Super Rugby Aotearoa: Top Five Players Of The Day

June 13, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

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.

Bryn Gatland was the hero of the day in somewhat ironic fashion with a drop goal in the final minutes to rob his father - coach of the Chiefs, Warren Gatland - of the victory.

It was a fast, physical game with penalties dominating the flow. The referees left the players in no doubt of the new scrutiny being applied to the breakdown.

We take a look at the top players from the opening day of Super Rugby.

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.

🎯 Damian McKenzie
🎯 Bryn Gatland

A thrilling finish to the first game in two months 🔥🙌pic.twitter.com/xfwWKopaSg
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 13, 2020

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.