All Blacks player ratings: ‘Generational talent’ produces ‘another special performance’ and bench finally makes its mark
All Blacks star Wallace Sititi on the charge and the team with the Hillary Shield.
Following a 24-22 victory over England in the international clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the All Blacks.
15 Will Jordan: Another try to add to his collection as the full-back took a lovely line to score. He was also solid under the high ball despite the pressure England exerted from the kick-chase. 7
14 Mark Tele’a: Two brilliant finishes from the wing, who is quite rightly back in favour. We don’t quite know why he’s struggled for game time since July, unless Tele’a is only kept back for the England Tests of course… 8
13 Rieko Ioane: Solid defensively but again he is struggling to ignite in attack. It is something Scott Robertson needs to look at going forward. 6
12 Jordie Barrett: Some good variety throughout and he was as abrasive as ever in contact. Had a fun battle with the England midfield. 7
11 Caleb Clarke: Quieter than his wing partner and was put under pressure by the aerial game of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Clarke thought that he had put Beauden Barrett in for a try, but his deliberate knock-on meant it was chalked off. 6
Another fine fly-half display
10 Beauden Barrett: Manipulated the English defence nicely in the first half and, on this evidence, should retain the shirt for Ireland and France if fit. Found it tougher after the break, but the All Blacks still look better with him at pivot. 8
9 Cortez Ratima: Box-kicking was sound but option-taking was rather lacking at the base, which ultimately led to Feyi-Waboso’s try. Needs to be better with Cam Roigard now snapping at his heels. 5
8 Ardie Savea: Never has a bad game does he? Wasn’t quite at his best but there were some dominant carries as England struggled to bring him to ground. 7
7 Sam Cane: Fierce at the contact area and he put in a few shots in defence but at some point the All Blacks need to start looking at alternatives over the course of this month. 6
Incredible once again
6 Wallace Sititi: How good is this kid? Another special performance from Sititi, who continues to set remarkable standards at the start of his Test career. A generational talent. 9
5 Tupou Vaa’i: New Zealand had their lineout wobbles, while Vaa’i struggled to put it about physically. The lock also dropped a ball which he should have held with the try-line in his sight. 5
4 Scott Barrett (c): Another good shift from the captain, who is always competitive at the breakdown. 7
3 Tyrel Lomax: Was solid at the scrum but the tighthead did not get the same joy he had in July as England held firm for the first hour. 6
2 Codie Taylor: Went off early due to a head injury and never returned. N/A
1 Tamaiti Williams: Will Stuart generally had the better of the All Blacks loosehead, with Williams slipping off a couple of times technically. 5
Replacements: Asafo Aumua came on early for Taylor and put it about in the loose, but Robertson will be concerned by his lineout throwing. Elsewhere, the replacement props had a significant impact, while Patrick Tuipulotu was huge in the second-row. Roigard and Damian McKenzie also did well in what was an impressive bench performance, despite Anton Lienert-Brown’s two late infringements. 8
