The Wallabies’ remarkable comeback win over Wales was undisputably the highlight of their Spring Tour – so, naturally, it also corresponded with the highest DIY player ratings of the Autumn Nations campaign.
Topping the charts was, of course, Mark Nawaqanitawase, the Australian firestarter continuing his rapid rise with an average rating of 8.68.
Not only was that far and away the highest score by a Wallaby – comfortably higher than next-best Pete Samu (7.49), but it sits only behind Marika Koroibete’s outrageous game against the Springboks in Adelaide as the top-rated performance by an Australian in 2022.
Samu was joined in the 7s by Tate McDermott, also hugely impressive after coming on, as well as Len Ikitau, who now seems locked in as the Wallabies’ No.13 for next year’s World Cup. Nawaqanitawase’s co-hero Lachlan Lonergan also scored highly, only narrowly missing a similar high grade wth an average of 6.96.
Only two Wallabies failed to average the pass mark of five – and if you’ve been following this for the Spring Tour, their identity won’t surprise you. At least Folau Fainga’a (4.07) wasn’t quite as spectacular a failure as in his last few matches; though the same can’t be said of Jake Gordon (3.45), whose ugly night was compounded by a vital first-half yellow card.
1. James Slipper (c)
Average score: 5.95
Most common rating: 6 (27.3%)
2. Folau Fainga’a
Average score: 4.07
Most common rating: 5 (25.6%)
3. Allan Alaalatoa
Average score: 6.11
Most common rating: 7 (34.1%)
4. Nick Frost
Average score: 6.76
Most common rating: 7 (39.9%)
5. Cadeyrn Neville
Average score: 5.8
Most common rating: 6 (40.6%)
6. Jed Holloway
Average score: 5.92
Most common rating: 6 (37.3%)
7. Fraser McReight
Average score: 5.77
Most common rating: 6 (34.3%)
8. Langi Gleeson
Average score: 5.58
Most common rating: 6 (31.6%)
9. Jake Gordon
Average score: 3.45
Most common rating: 3 (20.4%)
10. Ben Donaldson
Average score: 5
Most common rating: 5 (36.2%)
11. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Average score: 8.68
Most common rating: 9 (42.8%)
12. Reece Hodge
Average score: 5.9
Most common rating: 6 (34%)
13. Len Ikitau
Average score: 7.04
Most common rating: 7 (37.6%)
14. Jordan Petaia
Average score: 5.8
Most common rating: 6 (32.8%)
15. Tom Wright
Average score: 5.84
Most common rating: 6 (34.4%)
Reserves
16. Lachlan Lonergan (Sub on in 53rd minute)
Average score: 6.96
Most common rating: 7 (35.9%)
17. Tom Robertson (Sub on in 40th minute)
Average score: 5.13
Most common rating: 6 (29.6%)
18. Sam Talakai (Sub on in 71st minute)
Average score: 5.43
Most common rating: 5 (41.1%)
19. Ned Hanigan (Sub on in 53rd minute)
Average score: 5.41
Most common rating: 6 (32.5%)
20. Pete Samu (Sub on in 50th minute)
Average score: 7.49
Most common rating: 7 (36.8%)
21. Tate McDermott (Sub on in 53rd minute)
Average score: 7.07
Most common rating: 7 (42%)
22. Noah Lolesio (Sub on in 54th minute)
Average score: 6.42
Most common rating: 7 (34%)
23. Jock Campbell (Sub on in 58th minute)
Average score: 5.56
Most common rating: 5 (36.3%)
Damien
Guest
Sorry Packard but Rugby in the 90s (and even early 2000s) is not the same game. I sat through a 70s game of NRL the other day, and it was unnnnnnwatchable. The young one lost interest first 5 mins. You may not like the world you live in, does not mean you are correct though. You basically enjoy a sport that no longer exists. Sheek is the same.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
Petaia must have been busted from the 8 meters he ran, serious work in there. I'm not saying Gleeson had a great game but Petaia certainly didn't. They both scored about right.
Pleb
Guest
This was quite accurate. The plebs did well.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Twice as many tackles as a winger... he must be exhausted!! He looked it.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
Totally agree mate. Wright had a cracking game, he has great hands and when he runs he's not crashing the ball through like most our running threats but he seems to be covered in spiders because often nobody can tackle him. His footwork is class, he's a strong communicator who reads the game well, he is absolutely 15 material. Hopefully that's where he spends this season in SRP.
