The Wallabies may have come out on top, but it was hardly an inspiring performance.
That’s the verdict from Roar readers following Saturday’s 32-23 win over the Brave Blossoms.
As is customary around here, it was up to the audience to provide the player ratings post-match and, having come off a four-match winning streak to conclude the Rugby Championship – the bar has been raised.
Flashy, champagne rugby looked nice at times, but it’s fair to say the Wallabies underperformed and will want to play a lot better when their European tour kicks off shortly.
Only one player emerged with an average score of above seven out of ten – that was number eight Rob Valetini with 7.16.
There was a decent gap between him and the second-place finisher in Jordan Petaia – who came off the bench very early to replace an injured Reece Hodge and score 6.49.
Rounding out the podium was the ever-reliable skipper, Michael Hooper, with 6.44.
1. James Slipper
Average score: 6.18
Most common rating: 6 (37%)
2. Folau Fainga’a
Average score: 5.96
Most common rating: 6 (36.5%)
3. Taniela Tupou
Average score: 6.41
Most common rating: 7 (34.3%)
4. Izack Rodda
Average score: 6.01
Most common rating: 6 (33.8%)
5. Matt Philip
Average score: 5.53
Most common rating: 5 and 6 (34.8% each)
6. Rob Leota
Average score: 6.12
Most common rating: 6 (41.4%)
7. Michael Hooper (c)
Average score: 6.44
Most common rating: 6 (35.1%)
8. Rob Valetini
Average score: 7.16
Most common rating: 8 (39.3%)
9. Nic White
Average score: 6.00
Most common rating: 6 (32.9%)
10. Quade Cooper
Average score: 6.14
Most common rating: 7 (35.1%)
11. Andrew Kellaway
Average score: 6.33
Most common rating: 6 (42.2%)
12. Hunter Paisami
Average score: 4.54
Most common rating: 5 (31.8%)
13. Len Ikitau
Average score: 5.81
Most common rating: 6 (39.5%)
14. Tom Wright
Average score: 5.74
Most common rating: 6 (35.4%)
15. Reece Hodge
Average score: 4.45
Most common rating: 5 (47.5%)
16. Connal McInerney
Average score: 5.73
Most common rating: 6 (39.4%)
17. Angus Bell
Average score: 5.26
Most common rating: 5 (35.1%)
18. Allan Alaalatoa
Average score: 5.10
Most common rating: 5 (39.9%)
19. Darcy Swain
Average score: 5.34
Most common rating: 5 (38.4%)
20. Pete Samu
Average score: 6.02
Most common rating: 6 (40.8%)
21. Tate McDermott
Average score: 5.62
Most common rating: 6 (36.1%)
22. James O’Connor
Average score: 5.28
Most common rating: 5 (38.5%)
23. Jordan Petaia
Average score: 6.49
Most common rating: 7 (37%)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Just when the Brumbies looked to have repelled the Blues on the stroke of half-time, they gave the ball back with a costly Noah…
Club historians believe a new chapter in the 90-year history has been written with three brothers starting in the same premier team for the first time.
It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
The youngster was playing his first Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, but his game wasn't the main talking point after the game.
Is this a sign that rugby laws are getting too tricky, even for the players and commentators?
The kick of around 50 metres got the Reds well downfield!
