Super Rugby Aotearoa: Top Ten Players Of The Weekend

Super Rugby Aotearoa: Top Ten Players Of The Weekend

The Highlanders claimed a fantastic and dramatic 28-27 victory over the Chiefs in a gripping 80 minutes of rugby to kick-off the game's global return while the Blues claimed their fifth win in a row as they brushed aside the Hurricanes 30-20 in their first game of Super Rugby Aotearoa. 

We have picked our top 10 players from the weekend, in no particular order, with five players featuring from each game. 

Hoskins Sotutu — Blues

The Blues no.8 was absolutely everywhere on the field and was even named man of the match without even scoring a single point. 

Sotutu continued where he left off in Super Rugby as he made 16 carries, 9 tackles and carried the ball for 56 metres in 80 minutes of play. 


Caleb Clarke — Blues


The All Blacks Sevens star put in a massive performance for the Blues today and also found himself scoring the game’s opening try. 

In the 65 minutes Clarke played he was able to gain 110 metres, beat six defenders, make 100% of his tackles and produce a clean break. 


Otere Black — Blues

He absolutely pulled all the strings for the Auckland based franchise and it was nice to see him take the pressure of Beauden Barrett. 

Black scored 15 points, kicked all his kicks, made 100% of his tackles and even beat two defenders with ball in hand. 

Dane Coles — Hurricanes

The All Black hooker put in a massive shift but was unfortunately on the losing team. Coles, who struggled to find his jumpers at lineout time, had a decent individual performance and also managed to score a 40-metre try. 

The No. 2 managed to gain 41 metres with ball in hand, produce six carries and win one turnover in the match. He also gave his former teammate Beauden Barrett a hard time during the clash.

While his performance around the park was excellent, his lineout work was wobbly. 

Mark Telea — Blues

The 23-year-old winger played the full 80 minutes and was absolutely brilliant in the first of the match. He managed to pick up 58 metres with ball in hand, make 90% of his tackles and also beat seven defenders, while claiming to linebreaks. 

Marino Mikaele Tu'u - Highlanders

Elusive, bruising and brilliantly effective,  Mikaele Tu'u was in fine form before the 2020 Super Rugby season was brought to a halt and brought that form into the opening game of the Super Rugby Aotearoa.

He battered the Chiefs' defensive line with all 11 of his carries making 56 running metres and even dotted down for a try while his work the breakdown was excellent with a notable steal before half time.

Naitoa Ah Kuoi - Chiefs 

A 21st-minute replacement for Mitchell Brown, 20-year-old Ah Kuoi stepped up to the plate and put in a strong performance for the Chiefs.

He got stuck into the dark arts of the rugby and was elusive and aggressive with his carries. An exciting talent for the Chiefs in the second row.

Aaron Smith - Highlanders

A world-class scrumhalf producing yet another world-class performance, Smith was superbly accurate with both his kicking and passing for the full 90 minutes.

He made an excellent tackle on Brad Weber who was just about to race away to score in the opening few minutes of the game and provided Rob Thomson with a perfect ball to power through a gap and set up the Highlanders' second try.

His long-range pass to Gatland for the drop goal was also on point while he perfectly marshalled his pack around to maintain the ball in the final moments of the game.

Damian McKenzie - Chiefs

Another live wire performance from the Chiefs' fullback who did everything possible to get his side the W.

McKenzie finished game with 17 points with just one missed shot at goal. He assisted a try for the Chiefs and made over 40 running metres and came up with THREE turnovers for his side.



Bryn Gatland - Highlanders

Gatland proved to be the match-winner with his drop goal but considering the fact that it was his first game back from an injury he picked up in June last year.

He made a nice clearance, four tackles and of course won the game for his side.



In this Article

Latest News