2. Asafo Aumua – 6
Strong with ball in hand, and he was rewarded with a try, but his lineout throwing does remain a little wayward.
3. Pasilio Tosi – 6
Was very active during his time on the field with numerous carries.
4. Caleb Delany – 4
Played a key role in Aumua’s try but was otherwise quiet.
5. Warner Dearns – 8
Very strong at lineout time and even claimed a couple of steals. Had a key turnover at the ruck, and is turning into a big-game player.
6. Devan Flanders – 7
This was his biggest test of the year and he stepped up to the mark. Had a couple of steals at the lineout. Overall impressive.
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 7
Had a team-high 19 tackles and won a breakdown turnover.
8. Peter Lakai – 7
Massive at the breakdown with four turnovers. Looked busy in an eye-catching display.
9. Cam Roigard – 9
Proved again that he’s the best halfback in New Zealand, and it’s not close. Plenty of smart plays that put his team in control.
10. Ruben Love – 7
There were plenty of eyes on the battle of the 10s and there was a clear winner. Controlled the game very well.
11. Fehi Fineanganofo – 7
Continued his strong start to the season with another try. Was handed a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. It’s a real shame he’s heading overseas at the end of the season.
12. Jordie Barrett – 8
Another excellent performance, was involved in everything, although had a few overthrown passes.
Jordie Barrett in action against the Blues. Photo / Brad Roberts
13. Billy Proctor – 7
Scored a well-earned try, and showed plenty of effort and had his hand in a couple of other tries with some strong runs.
14. Josh Moorby – 7
Has been an excellent addition since returning from France. His game featured many great runs down the edge.
15. Callum Harkin – 8
Showed plenty of pace in scoring both his tries. A real weapon at the back.
Reserves:
16. Raymond Tuputupu – 4
Came on for a brief cameo and didn’t make any errors.
17. Siale Lauaki – N/A
Was on the field for a matter of minutes before being forced from the field with a head knock.
18. Tevita Mafileo – 5
Did give away a penalty but brought impact off the bench.
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere – 3
Had six tackles, but a real brain explosion at the end of the match where he was given a yellow card for tripping.
20. Brad Shields – 4
Having a player of his experience coming off the bench is a luxury and he did what was required.
21. Brayden Iose – 5
Brought plenty of impact in his brief cameo and showed plenty of fight.
22. Ereatara Enari – N/A
Came on for the last couple of minutes.
23. Jone Rova – 4
Had some strong carries at the end of the match.
Blues
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – 3
Went off after 20 minutes with a HIA, but didn’t return. Made three tackles in his time on the field, but the Blues spent lots of timeon the back foot.
2. Bradley Slater – 2
Lost three lineouts and some were in crucial areas of the field.
3. Marcel Renata – 4
Not much impact with the ball, but did produce 12 tackles.
4. Josh Beehre – 5
A team-high 16 tackles to go along with some strong carries.
5. Sam Darry – 6
A decent captain’s knock, but in vain.
6. Che Clark – 4
Made a crucial drop when the Blues had some rare ball in the first half, but did provide the assist for A.J. Lam’s try.
7. Anton Segner – 7
Very impressive carrying the ball. Showed ability to break the line, and came up with some big plays. One of the best for the Blues.
8. Malachi Wrampling – 5
Had a couple of handling errors, but showed plenty of effort in scoring his try.
9. Finlay Christie – 3
Not his best night, but didn’t get many chances before being pulled.
10. Beauden Barrett – 5
Struggled to stamp his mark on the game, although it can be difficult when your forwards don’t lay the platform.
11. Caleb Clarke – 4
Had limited chances with the ball and had mixed results. Appears to be auditioning for rugby league with his acrobatic try in the corner, but made a big mistake when he kicked the ball out on the full. Left the field injured, which will be a concern.
Caleb Clarke scored his try for the Blues. Photo / Brad Roberts
12. Xavi Taele – 5
Was well contained every time he threatened to break the line. Was the only backline player not to miss a tackle.
13. A.J. Lam – 6
Scored a nice try under the posts to get his side back into the match, while he came up with a huge turnover late in the first half. Four missed tackles do lower his score in an otherwise decent showing.
14. Codemeru Vai – 7
Was very active and busy in the first half but didn’t get the same joy in the second half, however 14 tackles from a winger is impressive.
15. Zarn Sullivan – 4
Not his best day. Had plenty of great kicks but otherwise was very mixed.
Reserves:
16. James Mullan – 5
Came on and was an improvement on Slater.
17. Mason Tupaea – 5
Was forced to play 60 minutes off the bench and didn’t do much wrong.
18. Sam Matenga – 3
Had a couple of strong carries. His new blonde locks are quite iconic.
19. Tristyn Cook – 3
Came on for his debut, but by then the game was all over.
20. Torian Barnes – 5
Strong coming off the bench. Would have been better seeing him in the starting side.
21. Taufa Funaki – 4
Some good runs but also had a couple of handling errors.
22. Pita Ahki – 6
Came on and looked to get involved and that’s exactly what you want from players coming off the bench.
23.Payton Spencer – 3
Struggled to make an impact when coming on. Had a costly turnover and a couple of errors.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.