Chiefs player ratings vs Crusaders | Super Rugby Pacific

After an incredible journey to this year’s Super Rugby Pacific final, the Chiefs’ fairy-tale finish to the season just wasn’t meant to be.

The Chiefs had only lost one match in 2023 heading into the decider – that was of course a surprising defeat to the Queensland Reds in New Plymouth.

But their championship credentials were clear for all to see, with many pinning the ‘favourites’ tag upon them ahead of Saturday’s final at FMG Stadium Waikato.

It was a seesawing contest, but discipline ultimately ended up costing the Chiefs – it was their Achilles heel against a side who are unforgiving in their pursuit of victory.

Leading by five points with five 10 minutes to go, co-captain Sam Cane was yellow carded, and the rest was history. The Crusaders did what champions do and managed to sneak their way in front – and eventually won the contest 20-25.

Here’s how the Chiefs rated.

15. Shaun Stevenson – 8.5/10

On the biggest stage in Super Rugby Pacific, Shaun Stevenson did what Shaun Stevenson does. The outstanding fullback crossed for another try for the Chiefs – and equalled the franchises’ all-time record for most tries scored by a player in a season.

The fullback also showed some more individual flair to set up winger Emoni Narawa for a try just after the break. By the end of the match, Stevenson had run for more than 100 metres from 13 carries.

14. Emoni Narawa – 8.5

About 80 seconds into the contest, Emoni Narawa set the tone for what ended up being another impressive performance from the Chiefs winger. Narawa looked cool, calm and collected as he reeled in a high ball to claim a mark – but did so with All Black Will Jordan charging his way. Again, it set the tone.

Narawa went on to score a brilliant just after the break, and almost had a second about 13 minutes later – but it was called back for an offside. The All Black bolter ended up carrying the ball 13 times for a staggering 136 running metres.

13. Alex Nankivell – 7

The first of the departing Chiefs players on this list, Munster-bound Alex Nankivell was more than impressive in the No. 13 jersey for the hosts. Nankivell showcased some brilliant skill to set up Shaun Stevenson for the first try of the contest and was otherwise an integral part of some glorious attacking play throughout the match.

12. Anton Lienert-Brown – 7

Early in the contest, after going down three-nil, a split-second decision almost spelt disaster for Anton Lienert-Brown and the Chiefs. Lienert-Brown was yellow-carded for a head clash with Dallas McLeod – fortunately, it wasn’t upgraded to a red.

Lienert-Brown came back on and made amends with some impressive tackles in defence, and useful involvements in attack as well. The Chiefs wouldn’t be the same team without the world-class midfielder.

11. Etene Nanai-Seturo 6.5

Former All Blacks Sevens star Etene Nanai-Seturo was kept quiet in Saturday’s decider. The rapid winger just didn’t get the ball in space – and as a result, Nanai-Seturo just wasn’t able to make his mark. The winger only carried the ball seven times and also made three stops on the defensive side of the ball.

10. Damian McKenzie – 8.5

As a playmaker, there’s only going to be pressure on you heading into a final – and that was no different for Damian McKenzie. But there was an added layer of expectation lurking in the shadows as McKenzie prepared to face All Blacks incumbent Richie Mo’unga in a quasi-Test rehearsal.

McKenzie was sensational. There’s just no other way to paint that picture. The flyhalf kicked very well around the field of play and also carried the ball for more than 150 metres.

9. Brad Weber – 7

Walking off the field at FMG Stadium Waikato for the last time as a Chiefs player, co-captain Brad Weber was rightfully met with a vibrant ovation from the home crowd. After a stellar career in the famous black, red and yellow strip, Weber has signed for Stade Francais for after this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Weber did his job on Saturday night without really standing out. There were no 50/22s or electric carries from the experienced halfback – but the All Black was far from disappointing. Weber helped the Chiefs maintain some consistent momentum with quick and quality ball.

1. Aidan Ross – 6.5

The Chiefs’ scrum was quite solid, and Aidan Ross was a big part of that. The loosehead prop also made his mark around the park with some strong stops on the defensive side of the ball and three rampaging carries.

2. Samisoni Taukei’aho – 7.5

In some ways, it was a game of two halves from Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho. The All Black was uncharacteristically quiet during the first term but was able to come alive after the break. By the time the world-class No. 2 was replaced, he’d made an incredible 14 tackles.

As for his effort at the set piece, it was a mixed night for Taukei’aho. The hooker had to wait a fair while for his first lineout throw – and things didn’t go to plan right away. Taukei’aho had throws picked off by Crusaders duo Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock during the second half but managed to correct things at the set piece before leaving the field.

3. George Dyer

Much like his front-row partner Aidan Ross, George Dyer deserves a shoutout for the Chiefs’ performance at the set piece – especially at scrum time. Coming up against an all-star pack in the Crusaders, the hosts more than held their own. Dyer made his mark in defence with six stops,

4. Brodie Retallick – 7.5

Playing his last match for the Chiefs on Saturday, Brodie Retallick deserved to go out a winner. While the fairytale finish wasn’t to be for the world-class lock, Retallick both should and will be celebrated as a champion – leaving behind a legendary legacy as he prepares to depart for another opportunity overseas.

I’ve said it time and time again, so it’s only fitting that for his last game in Chiefs colours that Retallick is praised as the workhorse that he is. Retallick was able to make his mark at the set-piece and was also reliable in defence with nine tackles.

5. Tupou Vaa’i – 6.5

Tupou Vaa’i showed glimpses of promise in Saturday’s final, especially as the Chiefs began to develop some momentum with front-foot ball. But semi-regularly, the All Black seemed to go missing for periods of the contest. Vaa’i just wasn’t able to have the impact on the match that he probably would’ve wanted.

6. Pita Gus Sowakula – 6.5

Another one of the departing Chiefs players, two-Test All Black Pita Gus Sowakula was elevated to the starting side this week – and for the most part, the blindside flanker was solid. Sowakula carried the ball with purpose and intent, and also made 100 per cent of his tackle attempts.

7. Sam Cane – 8

As Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane said after the match, “You don’t always get what you deserve in sport.” That quote sums up Cane’s performance perfectly. After making a game-high 22 tackles, the flanker certainly deserves a winners medal – but again, sport just isn’t fair.

Cane was yellow-carded with about nine minutes to play, and with the match in the balance, this ultimately ended up being a game-changing play. The Crusaders scored from the ensuing lineout and held on for a thrilling win with Cane in the sin bin.

But that one moment doesn’t define Cane’s performance, nor does it define his season. If the All Black can play like this for the national team, then Ian Foster can sleep easy knowing who is No. 7 is ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup.

8. Luke Jacobson – 7.5

Loose forward Luke Jacobson has been brilliant this season, and Saturday’s final was no different. On more than one occasion, Jacobson showcased sheer moments of brilliance – moments that more than justified his place in the All Blacks. The No. 8 was yellow-carded in the 27^th minute though which does impact his rating a bit.

Replacements:

16. Tyrone Thompson – 6
17. Ollie Norris – 6.5
18. John Ryan – 6
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi – 6
20. Samipeni Finau – 6.5
21. Cortez Ratima – 6
22. Josh Ioane – 6.5
23. Rameka Poihipi – 5