Our Backs Need To Lift Game
The Hurricanes scored 11 tries to one in their 67-5 win over the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at the Sky Stadium in
Wellington on Sunday.
Despite making 11 changes, the Drua side failed to execute their game plan against a resilient Hurricanes side, which prompted captain, Meli Derenalagi, to call on the players to change their attitude.
Sloppy passing, poor ball handling and mis-tackles were the order of the day to the disappointment of the Drua fans.
How we rate our players: 15. Kitione Taliga -
Quiet game, had a few touches but lots of aimless kicking: 2
14. Selestino Ravutaumada - He was lost in the game: 1
13. Apisalome Vota - Had a few carries, did a few tackles but was always lateral. He is always direct and offers nothing new: 1
12. Jona Mataiciwa - A young player that showed maturity at secondfive eighth with good defence and running lines: 3
11. Kitione Ratu - Had a few line breaks but was not effective, stayed out on the wing for most times: 2
10. Caleb Muntz - Completely shut out of the game. Too flat in attack and scrambled on defence: 1
9. Simione Kuruvoli - Started well, tried to command proceedings but had to be replaced due to injury: 2
8. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta - Played well especially with his handling.
Skilful and dynamic from the back of the scrum, carried the ball well. Good on attack and defence: 6
6. Meli Derenalagi - He was tough and took what came at him.
Showed his skills with his good defensive work rate: 6.5
7. Kitione Salawa Jnr - His performance made a strong statement.
Big engine, and he produced some skilful moments when needed to.
He won two turnovers and was relentless in attack and defence: 7
5. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele - Good at scrummaging, hard running with good carries: 5
4. Isoa Nasilasila - Accurate at the lineout and punched some holes in the Hurricanes defensive line with some big carries: 7
3. Samuela Tawake- Stayed consistent. Put on his best performance.
Powerful in the scrums and was a beast on defense.
He was often seeing driving back the Hurricanes with his upper body strength: 8
2. Zuriel Togiatama - Lineout throws has improved and was dominant in the scrums. Also got his hands on the ball in the wider channels: 7
1. Haereiti Hetet - Stood his ground delivered 60 minutes of strong performance. Good at scrum: 8
Reserves Manasa Saulo
- Powerful in the scrum when he came in the second half, had an impact in the second half with good carries: 6
Meli Tuni - Improved from his last game and was good at scrums and general play: 4
Tevita Ikanivere - Big hooker seemed to be everywhere when he came off the bench. Had some good throws and scrums: 5
Chris Minimbi - Ignited the Drua forwards when he came in to replace Tuifagalele, good scrummaging and lineout work: 6
Raikabula Momoedonu - Continued his good performance in the scrums and made some solid carries: 5
Leone Nawai - Very elusive and fast delivery from the base of the scrum, replaced Kuruvoli early in the game and had a good game: 6
Onisi Ratave - Showed his class and scored the Drua’s only point of the match, good defence and attacking line speed: 5