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ANALYSIS: Talk about silencing some doubters.
Sure, it means zilch in terms of the all-important World Cup in France later this year, but the All Blacks’ emphatic 35-23 win over the Springboks on Saturday night was another big step in the right direction for Ian Foster’s side.
Indeed, hot and cold last year, they’ve strung two fine performances together to start 2023.
Here’s how the All Blacks rated at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium.
ALL BLACKS
Beauden Barrett: Linked superbly with Jordan, firing the long cut-out ball in the lead up to the opening try, and connecting with a couple of deft cross-field kicks, the second of which Jordan scored from. Just five runs for 13 metres. 7.5
Will Jordan: The good news is the man many want to start at fullback is also a brilliant wing. Made the decisive incisions ahead of both of the All Blacks’ first half tries, the first of which he set up for Aaron Smith after showing the composure to release the ball on the deck before going again. On a night he was comfortably the most dangerous runner (11 carries for 72 metres), he deserved the match-sealing try. 9
Phil Walter/Getty Images
All Blacks wing Will Jordan in action against South Africa in Auckland on Saturday night.
Rieko Ioane: Found little space to work with on attack, but made his physicality felt on defence alongside midfield partner Barrett. 7
Jordie Barrett: Continues to look the part in the No 12 jersey, where his long kicking game is a huge asset in the midfield. David Havili and Anton Lienert-Brown will find it difficult to force him out of the starting XV when they’re available. 7.5
Mark Telea: Kick chase was excellent. Also made 57 metres on 12 carries. Was caught in no-man’s land when his opposite, Cheslin Kolbe, dived over. 7
Richie Mo’unga: The Mo’unga detractors should be silent. Composed and assured in running the cutter, Mo’unga barely put a foot wrong on a night he scored a try and accounted for 20 of the All Blacks’ 35 points. He landed six of his seven attempts off the tee, including a 50m penalty, and a conversion from just inside the corner flag. 9
Aaron Smith: Couldn’t have asked for a better platform in the first half, and provided excellent service with it. Scored his 25th try in test footy, and twice milked penalties by catching lazy runners. 8
Ardie Savea: Didn’t unleash any of his typical highlight reel charges, but don’t underestimate how much work he got through for a pack that produced a fine performance. 7.5
Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith scores against the
Sam Cane: Subbed off at halftime after picking up a neck injury late in the first half. Made seven tackles and chalked up a breakdown steal. 7.5
Shannon Frizell: You might not see a better first 20 minutes from a loose forward to start a test. Highlighted by scoring a rampaging try, the powerful No 6 produced by far his best performance in the black jersey. With 14 carries for 43 hard-earned metres, Frizell was instrumental in ensuring the All Blacks repeatedly clattered over the advantage line and had rapid ball to work with in the first half. Also fronted defensively with 13 tackles and a breakdown steal. 9.5
Scott Barrett: Immense on defence (10 tackles). Do yourself a favour and hone in on his clean-out work next time he plays. 8
Brodie Retallick: Made a key lineout steal to deny the Boks momentum when they were sniffing in the first half. Made 37 hard-charging metres on 10 carries. 8
Phil Walter/Getty Images
All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell produced a fine performance against the Boks in Auckland on Saturday.
Tyrel Lomax: Got the better of Steven Kitshoff to earn an early scrum penalty, although the big Boks loosehead later returned the favour later. Won’t want to see a replay of him getting bounced off by halfback Faf de Klerk. 7.5
Codie Taylor: The form arrow continues to point upwards. Connected on all seven lineout throws, and made his physicality felt during his 54 minutes on the park. 7.5
Ethan de Groot: An excellent 60 minutes as the All Blacks held their own against the menacing Boks. 8
RESERVES
Samisoni Taukei’aho: On in the 54th min and continued on from where Codie Taylor left off. A heck of a one-two punch. 7
Tamaiti Williams: On in the 60th min and got the pats on the back after a scrum penalty. Will be a key impact weapon moving forward. 7
Nepo Laulala: On in the 54th min, just as the Bomb Squad was starting to make themselves felt. Scrummaged well. 7
Tupou Vaa’i: On in the 71st min. N/R
Dalton Papalii: Replaced Cane at halftime and made 8 tackles as the Boks finally started finding their feet. 7
Finlay Christie: On in the 60th min. N/R
Braydon Ennor: On in the 66th min. N/R
Caleb Clarke: On in the 72nd min. N/R
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