Chiefs player ratings: Damian McKenzie gives watching Dave Rennie ‘another option’ as ‘ubiquitous’ All Blacks forwards shine
All Blacks Damian McKenzie and Tupou Vaa'i in action for the Chiefs.
Following a 42-12 victory over the Highlanders in the Super Rugby Pacific clash at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday, here are the player ratings for the Chiefs.
15 Damian McKenzie: Started relatively slowly but eventually found his rhythm and was able to create holes in the opposition defence, whether it was through his running ability, which led to Samisoni Taukei’aho’s try, or his kicking game. Dovetailed nicely with Josh Jacomb having moved to 15 for just the second time this season, giving the watching Dave Rennie another option. Shifted to fly-half after Jacomb was taken off but was then replaced after suffering a head injury. 8
14 Liam Coombes-Fabling: Quiet for the most part but he always puts himself about and did the basics well enough. However, Coombes-Fabling did not get his hands on the ball enough. 5
Talent to watch
13 Kyle Brown: Looks a real talent even if he hasn’t quite had that breakthrough performance. Brown once again showed good footwork and deft hands at close quarters as he always looked a threat in possession. 7
12 Lalakai Foketi: Without Quinn Tupaea and we don’t think his place will be particularly under threat. Foketi was solid enough before he was replaced early in the second period. 5
11 Kyren Taumoefolau: One brilliant piece of skill aside, it was a quiet evening from the gifted wing. Taumoefolau is hugely gifted but he is still settling into life at the Chiefs. 7
10 Josh Jacomb: Was absolutely smashed on one occasion which led to the most forward of forward passes, even for Super Rugby, but outside of that Jacomb was solid. A steady presence at fly-half. 6
9 Xavier Roe: Has become the Chiefs’ first choice number nine over All Black Cortez Ratima and there is plenty to like about his game. Solid delivering and a good decision-maker at the base, while he has the pace to be a threat around the fringes, which he showed for his nicely taken try. 7
8 Wallace Sititi: A few mistakes as he forced the odd off-load, but Sititi was still a ubiquitous presence on the field as he made metres in the carry and also scored a try. His mere presence also led to Tomas Lavanini pulling him back, leading to a yellow card. He is warming up nicely ahead of the All Blacks’ July Tests. 8
7 Luke Jacobson (c): Does the dirty work which allows of Sititi to thrive. Was bruising on both sides of the ball and didn’t make it easy to get quick ball, albeit there was one needless penalty. 7
6 Simon Parker: A huge hit early on led to a turnover and set the physical tone while he was massive in defence as they resisted some Highlanders pressure after the interval. Parker has not been quite as good as last season but his sheer size and work ethic is helping the Chiefs in the tighter exchanges. 7
Superb locks
5 Tupou Vaa’i: Another fine display from the All Blacks star. Effective in all areas as the hosts’ pack gradually wrestled control of the encounter. Considering his size, Vaa’i is also excellent at the breakdown and one key turnover stopped a threatening Highlanders attack. 8
4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi: Vaa’i was possibly outshone by his lock partner, however. A try and assist showed his ball-in-hand quality but Ah Kuoi was ultimately impressive in all facets. Arguably the most underrated second-row in New Zealand. 8
3 Sione Ahio: Found himself under pressure at times at the scrum but was solid enough elsewhere before giving way to the more experienced George Dyer at half-time. 5
2 Samisoni Taukei’aho: The set-piece went smoothly enough but it was in the loose where the All Blacks star made his presence felt. Taukei’aho was powerful on both sides of the ball and was rewarded with a try. 7
1 Ollie Norris: The scrum had the odd issue but it was coming on the other side of the set-piece as Norris was good in most areas. Norris was particularly good around the field. 7
Replacements: They carried on the work of the starters well enough but there were few standouts. George Dyer put in a good shift while Brodie McAlister was just as influential as Taukei’aho in what was an altogether solid effort from the bench, who maintained the momentum. 6
READ MORE: Chiefs v Highlanders: Result, match details, stats, line-ups