REECE LIGHTNING
Hat-trick for winger
Satisfaction will be much more prevalent after the All Blacks signed off their July series appetiser with a clinical win over Fiji that solidified several of Ian Foster’s first-choice selections.
Widely criticised for their muddled effort and lack of urgency at the breakdown in the 34-point victory against Fiji in Dunedin last weekend, the All Blacks delivered a vastlyimproved performance in the repeat duel with the Pacific Islanders in Hamilton.
The 20,135 locals — the biggest crowd of the three tests this month — who braved wet and blustery conditions were treated to nine tries from the All Blacks. While that was the same number as last week, the All Blacks were more dominant in most aspects.
Richie Mo’unga seized his chance to impress Foster and maintain his edge over Beauden Barrett in the firstfive pecking order with an influential display. Mo’unga had a hand in four tries — three involving in-form Crusaders teammate Sevu Reece — to firmly stake his claim before being replaced after 52 minutes.
Collectively, the All Blacks forwards brought a much more direct approach to their carrying which put the team on the front foot and allowed the backline to breathe easier than last week when Fiji smothered the breakdown and forced indecisive decision-making.
Sam Whitelock’s authority in regaining the captaincy was evident, too, in the way he gathered his troops in a huddle during the first half and barked orders to reflect the influence he commands.
Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson and Ardie Savea varied their work and combined well in the loose trio — Savea barging over to collect a try and celebrate his 50th test. Anton LienertBrown was quieter in his 50th test after returning from elbow surgery, but will no doubt be better for the run alongside David Havili.
Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho — called up late in the week to replace Dane Coles — made a notable impression off the bench, claiming two tries on test debut and carrying powerfully, as he has done all season.
Rieko Ioane, likewise, injected significant impact from the bench when he replaced Will Jordan on the right wing early in the second half.
The All Blacks will be pleased their scrum and rolling maul continue to lay dominant platforms and with the greater urgency they brought to their defensive duties — highlighted by Damian McKenzie and Barrett scrambling to make a try-saving tackle after Ben Volavola nabbed an intercept.
Fiji scored one try — loosehead prop Peni Ravai strolling in easily off the back of a maul — but unlike last week, they were never in this contest.
Backing up last week’s inspired performance — Fiji had never played the All Blacks in successive matches before — proved a bridge too far, especially with referee Damon Murphy policing the breakdown much more strictly than in Dunedin. Fiji’s poor discipline — they conceded 14 penalties — proved their downfall throughout.
With Tonga and Fiji as opponents, July was always going to be an appetiser to the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship for the All Blacks.
As is often the case at this time of year, the All Blacks did not immediately click — in part due to the mass changes Foster has made each week with a view to building depth and experimenting to find his firstchoice side.
On this evidence, many of those who featured prominently last night will retain their places for the opening Bledisloe Cup test on August 7, when another significant step up will be required.
It was another erratic start from
RUGBY
New Zealand 60 Fiji 13