ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire rates the Otago players after their ITM CUP win over North Harbour yesterday.
Trent Renata 6/10: Got good height on his kicks, but was putting them a bit far for his chasers to contest. Had a couple of nice runs coming into the line and was fairly solid at the back.
Jayden Spence 6.5/10: Ran strongly and tackled well. Got a good breakdown turnover and made a very good clearance with the team under pressure late in the first half.
Michael Collins 7.5/10: Had his best performance for Otago in his blazer game. Was dangerous with ball in hand, looking faster and stronger, while also far more assured on defence.
Tei Walden 6/10: Fairly tidy, made a couple of breaks and put some good kicks in behind.
Fa'asiu Fuatai 7.5/10: Another to step up, took all of his high balls well and chased kicks hard. Came into the line well, resulting in one try and finishing off a nice set-move to score another.
Hayden Parker 7/10: Controlled the game well, passing nicely, kicking well and taking the line on.
Josh Renton 6/10: Threw a couple of loose passes early, but got better and was pretty solid after this.
Charlie O'Connell 7.5/10: Very prominent around the park, working hard on defence and getting to plenty of rucks. Looked better playing at No. 8 than at lock, where he was used last year.
James Lentjes 6.5/10: Made a lot of tackles and linked well a few times. Was used at No. 3 in the lineouts and did well here.
Lee Allan 8/10: Outstanding on defence, tackling well in close and making some great desperate ones in the open.
Tom Franklin 7/10: Was the best of the lineout options, proving safe at the back, while also being busy around the field.
Joe Latta 7.5/10: Worked hard and added physicality. Had good leg-drive running the ball and made a lot of tackles.
Hisa Sasagi 6.5/10: Powerful in the scrum, applying good pressure and getting the better of his man, while also being mobile enough around the field.
Liam Coltman 6.5/10: Threw well into the lineout and was involved in the tight.
Aki Seiuli 8/10: Carried the ball strongly and was another who was prominent around the field. Was part of a well-functioning scrum too.
Sam Anderson-Heather 7/10: Added good impact off the bench, coming on and getting involved, making tackles and doing well at the breakdown.
Donald Brighouse 6.5/10: Made one memorable run where he proved tough to pull down and was strong at scrum time.
Jackson Hemopo 6/10: Finished the game off well, taking over from Joe Latta and getting through enough work.
TJ Ioane 7.5/10: A big impact player, ran the ball hard and went looking for work.
Nick Ealey 7/10: Cleared the ball quickly with a fast pass and got to the breakdown quickly too.
Peter Breen (No Rating): Came on late and was tidy.
Marshall Suckling (No Rating): Missed a tackle straight after coming on, but improved after this and made a good break late in the game that could have been a try had he passed inside.
