All Blacks vs Springboks winners and losers as returning halfback ‘validated’ and captain ‘stands up’
All Blacks vs Springboks winners and losers
The All Blacks have finally broken their unwanted run of losses to the current world champions, beating South Africa 24-17 in glorious fashion at Eden Park on Saturday in the Rugby Championship.
Here are our winners and losers:
Winners:
Quinn Tupaea
The substitute centre had only 20 minutes on the field, but his presence was felt around the Southern Hemisphere. Notably tormenting Pieter-Steph du Toit in the contact on two occasions, the Chiefs star scored the try that would eventually win the match for the All Blacks, taking them out of reach despite a late comeback effort. With more substitute performances like this, it’s likely that he’ll put himself in the frame for some regular starts.
Bomb squad
The bomb squad needs no introduction. Their fuse was lit today. Needing to claw back an almost unassailable lead, Rassie Erasmus’ men emerged from the bench with fire and vengeance in their eyes, as they climbed the Eden Park mountain that had been laid before them. Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu were instrumental in ensuring clean and creative ball to their bombarding forward pack, as the visitors hammered on the hosts’ door right up until the final whistle. If the bench had been utilised slightly earlier, the scoreline could have looked very different.
Damian McKenzie
Not expecting such an early introduction to the match, Damian McKenzie became a huge factor in the All Blacks win. Taking on the kicking duties, McKenzie needed to remain calm as he helped his side inch ahead to an early and commanding lead. Acting as a second playmaker from fullback, the 30-year-old used all his experience to control proceedings and allow the Barrett brothers to stretch their legs in the midfield.
Ardie Savea
A simply superb performance from the All Blacks captain. He showed all the heart, desire, belief and rousing intensity that’s needed to lead his team full of stars to victory over their old rivals. He was a menace around the breakdown, put everything into each tackle and was a constant offering in the carry. Certain players just stand up when the pressure cooker is on, and Ardie Savea is one of them.
Finlay Christie
Returning to the side last week for the first time after being told last year that he was no longer in the All Blacks plans, Finlay Christie would have been as surprised as anyone to be given the starting shirt this week. His inclusion was validated ten times over, however, with one of his greatest ever performances. Using his years of experience, the number nine was composed and deliberate as he targeted the Springboks’ defence with a barrage of challenging high balls.
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Losers:
Codie Taylor
Warned by the referee that his mouth was going to get him in trouble early on, it was a frustrating afternoon for the All Blacks hooker. He struggled to make much of an impact with ball in play, and even found the set-pieces were a little tetchy at times. He was removed with a concussion midway through the first half, ending what was a surprisingly drab performance.
Emoni Narawa
The talented winger could easily have ended up on the winners’ list after scoring the opening try to set the tone of the match in Auckland, but sadly, his day came to an end shortly afterwards when he was removed from the field with injury. His try was majestic, slipping underneath the legs of the onrushing Willie Le Roux before selling the dummy to Cheslin Kolbe in what will become part of many rugby highlight reels over the next few years. He will be hopeful that his knee injury isn’t too serious after finally being entrusted with the number 14 shirt.
Willie le Roux
A disaster of an afternoon for the experienced fullback. He looked frightened of the aerial ball, making mistake after mistake and giving the opposition various chances to capitalise. Aphelele Fassi will have watched that, sure of his shirt moving forward.
Springboks coaches
The pressure is mounting on the Springboks coaches after yet another apparent tactical miscalculation. Deon Davids and Jerry Flannery, in particular, have received some flak from fans in recent weeks, and after their first loss to the All Blacks in four matches, both men will want to work very hard this coming week to rectify these concerns.
Springbok halfbacks
For a team to perform at their best, their halfbacks need to be on song. Sadly for South Africa, neither starting player was in tune. Grant Williams was arguably terrific from the boot, but had seemingly missed the tutorial for everything else. His delivery off the base was shaky, which didn’t help Handre Pollard’s case. Pollard was throwing wayward and often sloppy passes, and failed to create any sort of control in attack or defence.
