Blues player ratings: Departing All Black will leave Dave Rennie ‘gutted’ while rising star makes new boss ‘take notice’
Dalton Papali'i and Anton Segner in action for the Blues.
Following a 36-33 victory over the Reds in the Super Rugby Pacific clash at the One NZ Stadium on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the Blues.
15 Zarn Sullivan: Scored a brace, including one superb score, as he shone in the opening period. Was quieter after the break and panicked a bit late on, which led to his kick being charged down, but it was still a very good display overall. 7
14 Kade Banks: Making his first start of the season, Banks struggled to really impact the game. Wasn’t much of a threat with ball in hand and the Reds had some success in the air. 5
13 AJ Lam: As always, a presence in the midfield, but the Australians managed to contain him pretty effectively throughout despite the odd rumble that got the Blues over the gain line. 6
The Blues glue
12 Pita Ahki: The glue in the backline as he linked nicely with Barrett at times and showed his decision-making qualities on the gain line. An understated performance but effective enough. 6
11 Cole Forbes: Finished his try nicely and ended the game as his team’s top metre maker with 110. Also did the basics well enough in a good all-round effort. 7
10 Beauden Barrett: A bit up and down once again, but Barrett’s ‘up’ was absolutely outstanding as he dictated proceedings for the first part of the game. Struggled either side of the break but got it together when it matters and kicked the winning points. 8
9 Finlay Christie: The All Blacks scrum-half was a decent foil to Barrett once again but will be frustrated that he rather lost control of the game midway through the match. 6
8 Hoskins Sotutu: Toiled away but struggled to make an impact in truth. Didn’t dominate in the carry like he can and was sent into reverse on a couple of occasions by fierce Reds tackling. 5
Fantastic flankers
7 Dalton Papali’i: It was a fantastic battle with Fraser McReight but the Blues star just about edged it in Christchurch. Won one turnover at the breakdown, carried hard – which included a brutal run for his try – and was the team’s top tackler. Dave Rennie will be gutted that he won’t be available after signing for Castres in France as he was outstanding on Saturday. 8
6 Anton Segner: Was effective enough in the opening period, making his tackles and gaining ground with ball in hand, but really came to the fore after the break, stealing two Reds lineouts and earning a breakdown turnover. Another fine display which will certainly make All Blacks boss Dave Rennie take notice. 8
5 Sam Darry: Excellent in the engine room, doing the basics incredibly well in the set-piece and around the field at close quarters, but had a highlights reel moment with his 15-metre pass for Forbes’ try – magnificent skill. 8
4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c): Physical and abrasive during his time on the field, while he stole a lineout at a key moment. However, Tuipulotu’s influence is probably more noticeable when he’s off the field as once again the Blues struggled without his leadership in the latter stages. 7
3 Marcel Renata: Solid in pretty much all facets but not much else to write home about. Got around the field in the loose and cleared out rucks, which generated quick ball, and ultimately put in a good shift for nigh on 70 minutes. 6
2 Bradley Slater: Slightly more influential than his front-row colleagues with the lineout effective, resulting in a maul try for the hooker, and his work in the loose more influential. 6
1 Ben Ake: A young prop still making his way in the game so not a surprise that he’s not dominant, but he was solid enough before heading off early in the second period. 5
Replacements: Another game where the Blues didn’t get the impact they wanted from the bench. Xavi Taele was probably the most effective while it was fantastic to see Stephen Perofeta back from injury, but the Reds finished the 80 minutes stronger to take it into extra-time. 4
READ MORE: Blues v Reds: Result, match details, stats, line-ups