quarter Final Replay

Australia vs USA | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

New Zealand vs Canada | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

Argentina vs Australia | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

The gruelling reality behind one of the fastest sports in the world | The Report

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

S
Solenn Bonnet 13 days ago
Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

My name is Solenn Bonnet, and I am a single mother navigating the challenges of raising my two-year-old child while trying to make ends meet. I came across a trading platform that promised astonishing daily profits of 18%. The allure of such a high return on investment was too tempting to resist, and I found myself drawn into cryptocurrency trading. Excited by the prospect of financial freedom, I invested a significant amount of my savings, totaling over 5.7 BTC. However, what started as a hopeful venture quickly turned into a nightmare. The platform was a scam, and I lost everything I had invested. The emotional toll of this loss was immense; I felt devastated and helpless, struggling to provide for my child and keep up with my bills. In my desperate attempt to recover my funds, I sought help from various recovery experts. Unfortunately, I encountered numerous fraudulent individuals who claimed they could help me retrieve my lost money. Each time I reached out, I was met with disappointment and further scams, which only deepened my despair. Last year was one of the most challenging periods of my life, filled with anxiety and uncertainty about my financial future. Feeling overwhelmed and at a loss, I confided in a close friend from church about my situation. She listened compassionately and shared her own experiences with financial difficulties. Understanding my plight, she introduced me to Tech Cyber Force Recovery, a group of skilled hackers known for their expertise in recovering lost funds. Skeptical yet hopeful, I decided to reach out to them as a last resort. Their services came at a higher cost, but my friend generously offered to help me with a partial payment. I was amazed by how quickly they responded and began the recovery process. Their team was professional, efficient, and incredibly supportive throughout the entire ordeal. To my relief, they successfully recovered more than I had lost to those heartless scammers. This was truly transformative, and I felt a sense of relief and gratitude that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I strongly encourage anyone who has faced similar challenges or fallen victim to scams to reach out to Tech Cyber Force Recovery. If you’ve invested in a fraudulent platform like I did, they are highly capable of helping you reclaim your hard-earned money. Don’t lose hope; there is a way to recover what you’ve lost.

CONSULT TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY

EMAIL.. support@techyforcecyberretrieval.com

WhatsApp.. +15617263697

website.. https://techyforcecyberretrieval.com

Telegram.. +15617263697

0 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Henry Pollock, l'irritant irrité Le moment où Henry Pollock s'est senti agressé par l'UBB
Search