AGAINST CANADA
after 26 minutes. 6
Liam Coltman: Overthrew his first lineout. Dropped a couple of easy passes. Looks a long way off the two frontline hookers. 5 Atu Moli: Part of that pushover penalty try in the first scrum of game. His scrummaging services weren’t required too much after that and was rarely seen until he was pinged for a neck roll with five minutes to go. 7
Codie Taylor: On for Coltman with 10 minutes to go. Not enough action to warrant a rating. N/A
Ofa Tuungafasi: Won a good breakdown penalty after replacing Laulala early in the second half, but with so many points being scored, it was hard to notice the work of a prop. 7 Nepo Laulala: Came on in the 26th minute for Ta’avao. Then was off in the 51st for Tuungafasi. Didn’t do a heck of a lot in that time. 6
Sam Whitelock: A brief cameo in place of Tuipulotu. N/A Ardie Savea: Brought the goggles to the big stage when coming on for Todd with 10 to go.N/A
Brad Weber: On at halftime for Perenara. Ran classic support lines to get on the end of Beauden Barrett and Mo’unga try assists. 8
Ryan Crotty: On at halftime for Goodhue. Started with some hard running to get his side good front-foot ball from the kickoffs, then was solid. 7
Ben Smith: On in the 51st minute for SBW. Did some nice work, but lacks the impact needed for a bench spot in the big games. 6
Beauden said he was happy and proud to have shared some ‘‘special moments’’ with his brothers and Jordie remarked that it reminded him of a period many moons ago.
‘‘A long time ago, 10 years or whatever, we used to play in the backyard and we talked about going to the World Cup and we used to heckle each other about having a kick to win a World Cup. It’s just cool to be here playing together and interacting on the field,’’ said Jordie.
The elder brother was asked if he had himself a laugh at Scott’s expense at the halftime break.
‘‘I had a laugh a bit sooner than halftime,’’ he shot back. ‘‘Pretty much straight away. It was pretty funny. Even my one at the end, you just have to laugh. Yeah embarrassing, but funny too.’’
Mum and dad weren’t on hand to share the moment with them, but Beauden had no doubts it was celebrated in time-honoured fashion back on the farm.
‘‘Dad was watching at home. They always wish us luck before the game and often congratulate us afterwards.
‘‘Dad would have been sitting at home drinking his Guinness in the lounge and I’m sure he’s pretty happy.’’
So he should be.