Super Rugby Players Of The Qualifying Finals

Fraser McReight – 1 Point

The Reds put up a good fight against the Chiefs last week, and although they ended up well on the wrong side of the scoreboard, it wasn’t for a lack of trying, especially from Fraser McReight. Queensland were able to make it an interesting game for the first 45 minutes of play and it was all thanks to their loose forwards, as McReight again showed his class in a losing effort. It was another big 80-minute shift from the Wallaby openside, and he left his mark on attack and defence, racking up nine carries for one line break and two defenders beaten, to go with 17 tackles and two breakdown turnovers. His ability to appear whenever and wherever his team needs him has made him perhaps the standout Australian Super Rugby player this season and although his campaign came to an end in the qualifying finals, it’s put McReight in fine form heading into the internationals.

Cortez Ratima – 2 Points

The Chiefs’ attack was red-hot in their qualifying final, running in six tries to thump Queensland 46-24. Cortez Ratima was a key part of this attacking success, as the halfback seemed to be everywhere on the field, often creating line breaks, regathering kicks and creating havoc in general for the visitors’ defence. He did most of his best work in the first half and played a big part in the Chiefs’ first try, collecting a loose kick to scamper deep into Reds territory, allowing Kyren Taumoefolau to score moments later. It didn’t take him long to slice through the Reds’ defence again to set up another Chiefs attack, while his kicking also played a big role in the hosts’ ability to get deep into enemy territory, with the Chiefs enjoying 10 22 entries, compared to the Reds’ five. His service to Damian McKenzie and co. in the back line was also top-notch, which brings us to our next point.

Damian McKenzie – 3 Points

The halves combo of Ratima and McKenzie had started together in just five games during the regular season due to a combination of injury, McKenzie sometimes starting at fullback and Ratima occasionally coming off the bench. However, they proved that their chemistry was anything but rusty on Saturday night, as McKenzie joined his halfback in helping the Chiefs run riot in difficult conditions. Unlike Ratima, it took Dmac a little while to get going in Hamilton, but he was the best player on the field once he did. He scored the second half’s first try by sliding over the line after a quick tap caught the Reds completely off-guard, creating a double-digit buffer for the hosts, and the floodgates opened from there. McKenzie scored another try 20 minutes later, running an excellent line to slice between a couple of Reds defenders to score and he had a role to play in the Chiefs’ final score of the night too, slinging a 20-metre pass out the back of the hand to Isaac Hutchinson, who slipped through the defensive line. That saw McKenzie finish with an impressive 26 points (2T, 5C, 2P) to help the Chiefs lock in a home semifinal.

Ruben Love – 4 Points

Ruben Love put on another masterclass in the #10 jersey on Friday night, steering the Hurricanes to a 66-12 demolition of the Brumbies. The Canes were always expected to comfortably take care of their Canberra-based counterparts, but few would have called a 50-point thrashing, especially in treacherous conditions in the capital. However, a stellar night from Love made it a compelling showing from the hosts, as he often found a way through or over the Brumbies’ defence. He was dangerous on counter-attacks, setting up a try for Billy Proctor, and his distribution was accurate even in testing weather, but his main contributions came off the kicking tee. Despite a swirling wind and horizontal rain at the Cake Tin, Love nailed all 10 of his shots at goal (nine conversions, one penalty goal) to wind up with 21 points, to go with one try assist, one line break and three defenders beaten.

David Havili – 5 Points

Johnny McNicholl was the one getting all of the pats on the back at One NZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but David Havili was the one making the Crusaders hum. Rob Penney’s side was on fire in their 52-31 triumph over the Blues, scoring eight tries, and Havili was the danger man, as he continued his excellent form in the midfield. Headgear Havili has been a treat to watch since returning from injury in Round 9, being in career-best form with his ball-running, with his experience also shining through via his defence, kicking and passing. It was no different on Saturday, as he notched up one try, one try assist, two line breaks, four defenders beaten, 16 tackles and one turnover win to anchor the back line. Havili showed good strength in scoring his try to put the Crusaders up 21-14, before cutting through the Blues’ defence to send McNicholl away for the first score of the second half. He then prevented a Blues try, holding up Hoskins Sotutu over the line, helping seal the win for the Crusaders in a masterful all-round performance.

Leaderboard After Qualifying FInals

1st Fehi Fineanganofo 15
2nd Leicester Fainga’anuku 14
T-3rd Cam Roigard 10
T-3rd Ruben Love 10
5th Fraser McReight 9
6th Callum Harkin 8
T-7th Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens 7
T-7th Max Jorgensen 7
T-9th Caleb Clarke 6
T-9th Carlo Tizzano 6