All Blacks player ratings: Damian McKenzie produces ‘statement display’ as playmaking duo ‘key’ to dominant performance
Damian McKenzie and Cam Roigard in action for the All Blacks.
Following a 50-19 victory over the Wallabies in the first Bledisloe Cup clash at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the All Blacks.
15 Beauden Barrett: In the starting XV for the first time this year, the eldest Barrett probably didn’t have the influence he would have liked in the opening period. It was very much McKenzie who was central to their attacking game but after the break he was much better and played his part in an impressive display. 7
14 Will Jordan: One searing break showed his threat with ball in hand while he had a plenty of other nice touches. There were a couple of errors when the All Blacks were in a good attacking position, but he finished with a try to end in credit. 7
13 Quinn Tupaea: Part of the group of players that helped them dominate the aerial battle in the first half. Some good work on either side of the ball before the break but well and truly exploded into life after the interval with a stellar effort. 8
Brutal defence
12 Jordie Barrett: His catch following Cam Roigard’s box-kick was majestic and that played a key role in Peter Lakai’s try. Barrett didn’t have too much spectacular moments with ball in hand after that but he was utterly sublime without the ball thanks to some punishing hits. 8
11 Leroy Carter: A couple of superb tap backs in the air kept New Zealand on the front foot as he Carter answered a few of his critics. Didn’t have too many opportunities with ball in hand but burst into life after latching onto Lakai’s off-load to score. However, he unfortunately seemed to pick up a nasty injury in the act of scoring. 7
10 Damian McKenzie: With Richie Mo’unga and Ruben Love injured, McKenzie was shifted from full-back and he probably produced the best fly-half performance of any All Black this season in what was a statement display. Set up Peter Lakai’s try with a lovely arcing run and that drift away from the Wallabies defence was a feature of the first half. 9
9 Cam Roigard: Box-kicking is a really underrated part of Hurricanes star’s game and it was a key reason for their dominance in Auckland. The hang time he was getting was exceptional and that always gave the All Blacks chasers a chance. Also registered a try and two assists, with his delay for Tupou Vaa’i’s score showing his class when under pressure. 9
8 Wallace Sititi: Has not been the greatest year so far for the extremely talented Chief, but he was much more effective during his 50 or so minutes on the field at Eden Park. Some big carries got the hosts on the front foot. 7
7 Peter Lakai: The loose forward’s athleticism was displayed in the try he scored and that ability to get around the field was evident in the work he got through. Lakai wasn’t quite as impactful as the other two back-rowers in the opening period but had a fine last half-hour. 7
Wonderful shift
6 Tupou Vaa’i: Dave Rennie continued the experiment of putting the Chiefs lock on the side of the scrum and Vaa’i did an outstanding job. There were issues with the lineout, which is part of the reason he is at six – to add an extra jumper – but he was incredible around the field. 8
5 Josh Lord: Under pressure after Fabian Holland was once again surprisingly omitted and it wasn’t a performance to convince. Partly in there to dominate the lineout on their own ball and it was poor early on. Did get better as the game went on, but Holland should come into contention for next weekend. 5
4 Scott Barrett: Considering he has barely played since last year, it was a fine shift from the former captain. Barrelled into contact throughout as the All Blacks’ physical pressure eventually told. 7
3 Fletcher Newell: Did his job throughout with the scrum solid as Newell would have no doubt been delighted not to be facing the Springboks juggernaut. 5
2 Codie Taylor (c): Grew into the game after a difficult start, with the lineout going awry, and managed to get over the whitewash before being replaced after 55 minutes. 6
1 Ethan de Groot: Similar to Newell, the scrum set a platform while he also got through a mountain of work during his time on the field. 6
Replacements: Made a telling contribution to completely take the game away from the Wallabies. Asafo Aumua once again added punch in the carry while George Bower and Anton Segner also did some good work up front. Behind the scrum, Kyle Preston, Rieko Ioane and Josh Moorby all had the odd excellent moment with the latter getting over for a try. 8
READ MORE: All Blacks v Wallabies: Result, match details, stats, line-ups