I’ve watched the game a few times now, and think I may be ready to attempt the player ratings.
Overall I thought it was a solid win with no one having an abject shocker. Also, no one really played the house down — it was a good old-fashioned 15-man effort. So I think the ratings may reflect that.
Name Rating Comment
Benn Robinson 4 The scrum went backwards and his impact around the field was minimal. He has certainly had better days in gold.
Tatafu Polota-Nau 5 TPN was dynamic in the loose and got through a fair bit of work, certainly more than his front row counterparts. But his throwing was at times off the mark and he is also penalised for the poor scrum.
Sekope Kepu 4 Same as Benny Robbo. Scrum went backwards and he was pretty quiet in the loose.
Sitaleki Timani 6 Considering all the flak his selection copped in the lead-up, I thought he did fairly well. Did the hard yards and had a few nice touches, including an offload to put a support player through a hole.
Nathan Sharpe 7 The engine that drives the forward pack, big Sharpie was good again. Topped the tackle count, took a few hitups and generally worked his arse off. Can we get him back for 2013?
Scott Higginbotham 5 Had a solid game. A couple of nice runs, a couple of good tackles. I know he can do better though, and Id like to see him running of Sanchez a bit more. Dropped the ball once as well when we were hot on attack, for which he loses a point.
David Pocock 7 I love how his running game is slowly but surely developing into a real asset for the team. His breakdown work was again outstanding, although he did miss three tackles in a very un-pocockian effort. Has taken to the captaincy well, certainly better than I thought he would.
Wycliff Palu 7 Would have bagged an 8 if he hadnt dropped the ball on a couple of occasions. He is in the form of his career at the moment, and played 80 minutes in gold for the first time in what feels like decades. His workrate was fantastic, leading the count in runs and tackles. I cant wait to see him against the ABs, and am now praying for his fitness every day
Will Genia 7 Directed the play well. There was a noted absence of slow-ball Meerkat Genia, which pleased me greatly. He took on the line at the right times, and generally kept the Welsh on their toes around the ruck.
Berrick Barnes 8 Once again takes out the award for G&GR Man of the Match. It wasnt a performance for the ages but he steered the Wallaby ship expertly and got us the chocolates in a close game. His only error was a kick failing to find touch from a penalty. Other than that he was pretty much perfect, and took the right option almost 100% of the time. Goalkicking was again good. Defence solid. He offers stability, which is something our backline will desperately need come the Rugby Championship.
Digby Ioane 7 Same old Digby performance. Came looking for work, and made an impact every time he did. Youve seen it so many times before its almost getting stale. But then you step back and see how much of a crucial cog he is in the team at the moment, and I couldnt tell you the last time he scored a rating of less than 6.
Pat McCabe 6 Was looking good until he copped a bump in the schnozz and went off in search of feminine hygiene products just before half time. Runs harder than any other centre in Oz.
Rob Horne 7 Did all that was asked of him, although he got a bit cocky when he started showing off to the crowd by scoring tries with his elbow. We get it mate, your elbow has healed. Finally. But seriously his defence was flawless, his attack was generally good. The latter could certainly improved but what he offers in that are at the moment is OK, and not much more. But he can certainly be happy after Saturday.
Adam Ashley-Cooper 6 Typical AAC game. Chased every kick-off like a mad greyhound, always made ground in attack, and when faced with open space and two unmarked men inside chose to tuck it under his arm and run at the Welsh defence. Could be in trouble with JOC and Drew coming back.
Kurtley Beale 6 He added some much needed spark to our backline, and created a few opportunities off his own bat. He tried a lot, and some of it came off. His pass to Horne under pressure was excellent and set up the try. However he also dropped a regulation kick and stepped out when under no pressure. The rust was evident. But still a good effort overall.
Stephen Moore 5 He is also penalised for the scrum failing, and also bungled a lineout throw. But other than that he did well.
Ben Alexander 6 Made a great impact with ball in hand, but is penalised a point for the scrum.
Rob Simmons 5 Played 15 miutes and was barely sighted. Which for a second rower is something to be proud of.
Dave Dennis 7 Made a real impact, and set up the Horne try through his linebreak. Has stepped up well in the gold jersey.
Michael Hooper n/a Didn't get on.
Nic White n/a The new Anthems Whitaker it seems.
Ant Faingaa 6 Took over from McCabe and did OK. Didnt miss a tackle, had a couple of hit-ups. Vintage A Faingaa stuff. Never let the side down.
So there it is. Nothing too high, nothing too low. But I imagine I will now be vociferously torn a new one by angry punters, as seems to happen every week at player ratings time.
Bring it on…
