Australia v Fiji player ratings: Who starred, who struggled?

VALENTINE Holmes scored six tries for the Kangaroos against Fiji. But did he top our player ratings? We run the eye over every player from the first World Cup semi-final.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — NOVEMBER 24: Valentine Holmes of the Kangaroos scores a try during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Semi Final match between the Australian Kangaroos and Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

VALENTINE Holmes scored six tries for the Kangaroos against Fiji. But did he top our player ratings? We run the eye over every player from the first World Cup semi-final.

AUSTRALIA

1. Billy Slater

Two tries took him out of a tie for the most World Cup tries by one man. Searched effectively on kick returns and saved a try in desperate defence when his side led 50-6. Rating: 8.5.

2. Dane Gagai

Scored the fourth try with a run in which he threw in two big right-foot steps and loomed up on the other side of the field for his own second. Rating: 7.5.

3. Will Chambers

Play tended to work much more to Australia’s left side, but made 20 of his 22 attempted tackles. Rating: 6.5.

4. Josh Dugan

I’d have had Cameron Munster in his spot for the two sudden-death games, but was strong with his running in this and gave the last pass three times for tries by his winger. Rating: 8.

5. Valentine Holmes

The history-maker’s third try, a 90m intercept, made all the highlights reels. Too level-headed to not realise many of his astounding tally of six tries were simple affairs. Rating: 9.5.

Holmes became just the second player in Test history to score six tries.

6. Michael Morgan

Bumped off Taane Milne for Billy Slater’s first try. Kicked expertly for Holmes’s first and was less conspicuous from there. Rating: 7.5.

7. Cooper Cronk

With his skipper, had this game on a string and kept structure in place in circumstances in when some sides would have tried to be the Harlem Globetrotters. Came up with a brilliant cutout pass for Gagai’s first try. Rating: 7.5.

8. Aaron Woods

Replaced after six minutes with an injured left shoulder and returned with his side 40-2 ahead. On face value, he will look to do better than his 55m output from nine runs. Rating: 6.

9. Cameron Smith

Made a team-high 31 tackles and provided some clever ball-playing moments when not at dummy-half. Named man of the match in one in which a teammate scored six tries. Rating: 8.5.

Smith was excellent around the rucks.

10. David Klemmer

Came up with a better second stint to continue a fine tournament. Rating: 7.

11. Boyd Cordner

Typically efficient 68-minute outing brought him 124 from 19 carries. Rating: 7.

12. Matt Gillett

Topped the first-half tackle count with McGuire on 19 and made 144m from 16 hits-ups. Ran some nice lines and promises to be a handful in the final. Rating: 8.

13. Josh McGuire

Replaced six minutes from time with an ankle injury and a final berth would be fitting. His 23 tackles were bettered only by Smith and he carted the ball for 89m Rating: 7.5.

14 Wade Graham

Saw fewest minutes (25) of all Australians, making 31m from four runs. Overcooked a grubber kick late which could have presented Holmes with a seventh try. Rating: 6.

15. Jordan McLean

Effective again in relieving Klemmer after 25 minutes. His 97m night was further encouragement for the Cowboys. Rating: 7.5.

16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Rollicking 104m first half from nine runs after replacing Woods and finished with 171m. Only problem is he will wear blue in his next representative campaign. Rating: 8.5.

17. Tyson Frizell

Effective off the bench with 95m from nine runs. But he missed three tackles. Rating: 6.5.

— Paul Malone

ANALYSIS: Five things we learned from Australia-Fiji

SMASH: Holmes gets six, Roos march on

FIJI

1. Kevin Naiqama.

An off night for the skipper. Was found out positionally more than once. Rating: 4

2. Suliasi Vunivalu.

The bloke he was marking put six tries on him. Got one back but 6-1 is a heavy defeat. Rating: 3

3. Taane Milne.

Has had a wonderful tournament, but another player who struggled in this one. Far too many errors. Rating: 3

4. Akuila Uate.

Made two good breaks and always looked dangerous. One of Fiji’s best. Rating: 7

Uate was close to Fiji’s best player.

5. Marcelo Montoya.

Worked hard to support his forwards in a strong game. Rating: 6

6. Jarryd Hayne.

Hayne was fired up for this one, but early on the emotion got to him and he gave away a couple of crucial penalties. Had some nice moments but couldn’t impose his running game. Rating: 4

7. Henry Raiwalui.

Did his best, but was heavily targeted. Rating: 3

8. Ashton Sims.

Fiji’s best forward. The wild veteran was willing in the middle against a strong Australian pack. Rating: 6

9. Apisai Koroisau.

Australia’s dominance in the ruck meant there was little space for the crafty rake. Rating: 4

10. Eloni Vunakece.

Did OK in a short first stint, couldn’t replicate it in the second half. Rating: 4

11. Viliame Kikau.

This big fella could be a real player. Still raw but has absurd athletic gifts and troubled the Australians down the right edge. Rating: 6

Kikau has impressed in this World Cup.

12. Brayden Williame.

Was caught out numbers wise more than once. Rating: 3

13. Tui Kamikamica.

Played well when he was on the field, but did not get enough minutes. Rating: 5

14. Joe Lovouda.

The young Dragon did his best when he was injected late. Rating: 3

15. Jacob Saifiti.

Only played a couple of minutes and had a crook knee but ran the ball damn hard. Rating: 3

16. Junior Roqica.

Tried to lock up the middle and cleaned up a few loose balls. Rating: 5

17. Ben Nakabuwai.

The big Titans prop toiled hard in the middle of the field. Rating: 5

— Nick Campton

Originally published as Australia v Fiji player ratings: Who starred, who struggled?