ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire rates the Otago players after their loss to Canterbury in their ITM Cup match in Dunedin last night.
Trent Renata 5/10: Was clearly under instruction to kick high and did so with mixed results. At times did well and allowed the chasers to contest, but at others kicked too deep or too shallow. Made a couple of extra passes off the quick lineout that were not on either and put his man under pressure.
Marshall Suckling 6.5/10: Did not get too many chances on attack, but was highly involved defensively, tackling well and chased with intensity too.
Jayden Spence 7/10: Was the most lively back, used his step and changed direction at times well. Pretty solid on defence and took good options too.
Tei Walden 6/10: Another who was pretty tidy, did not do a lot wrong and made the right decisions.
Fa'asiu Fuatai 7/10: Made a couple of good breaks in the second half, shrugging off Patrick Osborne twice. Fielded the Canterbury kicks well and made sure the quick lineout was an option.
Hayden Parker 8/10: Pulled the strings well, particularly in the first half where he kicked long and kept Canterbury in their own half. Showed great vision to put grubber kicks in when there was space in behind the Canterbury line, one of which led to Otago's try.
Nick Ealey 6.5/10: Had a couple of loose passes, but was good for the most part. Provided faster ball for Parker, put in a few nice kicks into space and sniped a couple of times too.
Charlie O'Connell 7.5/10: Worked really hard and was particularly prominent in the first half. Showed great desperation on defence and went looking for ball carries on attack.
James Lentjes 7/10: Another who was extremely busy. Made a lot of tackles and did well at the breakdown.
Naulia Dawai 6/10: Pretty aggressive, ran the ball hard and made some tackles, although made a few mistakes including a high tackle and over-running Tei Walden when close to the line.
Tom Franklin 7/10: Added physicality in contact, hit rucks hard, tackled strongly and got around the park well.
Jackson Hemopo 6/10: Was solid without being spectacular, but was part of a forward pack that did well. Made his tackles and got involved in the tight on attack.
Hisa Sasagi (No Rating): Took a knock trying to secure a turnover in the second minute and left the field.
Sam Anderson-Heather 6.5/10: Got involved as always. Fought hard as a ball carrier and was prominent on defence, making tackles and tying up the ball on one occasion. Struggled with his lineout throwing though, as Otago's lineout woes continued.
Aki Seiuli 7/10: Made some good metres with ball in hand and scrambled well on defence. Stood up okay in the scrum, considering the strength of the Canterbury scrum, until they were forced to go to golden-oldies.
Liam Coltman 8/10: Probably Otago's best player and also probably his best game of the season. Involved on defence, making plenty of tackles and was strong on attack too, particularly in supporting the ball-carrier going into contact.
Donald Brighouse (No Rating): Did well against a strong Canterbury scrum, but was forced to leave the field without really getting to make an impact.
Joe Latta (No Rating): Another who was forced to leave the field early. Threw himself around, but was not on long enough to impose himself.
TJ Ioane 6/10: Ran the ball hard and was aggressive in everything he did, although did not have quite the same impact against the bigger, stronger Canterbury pack.
Lee Allan 6/10: Typical sort of performance from Allan, chasing the play and making tackles. Did not really make an impact though and is no doubt more effective as a starter.
Josh Renton 5/10: A bit slow getting the ball away, taking an extra step before passing and allowing the Canterbury defence to get up and cut down Otago's space.
Peter Breen (No Rating): Came on late and was tidy.
