Bledisloe Cup - Top Performers and Controversies

October 11, 2020
2245
Ultimate Rugby

This Bledosloe Cup opener will go down as one of the best. The Wallabies pushed the All Blacks all the way and nearly snatched it at the end after a huge Reece Hodge penalty cannoned off the uprights. Both sides head to Eden Park next week eager to close out for the win.

Sam Cane led from the front being dominant at the breakdowns, turning the ball over (2) and making 25 tackles without missing one.

Michael Hooper was also another stand out performer in his 100th game, making 12 tackles with 2 being missed but also making 8 powerful runs with 18 metres in total.

Filipo Daugunu was the stand out performer on debut with 130 metres to his name with 15 carries beating 3 defenders and scoring a try.

Matt To’omua put in a dominant display, making crucial tackles right through the game. He had 11 carries with 2 offloads.

James O’Connor also put in superb performance in the 10 jersey with a total of 43 metres and 10 carries with 6 points to his name with a try assist.

Richie M’ounga also kept up to his sublime form controlling the game all the way to the final whistle, making a blistering 82 metres and 10 carries.

Jack Goodhue was another standout performer on defence making crucial try saving tackles (15), missing only one.

Ardie Savea had a strong performance knocking defenders to the ground and making 38 metres with 8 strong carries.

Jordie Barrett had 2 clean breaks beating one defender and had a 80% tackle success rate with 62 metres to add to his brilliant performance.

Nic White controlled the game together with James O’Connor rushing up the All Blacks defenders into conceding penalties. He made 83 passes before being substituted in the 66th minute and gained 49 metres beating 6 defenders.

The match was not shy of controversial moments with a suspect side entry into the ruck by the All Blacks after the hooter and Rieko Ioane's foot in touch in the lead up to Jordie Barrett's try.