Originally posted by Astner
Kimimaro—who was significantly less powerful than Sasuke in his second seal release form
According to what? Sasuke did nothing in the VotE battle that would imply he could put Kimmimaro down.
Furthermore, Gaara actually "defeated" Kimmimaro multiple times. Dude just happened to have a Wolverine-level inability to die. That's a luxury Sasuke lacks.