How the All Blacks rated in the 54-0 win to the Sharks on a wet night in Durban.
1. Ethan de Groot - 7
Made eight tackles, only Jacobson and Darry had more at the time de Groot was subbed. Had the joint-most carries by any of the starting front
How the All Blacks rated in the 54-0 win to the Sharks on a wet night in Durban.
Made eight tackles, only Jacobson and Darry had more at the time de Groot was subbed. Had the joint-most carries by any of the starting front rowers but was largely denied the chance to dominate the scrum by the conditions underfoot.
Touch-and-go at lineout time – had one of his throws stolen and was called for taking too long.
With ball in hand, though, looks like he could give the Springboks real danger, was held up over the line, and had as many metres carried as Caleb Clarke at the time he left the field.
Seven tackles without missing but did give away a penalty at scrum time in the difficult conditions. Time will tell if he’s done enough to be part of the first-choice front row when the tests begin.
A solid outing in the second row and adds a hulking presence at lineout time. Hit double figures in the tackle count and showed off his ball-playing ability with an offload to set up the night’s first try.
Conceded a couple of early penalties, but looked assured the longer the game went on. Made 12 tackles without missing, set up Tavatavanawai to score in the corner, before going over for the last try of the night.
Another that will be looking over his shoulder when the XV for the first test is named but adds depth in the second-row stocks.
A solid outing in the No 6 jersey. Held up what could have been a try right at the start of the first half and didn’t look back. Seven tackles made, two lineouts won, and a linebreak for good measure.
Finished the game back at lock once Lord was subbed, but bigger tests await – especially against South Africa’s pack.
A solid first outing as All Blacks captain. Led the tackle count with 13, one of which left 62-cap Springboks prop Vincent Koch on the deck. Won a turnover and had nine carries, many of which were inside the Sharks’ 22.
Capped the night off with an assist for Jordie Barrett’s try. Continues to do a lot of the dirty work for Rennie’s side and has more than earned his place as a starter.
Had a quiet first half but came to life in the second. Finished with the most metres gained by a forward (35), and looked strong on defence, as to be expected.
Linebreak to start the second half, great assist to set Clarke up with a cutout pass out on the flank, but clearly still working his way back to his best.
Encouraging signs.
More than repaid Rennie’s faith after being selected over Crusaders teammate Noah Hotham.
Was smart and decisive with the ball and had 84 running metres to go with a linebreak. Showed great awareness in his support runs and finished off the night with a well-deserved try.
This could be the game that sees him become the No 2 halfback to Cam Roigard.
If and when Richie Mo’unga makes the trip to South Africa, he’s going to have work to do to dislodge Love from the No 10 jersey.
Ran the game exceptionally in poor conditions for the style of game the All Blacks want to play. Played second fiddle to Barrett with his kicking game but landed eight out of nine conversions (including one that was disallowed) – mostly from the sideline.
Was made to look a bit silly trying to tackle Ma’a Nonu, but he’s not the first.
Also led the haka, as a sign of his growing importance in this side.
On what should have been a tough night for the outside backs, Clarke shone.
Barring a couple of errors under the high ball – completely forgivable in the wet – Clarke made the most metres and the most carries of any All Black, 91 and 16 respectively.
Scored one try and created two more, to go with a turnover won. Minus points for needlessly kicking into touch in the first half, but an otherwise outstanding display.
Barrett’s match-up against Damian de Allende when the tests begin is going to be something special.
Took the reins of in-game kicking away from Love, and more than justified the decision with some pinpoint efforts, including a crossfield bomb inside South Africa’s 22 in the lead up to McKenzie’s try, before a stab through the line set up Clarke.
Scored one himself for good measure, as the All Blacks midfielders fired a warning shot Rassie Erasmus’ way.
Speaking of which…
Continues to be excellent on both sides of the ball.
Threw four offloads, beat five defenders, carried 15 times for 54m, broke the line twice to go with five tackles and a turnover.
Has also added his name as an option at first receiver and showed off his short kicking abilities for good measure. Forced the error inside the Sharks’ half that led to Clarke’s try.
Has gone a long way to securing a starting spot and started to convert his Super Rugby form to the next level.
Great presence of mind to score his first try in the black jersey by knowing where the touchline was in horrible conditions, added a second when running became easier. A bit of resemblance to Cory Jane in evading tackles.
Led the stats in linebreaks (three) and defenders beaten (six), to go with 12 carries for 61m, two offloads, and six tackles.
Has done his chances at test selection no harm, but a lot will depend on the balance with the second playmaker at fullback.
Was excellent to get up high and take a mark early in the contest but appeared to pick up an injury after that.
Looked to have scored the second try, but had it scrubbed for losing the ball in grounding. Scored it eventually after being put through by Fineanganofo.
Attempted a 50-22 that he would have had on any other night but was denied by the wet conditions. Subbed just after the 30 minute mark.
Reserves
16. Bradley Slater - 6
17. Ollie Norris - 6
18. Pasilio Tosi - 6
19. Ethan Blackadder - 6
20. Semisi Ta’eiloa - 7
A good first showing in black, albeit restricted to just 22 minutes in Sititi’s place. Adds solid depth at No 8, but could find himself used at No 6 when Ardie Savea returns to the squad,
21. Cortez Ratima - 6
Only got 10 minutes as Preston shone but continued with his high work-rate to set up a try before the end.
22. Timoci Tavatavanawai - 7
Matched up against Ma’a Nonu after coming on to finish the game in Barrett’s place and immediately won a turnover. Scored in the corner for good measure, in just 17 minutes of play.
23. Emoni Narawa - 7
Made an extended and unexpected cameo at fullback after McKenzie’s early exit, and gave a good account of himself, barring some slippery hands that should have resulted in a try.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.