Super Rugby Aotearoa round 2 review

Team of the Week

1. Fraser Armstrong (Hurricanes)- strong in the scrums, winning 100% and massive in defence, making 10 tackles overall.
2. James Parsons (Blues)- a huge performance from the experienced hooker, making 7 tackles and winning 10 line outs (especially good for the conditions)
3. Ala Alaalatoa (Crusaders)- a strong day for the Crusaders prop, who made 7 tackles, missing none and making 11 metres whilst winning 100% of scrums.
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)- another player making it for the second week running, Tuipulotu led from the front, being highly physical and making 14 tackles and winning lineouts while charging 34 metres (the most of any player this weekend).
5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Chiefs)- the young Chiefs lock makes it with his enormous work rate, making 12 tackles and making the same metres. Caused the Blues defence all kinds of issues
6. Cullen Grace (Crusaders)- Grace made an impactful start to the competition, making 13 tackles and being a nuisance around the ‘Canes breakdown. Also involved in the first try for Sevu Reece.
7. Dalton Papali’i (Blues)- despite being sin-binned on half time, Papali’i showed his class by making 15 tackles and several turnovers despite missing 10 minutes. An excellent performer for the last two games.
8. Hoskins Sotutu (Blues)- another Blues forward keeping his place, Sotutu really shook New Zealand rugby with his performance. He made 15 tackles, ran 24m, scored a try and assisted another with a floated pass to Mark Telea. He also ran hard from the base of the scrum and disrupted the Chiefs line out. My player of the tournament so far.
9. TJ Perenara (Hurricanes)- Perenara showed his passion for the ‘Canes with his performance, making 56 passes and running 63m, beating 2 defenders and making a further 2 clean breaks. He also made 6 tackles and inspired the team with his enthusiasm.
10. Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)- Mo’unga really impressed vs the Hurricanes, scoring 19 points (including a try), running 29m and making 8 tackles. Also, he controlled the game well, and his kicking was sharp.
11. Will Jordan (Crusaders)- I’m playing Jordan out of position to accommodate another fullback, but he was still incredible. He ran a huge 111 metres, assisted a try and didn’t miss a tackle. A superb performance from the Crusaders 15.
12. Quinn Tupea (Chiefs)- another player out of position, I’m including Tupea for his mature performance. He defended well, making 10 tackles and running 50m, causing the Blues defence huge problems.
13. Vince Aso (Hurricanes)- Aso impressed with his running and offloading, making seven metres and eight passes to ignite the Hurricanes attack.
14. Sevu Reece (Crusaders)- Reece showed his creativity and individual style of play with an excellent performance. He made 4 tackles and made 73m with two clean breaks. He also scored an incredible try in the first minute following some impressive build-up play.
15. Beauden Barrett (Blues)- Barrett produced a world class performance in Hamilton, running 40m and beating 5 defenders. He kicked well and controlled the game from the back, and didn’t miss a tackle.