Reds player ratings: Wallabies star’s exit ‘proves disastrous’ as Les Kiss’ charges demolished by Crusaders power
Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh and head coach Les Kiss.
After their 32-12 defeat to the Crusaders in their Super Rugby Pacific encounter at the Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, here’s how the Reds squad performed on Friday.
Reds player ratings v Crusaders
15 Jock Campbell: Had an eventful game as he was moved to number 10 late in the opening half after Tom Lynagh was forced off due to a head knock. Campbell looked solid at the back and although he tried his best at fly-half, he made no big impact on attack in that role although he shone on defence with 10 tackles made. 6
14 Lachie Anderson: The 27-year-old got some attacking opportunities from the back, gaining 38 metres from eight runs but he made little headway. 5
13 Josh Flook: The Wallabies centre caught the eye with a superb line break in the first half but could not round it off as the visitors scrambled on defence. Apart from that effort, he was kept in check by the Crusaders’ defence and finished with 44 metres gained. 5
12 Hunter Paisami: Another Reds player who did well on attack as he took the fight to his opponents with some strong carries which saw him gaining 35 metres, while he made no impact in the execution of his defensive duties. 5
11 Filipo Daugunu: Not much to report here as the speedster had few attacking opportunities and took over the goal-kicking duties when Lynagh was forced off the field. He only succeeded with one conversion though. 5
10 Tom Lynagh: The young Wallabies star looked lively on attack and created chances for his team-mates but his departure after failing a HIA proved disastrous in the bigger scheme of things as the visitors struggled without his creativity and game management. 6
9 Tate McDermott (c): The Reds captain came off second best against All Blacks number nine Noah Hotham as he was playing behind a retreating pack. He took on the Crusaders defence on a few occasions but made little impact. Yanked off on the hour mark with Kalani Thomas replacing him. 5
8 Harry Wilson: The Wallabies skipper showed his class with a deft grubber kick which set up a try for Fraser McReight but by that time it was too little too late. He was also a willing ball carrier and made nine tackles. 5
7 Fraser McReight: As usual, the Wallabies tearaway gave his all in the breakdown battle and was solid in defence as he made 12 hits. Was also rewarded with that late five-pointer but lost his direct duel against Tom Christie. 6
6 Joe Brial: He put in a huge defensive effort and finished with an impressive 18 hits but was anonymous with ball in hand before being replaced by John Bryant in the 67th minute. 5
5 Ryan Smith: The 28-year-old put in a solid defensive shift as he made 13 tackles but was put under plenty of pressure in the lineouts by his opponents. 4
4 Josh Canham: Did what was expected of him as a ball carrier and gained 17 metres, mostly at close quarters, but less prominent in other facets of play and was replaced by Angus Blyth early in the second half. 4
3 Zane Nonggorr: Although he got through plenty of work on defence and finished with a match-high 19 tackles made, he was put under plenty of pressure in the scrums. 5
2 Richie Asiata: Another one who excelled on defence but made little impact in other areas and was replaced by Josh Nasser in the 49th minute. 5
1 Sef Fa’agase: Like the rest of the pack, Fa’agase battled in most of the tight phases and he came off second best in his direct battle with Fletcher Newell in the scrums. Jeff Toomaga-Allen replaced him shortly after the start of the second half. 4
Replacements: Not much to report here as the players who came off the bench could not make the necessary impact – especially in the second half – which was needed when they were chasing the game. The Reds battled when Lynagh was forced off the field and the decision not to have a recognised fly-half on the bench came back to bite them and head coach Les Kiss will be regretting that decision. 4