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
Hi Train, love your tag. Who doesn't love a spaghetti western? With regard to Samu, well, i guess everyone has their opinions and their favourites. I've heard and read many comments from knowledgeable rugby types arguing for a starting spot, and others suggesting we need him at the back end of games. I'm definitely one of the former. The WBs biggest issue is scoring points; we can hang onto the ball, we can win territory and build rucks, and we can defend. We just don't know what to do with ball in hand. The stats have been pretty damning, I think, and really show a side that has the basics but can't break down defences. This is why I'm tired of 'solid' players being picked to start. I don't want just 'solid' players, I want game winners. Again, I ask who would the opposition least like to play? Samu. That's who. The guy is damaging in attack and defence and pulls out plays that Hooper can't. Also, with respect, his time at the Crusaders was several years ago. He's developed a lot since then. The only team that would bench Samu now is the misguided WBs. It's a similar argument to Hodge. I've read comments from people like Bishop who want Hodge starting at 15, or even 10, and I just gasp in horror. If we want to maintain our mediocrity and just 'compete' with the top teams, rather than actually BEAT them and return to the top ourselves, selecting these 'solid' types to burn up 70 mins of each test is a good way to do it.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Likely the same reason he spent most of his time at the Crusaders in a bench role. Because he isn’t our best forward. He’s not a better 7 than Hooper. He’s not a better 8 than Valetini. And he’s not a good enough line out option to be 6 when we have those 2 at 7&8.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Tate and NL deserved better as we lose that game if this pair hadn’t come on. JP is a generous score with a couple really bad defensive reads from him near our 22, with one leading directly to a try and the second leading to Gordon’s YC. If JP makes that tackle or at least slows that ball carrier at the 22 then Gordon isn’t scrambling back to the goal line.
Cec
Roar Rookie
The low scores are just state bias In preference to their SR players. There’s a few players with low scores that actually had a good game. With Wright roll back the tape and you can see his involvement in two tries. His kick and chase lead to a 5m scrum feed and Marky 1st try. The winning try showed his 5/8 skills with a nice draw & pass to give LL that opportunity. Wright made all his tackles, helped create two tries, ran about 80m, beat a couple of defenders all from 15 which isn’t his position. Tom also save a try held up over the line when we were well and truly under the pump toward the end of the first half.
Hooper's Glorious Chin
Roar Rookie
Well, I’m fairly sure it was Eddie Jones who popularized the term ‘finishers’, which was more about respecting the vital role players played in closing out a game. I think that there’s some credence to the idea of impact players. Certain players have spark that can change the momentum of a game, and other players are consistent performers who do their job week in, week out. Hooper provides a level of consistency and experience which Samu doesn’t. Samu provides electric running and brawn, which to my mind has maximum impact against wobbly legs. Skelton/Tupou on the other hand are players who I feel should be starting.
Hooper's Glorious Chin
Roar Rookie
Agreed, people can't move on from his performance in the Rugby Championship. He's obviously worked hard to improve and that deserves praise. Definitely has been one of our best during the Autumn Nations.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
No idea Lano but others have said next year. I fear that it is unlikely that if you don't have a cap now, it's too late.
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
It’s been that way all tour… been killing it but he doesn’t get any love.
Lano
Roar Guru
When does Gamble become eligible Bobby, I believe next year is his 5 year anniversary. Hopefully before the World Cup.
Packerd
Roar Rookie
In Rennies mind most times it is. Skelton is a finisher. He is better than Neville and Swain though. Tupou is a finisher. Better than AA in every facet.Tupou must start. Tate is a finisher, when Gordon starts. Tate is better really. Samu is a finisher. Holloway is not a 6. Too slow around the park and No impact for a 6. Samu should start. The above 5 players are better than the starter imo.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Whatever does it for you old mate.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
Gleeson made the same run meters as Petaia, double the tackles and less penalties.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
It's interesting to see some of the scores from this one. Nawaqanitawase had a great game scores 8.68. Wright made just as many meters off the same number of runs, the same number of tackles, but didn't have the linebreaks or tries and scores 5.84, he had a very good game. Should have been a 7 or so. Petaia makes 70 less meters, same number of tackles, conceded more penalties and gets a 5.8. I'm getting the feeling people don't like Wright regardless of how well he plays.
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
Mate, I could take that post down so many rabbit holes... ;)
Bobby
Roar Rookie
"They" always say the best part is the start and finish. All the stuff in between is just hard work. :happy: :happy: