Super Rugby Aotearoa: Blues player ratings vs Hurricanes

The Blues and the Hurricanes cracked into Super Rugby Aotearoa on a beautiful evening in Wellington. The Savea clan provided the crowd a poignant moment as Ardie marched out with his brother Julian and two children to commemorate 100 games for his franchise.

The Blues couldn’t convert dominance, chances and an extra man for 10 minutes into points, to trail at halftime 11-7.

Things improved in the second half as timing became a little slicker and the northerners edged to a flattering 31-16 victory.

Here’re the Blues’ ratings.

15. Stephen Perofeta - 7.5

As a result of having Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett in the squad last year, looks like a more consistent, mature player. No glaring errors, good positionally and top runner in the match. Flew in for try to get the Blues out to a decent 21-11 lead after 53 minutes.

14. Mark Telea - 6.5

No space early on and knocked on a highball 23rd minute. Turned it around though with great evasive run out from try line pressure in the 40th minute. Had one of the longest runs of the match in the 73rd minute as he again ran from deep.

13. Rieko Ioane - 6

After a frigid first half, he got such a surprise to get the ball early in the second half he dropped it cold. Finally saw some space with a 63 metre run to the line to seal the deal for the Blues. Looks like he’d been practising his downward pressure on the try and his post-try poses……

12. Harry Plummer - 5

Solid at best, anonymous at worst. First sighted at 58 minutes with a good clearing kick. Held grimly on to Laumape a couple of times. Short with his only kick at goal at 66 minutes.

1. James Lay - 5.5

Got penalised in a 17th minute scrum but other than that added to a good pack effort. Was useful around the field. Off at 44 to make way for Big Karl.

SUBS

16. Luteru Tolai - 6

On at 54 and was solid. Has a good work rate round the field.

17. Karl Tu’inukuafe - 6

On at 44 and was his normal no-nonsense self.

18. Ofa Tuungafasi - 6.5

On at 44 and does everything in a very bruising manner.

19. Josh Goodhue - 6

On at 66 and added some vigour

20. Tom Robinson - 7

On at 66. Two big runs in 69th and manic on defence. Must be an inspiration to his flagging mates who started.

21. Adrian Choat - 6

On at 65, tried to bodysurf a few tackles but couldn’t get a turnover. Solid in the tackle.

22. Jonathan Ruru - 6

On at 51. Didn’t look interested at all to have a go at Aumua as he charged towards the line off a maul for a try. Has improved his speed and agility.

23. Tanielu Tele’a - N/A

On at 73.