Super Rugby review
Player of the year: There were a few contenders – new All Black Aidan Ross again powered a solid scrum, Bryn Gatland stepped it up a level in driving the team, Alex Nankivell was uncatchable much of the time, but Pita Gus Sowakula was the pick. Again, the storming backrower proved a force to be reckoned with, and was wellrewarded with ABs selection.
What they need for 2023: A little polish. McMillan will know, from what was built on this year, on the back of surging into the 2021 Aotearoa final, his side aren’t a million miles off being a title force. With Damian McKenzie back next season there will be an immediate injection of x-factor and experience and it shapes as the first time since 2018 that he, Retallick and Sam Cane will step onto the field together at Super level.
HURRICANES
AARON GOILE
Season record: Won 8, lost 7 – 5th on ladder, lost quarterfinal Grade: C.
After coming from 18 points down in the final 10 minutes to beat the Blues in their second game, anything seemed possible for Jason Holland’s troops. But soon came that shock loss to Moana Pasifika, and the Canes’ wild inconsistency was laid bare. Against the Aussies there were a further couple of losses, along with a couple of unconvincing wins, as they did enough to secure themselves a quarterfinal berth against the Brumbies. But after coughing up a handy advantage that night in Canberra, the Canes again proved they have some way to go if they are to be genuinely competing for a second Super crown.
Player of the year: A toss-up between their only two real stars – Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett. Skipper Savea edges it. He was an inspirational, follow-me type, all season, with his aggressive ballcarrying and big-moment plays. Trouble was, there was only one of him and the dynamic All
Blacks No 8 often had little help from elsewhere in the pack.
What they need for 2023:
To desperately lock in Barrett’s signature. The All Blacks utility, who was made the intriguing move to No 12 for some games this campaign, had last year re-committed for one more season only, but he is absolutely crucial if the franchise are going to have future success. They must also aid his cause in the backline by settling on a No 10 instead of their revolving-door selection.
AARON GOILE
MOANA PASIFIKA Season record: Won 2, lost 12 – 12th on ladder
Grade: C.
How do you fairly review a season that was like no other? The constant rescheduling of fixtures, which forced Moana Pasifika into multiple ‘storm weeks’ when they had to play three games in eight days, makes it impossible. But, this is what we know: despite those disruptions, they turned up every week and even managed to pick up two wins against the Hurricanes and Brumbies. That is a decent achievement for a side that was virtually thrown together at late notice, and suggests that solid foundations have been put in place. Clearly, they need to improve at set-piece time Significantly, several players have flowed straight into the Manu Samoa and Tonga test teams, where further development will occur. That is exactly what World Rugby – an investor in the concept – was looking for.
Player of the year: Henry Time-Stowers. A tough choice, because Levi Aumua was a weapon in midfield, and flanker Solomone Funaki was consistently good. However, it was hard not to admire TimeStowers’
relentless physicality. The No 8 was a standout in the majority of games he played.
What they need for 2023: Some experienced props and locks could transform Moana Pasifika. Wallabies prop Scott Sio is leaving the Brumbies – he would be an outstanding pickup, because at 30 he still has plenty to offer.
HIGHLANDERS Season record: Won 4, lost 11 – 8th on ladder, lost quarterfinal
Grade: D.
With wins against Moana Pasifika, Fijian Drua, Western Force and Reds to show for their season – and eight losses against New Zealand sides – it’s hard to argue that 2022 was anything but a big disappointment. The pack was fine, but the attack was poor, and they struggled to field a dangerous back three. Injuries played a part in the Highlanders’ season, but letting Hurricanes fullback Josh Moorby slip through the net was a costly decision on the recruitment front. There are also question marks at No 10 after Mitch Hunt’s disappointing year, and new head coach Clarke Dermody has a big job on his hands to get the club back on track.
Player of the year: Marino Mikaele-Tu’u. The 24-year-old has developed into a topquality No 8, especially on attack. After a tricky 2021, Mikaele-Tu’u started to fulfil his potential, and he was often the player the Highlanders looked to when they needed inspiration.
What they need for 2023: A new game plan, fullback, No 10 and wing, although Jona Nareki’s return from an ACL injury should sharpen the attack next year. The good news is that the pack is good enough to secure plenty of quality ball – retaining Pari Pari Parkinson would also help – but they can’t afford to stumble through another campaign without finding genuine answers at first-five and No 15.