Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs 19-20 Blues - Player Ratings from Qualifying Finals clash in Waikato

Both teams showcased their typical game – the attacking brilliance of the Chiefs versus the defence might of the Blues. In a somewhat uncharacteristic display, both teams kicked their penalties successfully despite knocking on over the line. Despite dominating much of the game, the Chiefs were eventually outmuscled towards the end as the Blues cored a try at the death to seal the win.

15. Shaun Stevenson – 7.5 – showed how much the Chiefs will miss his deadly counterattacking skills.

14. Emoni Narawa – 7 – Managed to get himself involved more than Carter.

13. Gideon Wrampling – 6.5 – stepped up well in Tupaea’s absence.

12. Dan Rona – 8 – excellent break and chip through for what was nearly a try for Ratima. scored one for himself later on.

11. Leroy Carter – 7 – couldn’t get on the ball as much as he’d like, but dangerous in every involvement.

10. Damian McKenzie – 7.5 – not his best, but still dynamic and masterful against his All Blacks fly half rival.

9. Cortez Ratima – 7 – typical performance from the little 9. Less influential as the game went on.

1. Aidan Ross – 6 – Wore some heavy shots in the first half.

2. Samisoni Taukei’aho – 8 – some trademark bulldozing carries.

3. George Dyer – 6.5 – Unspectacular, but largely solid.

4. Naitoa ah Kuoi – 7 – played 65. Huge lineout weapon for the chiefs.

5. Tupou Vaa’I – 8.5 – captain in Jacobson’s absence – big shift from the stand in skipper.

6. Kaylum Boshier – 7 – Unable to affect the breakdowns as much as he’d like. Workman like throughout.

7. Simon Parker – 7 – In for the injured Jacobson. Solid both sides of the ball.

8. Saipeni Finau – 5 – effective early on. Succession of penalties late on led to the play that allowed the Blues to win it at the death.

Replacements - 5 - Unable to provide any impact, or simply came on too late to. Blown away by the Blues at the end

15. Mark Tele’a – 6.5 – Ball didn’t come his way often but he got involved where possible.

14. Corey Evans – 6 – a few early errors but he recovered.

13. Rieko Ioane – 6 – better again today but still a lot to do if he wants to retain the black 13 jersey.

12. AJ Lam – 7.5 – big workload for the former winger. Really coming to the fore as a solid 2.

11. Caleb Clarke – 7 – returned with impact. Unlucky with a misjudged catch that could have been a try.

10. Beauden Barrett – 8 – At the heart of everything, the usual.

9. Finlay Christie – 7 – One of the best defensive 9’s. little room to showcase his running threat.

1. Joshua Fusitu’a – 6.5 – struggled at scrum time but worked hard throughout.

2. Ricky Riccitelli – 6.5 – sin binned in the first half for a mindless trip but otherwise industrious.

3. Marcel Renata – 7 – struggled to assert dominance but led with some huge defensive stops.

4. Patrick Tuipulotu – 6 – typical industry from the skipper, but unable to make headway until late-on.

5. Laghlan McWhannell – 5 – struggled to have much impact until replaced by Beehre.

6. Adrian Choat – 7 – tireless against waves of Chief dominance early, will be missed next year.

7. Dalton Papali’i – 7.5 – Like his opposite number unable to impact the breakdown to his satisfaction but led his team defensively.

8. Hoskins Sotutu – 7.5 – Better workrate today. Some big carries.

Replacements - 8 - After struggling early on, the replacement forwards upped the ante. Josh Beehre coming off the pine for the match-winning score.