Hurricanes v Blues player ratings: All Blacks star steals the show, as two bolters impress

Rating the players’ performances in last night’s top-of-the-table clash between the Hurricanes and Blues in Wellington.

The Hurricanes won the match 42-19.

Hurricanes

1. Xavier Numia – 9

Big impact and forced to play nearly 80 minutes. Strong at scrum time and didn’t back down. Needs to be in the All Blacks mix this year.

2. Asafo Aumua – 6

Strong with ball in hand, and he was rewarded with a try, but his lineout throwing does remain a little wayward.

3. Pasilio Tosi – 6

Was very active during his time on the field with numerous carries.

4. Caleb Delany – 4

Played a key role in Aumua’s try but was otherwise quiet.

5. Warner Dearns – 8

Very strong at lineout time and even claimed a couple of steals. Had a key turnover at the ruck, and is turning into a big-game player.

6. Devan Flanders – 7

This was his biggest test of the year and he stepped up to the mark. Had a couple of steals at the lineout. Overall impressive.

7. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 7

Had a team-high 19 tackles and won a breakdown turnover.

8. Peter Lakai – 7

Massive at the breakdown with four turnovers. Looked busy in an eye-catching display.

9. Cam Roigard – 9

Proved again that he’s the best halfback in New Zealand, and it’s not close. Plenty of smart plays that put his team in control.

10. Ruben Love – 7

There were plenty of eyes on the battle of the 10s and there was a clear winner. Controlled the game very well.

11. Fehi Fineanganofo – 7

Continued his strong start to the season with another try. Was handed a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. It’s a real shame he’s heading overseas at the end of the season.

12. Jordie Barrett – 8

Another excellent performance, was involved in everything, although had a few overthrown passes.

13. Billy Proctor – 7

Scored a well-earned try, and showed plenty of effort and had his hand in a couple of other tries with some strong runs.

14. Josh Moorby – 7

Has been an excellent addition since returning from France. His game featured many great runs down the edge.

15. Callum Harkin – 8

Showed plenty of pace in scoring both his tries. A real weapon at the back.

Reserves:

16. Raymond Tuputupu – 4

Came on for a brief cameo and didn’t make any errors.

17. Siale Lauaki – N/A

Was on the field for a matter of minutes before being forced from the field with a head knock.

18. Tevita Mafileo – 5

Did give away a penalty but brought impact off the bench.

19. Isaia Walker-Leawere – 3

Had six tackles, but a real brain explosion at the end of the match where he was given a yellow card for tripping.

20. Brad Shields – 4

Having a player of his experience coming off the bench is a luxury and he did what was required.

21. Brayden Iose – 5

Brought plenty of impact in his brief cameo and showed plenty of fight.

22. Ereatara Enari – N/A

Came on for the last couple of minutes.

23. Jone Rova – 4

Had some strong carries at the end of the match.

Blues

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – 3

Went off after 20 minutes with a HIA, but didn’t return. Made three tackles in his time on the field, but the Blues spent lots of timeon the back foot.

2. Bradley Slater – 2

Lost three lineouts and some were in crucial areas of the field.

3. Marcel Renata – 4

Not much impact with the ball, but did produce 12 tackles.

4. Josh Beehre – 5

A team-high 16 tackles to go along with some strong carries.

5. Sam Darry – 6

A decent captain’s knock, but in vain.

6. Che Clark – 4

Made a crucial drop when the Blues had some rare ball in the first half, but did provide the assist for A.J. Lam’s try.

7. Anton Segner – 7

Very impressive carrying the ball. Showed ability to break the line, and came up with some big plays. One of the best for the Blues.

8. Malachi Wrampling – 5

Had a couple of handling errors, but showed plenty of effort in scoring his try.

9. Finlay Christie – 3

Not his best night, but didn’t get many chances before being pulled.

10. Beauden Barrett – 5

Struggled to stamp his mark on the game, although it can be difficult when your forwards don’t lay the platform.

11. Caleb Clarke – 4

Had limited chances with the ball and had mixed results. Appears to be auditioning for rugby league with his acrobatic try in the corner, but made a big mistake when he kicked the ball out on the full. Left the field injured, which will be a concern.

12. Xavi Taele – 5

Was well contained every time he threatened to break the line. Was the only backline player not to miss a tackle.

13. A.J. Lam – 6

Scored a nice try under the posts to get his side back into the match, while he came up with a huge turnover late in the first half. Four missed tackles do lower his score in an otherwise decent showing.

14. Codemeru Vai – 7

Was very active and busy in the first half but didn’t get the same joy in the second half, however 14 tackles from a winger is impressive.

15. Zarn Sullivan – 4

Not his best day. Had plenty of great kicks but otherwise was very mixed.

Reserves:

16. James Mullan – 5

Came on and was an improvement on Slater.

17. Mason Tupaea – 5

Was forced to play 60 minutes off the bench and didn’t do much wrong.

18. Sam Matenga – 3

Had a couple of strong carries. His new blonde locks are quite iconic.

19. Tristyn Cook – 3

Came on for his debut, but by then the game was all over.

20. Torian Barnes – 5

Strong coming off the bench. Would have been better seeing him in the starting side.

21. Taufa Funaki – 4

Some good runs but also had a couple of handling errors.

22. Pita Ahki – 6

Came on and looked to get involved and that’s exactly what you want from players coming off the bench.

23.Payton Spencer – 3

Struggled to make an impact when coming on. Had a costly turnover and a couple of errors.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.