HOW THE ALL BLACKS RATED
Damian McKenzie 7: Not a whole lot of chances to put on the razzle dazzle footwork, but did test the Springboks defence all the same. Dropped first high-ball test and knocked on with chance brewing, but showed steady head in some quality clearances. Nehe Milner-Skudder 8: Back in a big way. Followed up New Plymouth return with splendid two-try display. Dropped first high-ball, but things quickly turned for the better, nabbing intercept to set up, then finish, thanks to staying aware for the Beauden Barrett back-flick pass. Produced his own nice flick-up for Scott Barrett try, then showed tidy run to right corner for his double. Ryan Crotty 6: Not a big presence, but was there so invariably everything was OK because of that ‘‘Crotty factor’’.
Sonny Bill Williams 6: Another quiet night as the big man struggles to get amongst the action around him. Tried to offloaded with first touch, but then produced a forward pass with another, as Springboks defence kept him in check.
Rieko Ioane 9: Outstanding presence on the left flank as the youngster continues to flourish in the big-time. Was game-high for metres (a whopping 171), defenders beaten (11), and clean breaks (four), opening the scoring in 17th minute with fine chase of Smith kick. A weapon all night.
Beauden Barrett 9: Returned a performance more in tune with the jaw-dropping moments we’ve come to expect. Stripped ball to set up first try, great pacy support play for Milner Skudder’s opening try with that breathtaking nonchalant back-flick pass, then cross-kick for brother’s try and fine vision to put Milner-Skudder away again. Of big note was his 8/9 off the tee. Aaron Smith 8: Crisp distribution from the outset, enthusiastic quick tap then excellent vision and execution of left-foot kick over top for opening try in 17th minute.
Kieran Read 7: Played the linking role with aplomb did the skipper, producing some nice hands for those around him. Didn’t have to try too much as everyone was doing plenty.
Sam Cane 8: Back in starting role and was his ever-effective self, tackling anything with a pulse, leading the game-count with 15. Produced a superb jackal win in final minute of first half and took a fine carry leading to Scott Barrett try.
Liam Squire 8: Only managed 27 minutes due to failed HIA test after colliding with Franco Mostert, but was superb in that time.
Sam Whitelock 7: Got through his work without having to rip into too much, just did the basics and tackled well as the rest fell into place.
Brodie Retallick 8: The ogre got woken on the half-hour in the rough and tumble, then soon after was the lucky-dip recipient of a try, galloping round behind the posts for his third score in his 68th test. Solid hits on defence, then became well-involved with those silky hands in midfield.
Nepo Laulala 6: Pummelled backwards on first carry, but then stood his territory in a mixed All Blacks scrum, as he continues to warm to the big responsibilities now on those broad shoulders.
Dane Coles 7: Keeps trending upwards on recent return to the game. Had first lineout throw stolen and put in a silly grubber kick in midfield, but chased plenty of loose ball on the ground like a hungry terrier and got a few trademark runs going. Kane Hames 3: Only player to have an underwhelming night. Had plenty to say midweek, but struggled bigtime to match his bubbling enthusiasm, getting penalised off the park and not exactly putting on a scrummaging clinic. RESERVES Codie Taylor (58th min) 8: Had nice carries in floating out wide and good charge for almost-try but caught just short, before managing one after the siren from driving maul. Wyatt Crockett (43rd min) 9: Sensational impact for a struggling Hames. Quickly had referee Owens in his ear for scrum body position and immediately produced a masterclass wheel to win penalty. Went on to dismantle the Boks’ scrum time and again. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (52nd min) 8: Replaced Laulala and was part of splendid new front row, then even barged over for a first-test try.
Scott Barrett (27th min) 8: On at blindside for Squire, and was superb. Great finish for try down right touch with fine pirouette, good charge ahead of Tu’ungafasi try and was a big physical presence. Ardie Savea (58th min) 8: Plenty of carries and energy as the hosts started to run the wilting South Africans ragged. TJ Perenara (58th min) 7: Bad pass with try-scoring situation looming, but had a pretty easy time of it behind a barnstorming pack.
Lima Sopoaga (54th min) 7: On at first-five as Beauden Barrett went to the back, ran the backline easily, and got a first test try after splendid Lienert-Brown run and offload. Anton Lienert-Brown (54th min) 8: Some good wide passing, before that stunning bump-off of Handre Pollard and burst up the middle, which was neatly ended by perfectly offloading for Sopoaga.