Seven players who boosted their All Blacks chances in the Hurricanes v Chiefs semi-final

Dylan Coetzee 15 Jun 2024 10:09 AM

Split with Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) and Peter Lakai (Hurricanes).

The second Super Rugby Pacific semi-final is done and dusted with the Chiefs beating the Hurricanes in Wellington 19-30 on the day.

The Chiefs now advance to face the Blues in the final next week but first, we take a look at seven players who stood up in the semi-final.

Chiefs

We will start with the winners who were brilliant when it mattered as Damian McKenzie showed he has many strings to his bow as his 15 points kicked the side to victory. He was composed and brilliant throughout for the Chiefs, the way he controlled the game after their fast start is very encouraging for his quest to start at 10 for the All Blacks.

Emoni Narawa is playing like a man who had his World Cup appearance robbed and one desperate to impress. The wing was an electric and serious handful, as the Hurricanes found out in the opening five minutes when he carved them open to set up a try. Speaking of tries Cortez Ratima scored (again) as his good form continued. The scrum-half has just about everything required to make the step up to Test level, and his combination with McKenzie could work in his favour.

Lastly, for the Chiefs, one of the players of the game was a barnstorming Wallace Sititi, who carried like a Spartan on the night. The number eight made 150 metres, beating four defenders and still making 13 tackles. It was a memorable performance and another one to put him on the map. There is plenty of back-row depth at the All Blacks, but Sititi is really special with the ball in hand.

Damian McKenzie’s 15-point haul powers Chiefs into Super Rugby Pacific final

Hurricanes

It was not their night, but that did not stop Ruben Love from doing what he does best. In a typically good performance, he made over 100 metres with the ball in hand and beat several defenders. He rounded it out with a try assist, and surely, with his season, he has done enough to be in the All Blacks equation.

Another player who has had a brilliant season is Billy Proctor with many suggesting he could challenge Rieko Ioane for the 13 shirt. Well if his sensational finish in the corner is anything to go by he certainly has a chance. Proctor is brilliant on both sides of the ball and is one of the most consistent performers across the league.

Last but not least is Peter Lakai who seems to turn anything he touches to gold at the moment and even in a losing cause he still found his way onto the scoresheet. He is such an intelligent player who knows when to rely on instinct or brute force and is very sound at defending and attacking. Like Sititi depth is a hurdle for him to face but he has a lot to offer and will only improve.