Super Rugby Aotearoa: Crusaders player ratings vs Chiefs

A fixture all rugby fans, not just those in New Zealand keep an eye out for is whenever the Crusaders and Chiefs do battle as their recent contests have delivered some exceptional rugby. Who could forget that match in Suva in 2019 when the Chiefs found a gear the Crusaders could not match and took the game 40-27? And this was no fluke outcome when earlier this year the Chiefs put the Crusaders to the sword 25-15 in Hamilton.

Travelling to Christchurch and coming away with the chocolates is easier said than done, though.  In round two, the hosts were clinical yet ill-disciplined at times against the Hurricanes and will be seeking to rectify accordingly. The Chiefs inexperience up front and poor option taking exposed them against the Blues last week but with the return of new All Blacks skipper Sam Cane to the back row to partner Lachlan Boshier will make them formidable at the breakdown if they adjust to the recent rule changes.

The champions against their recent nemesis didn’t fail to deliver as a spectacle despite the rain affected conditions. It was a gripping affair with the Crusaders edging out the strong finishing Chiefs 18-13.

Let’s see how the Crusaders rated:

1. Joe Moody – 7

Good day out for Joe, especially getting one over fellow All Black Nepo Laulala in the first scrum to give his side a penalty that produced the first points of the match.

2. Codie Taylor (c) – 8

A true captain’s performance. His lineout in trying conditions was near faultless. Coupled with an energetic effort in defence and attack ensured his side maintained the standard required. World class.

3. Michael Alaalatoa – 7.5

Really impressed by his defensive efforts. Came off the line consistently putting the Chiefs runners under pressure. Lost his feet and a few scrums but the conditions no doubt contributed to that. Good day out for the Australian-born Samoan international.

4. Sam Whitelock – 7.5

Played like the leader he is. Stole a lineout, worked hard in the tight in both attack and possession. The veteran looked to be enjoying himself in the thick of it.

5. Mitchell Dunshea – 7

Did his bit in tough conditions. Wanted to be involved, wanted to assert himself on the opposition and did so.

6. Cullen Grace – 8

The Machine! What a superb performance by him. Not only made a mountain of tackles, he was largely dominant in those collisions. Stole a lineout when the Chiefs were on attack and despite the odd missed tackle and infringement Cullen just didn’t like he was going to stop. Best loose forward on the park.

7. Billy Harmon – 7.5

Not the game conditions for Harmon to excel but put in a big shift in Defence which what was absolutely required. Exhausted himself for the cause without fuss.

8. Whetu Douglas – 7

Solid defensive effort and didn’t have much opportunity in attack. Was in the thick of it.