Rugby: Player ratings - Otago v Canterbury

Jackson Hemopo flicks the ball back to Kaide Whiting at a lineout in Otago's loss to Canterbury....
Jackson Hemopo flicks the ball back to Kaide Whiting at a lineout in Otago's loss to Canterbury. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.

ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire rates Otago's players after they lost to Canterbury in their ITM Cup match in Dunedin at the weekend.

Tony Ensor 4.5/10: Kicked a lot, which was obviously part of the game plan, but he did not do it accurately, often kicking the ball straight to the Canterbury players. Made a good run in the lead-up to the second try.

Matt Faddes 6.5/10: Did not get too many chances on attack, although scored a good try. Made four outstanding cover tackles which all saved tries.

Jayden Spence 4.5/10: Virtually anonymous, although was another who did not see many opportunities. Was yellow-carded after Otago had been warned about penalties in the red zone and missed the tackle which led to Canterbury's first try.

Tei Walden 6/10: Typical performance from Walden. Made a heap of tackles, but did not really threaten till the last ten minutes when he started running and looked better for it.

Jack Wilson 6/10: Did well to stay in to score his try, was the link man for the second one and made a few tackles.

Fletcher Smith 6.5/10: Was the one Otago player who actually kicked well. Got good distance and kicked more intelligently, while also looking good when he took the ball to the line.

Kaide Whiting 4.5/10: Not convincing, although was under lots of pressure which did not help. Passing was inconsistent and often took an extra step when going to his right. Did not really look like threatening from the base and did not kick well, notably missing touch on halftime.

Mika Mafi 5/10: Did a few good things early on, making a few tackles and carrying the ball, but got quieter as the game went on.

James Lentjes 7/10: Otago's best, got around the field quickly, tackled well and potent at the breakdown. Stole the ball that led to the first try, which put Otago into the lead.

Adam Knight 6/10: Solid on debut, made his tackles and tidied up a few loose balls.

Josh Dickson 6/10: A reliable target in the lineout and looked good when he ran in the open. Lacked a bit of physicality in the tight, although he does tend to be more of a rangy player.

Jackson Hemopo 6/10: Fought hard in the tight and got around the field well, but gave away a few penalties.

Hisa Sasagi 5/10: Under pressure in the scrum and was quiet around the park.

Liam Coltman 6.5/10: Tried hard all day, made his tackles and added physicality.

Craig Millar 5.5/10: Gave up a couple of scrum penalties early on, but was active in general play, making some good tackles.

Sam Anderson­-Heather 5.5/10: Solid in his 20 minutes and got around the field well.

Donald Brighouse 5/10: Another who came on and was solid in the tight.

Scott Manson (No Rating): Played the final ten minutes and did not get a chance to make a real impact.

Charlie O'Connell 5.5/10: Worked hard, getting around the field well and popping up a lot.

Naulia Dawai 6/10: The most impactful reserve, coming on and throwing himself around to add some energy.

Josh Walden 6/10: Was tidy enough, provided quicker ball and made a good recovery close to his own line. Left the field towards the end of the game with an injury which did not look good.

Peter Breen 5.5/10: Tried to create something and made a couple of runs.

Michael Collins (No Rating): Came on towards the end and did not get many chances, although the backline did look at its best during his stint.

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