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.<\/p>\n
Here are our winners and losers:<\/p>\n
Winners:<\/p>\n
Quinn Tupaea<\/p>\n
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<\/a> 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\u2019s likely that he\u2019ll put himself in the frame for some regular starts.<\/p>\n Bomb squad<\/p>\n The bomb squad needs no introduction. Their fuse was lit today. Needing to claw back an almost unassailable lead, Rassie Erasmus\u2019 men emerged from the bench with fire and vengeance in their eyes, as they climbed the Eden Park<\/a> 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\u2019 door right up until the final whistle. If the bench had been utilised slightly earlier, the scoreline could have looked very different.<\/p>\n Damian McKenzie<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ardie Savea<\/p>\n A simply superb performance from the All Blacks<\/a> captain. He showed all the heart, desire, belief and rousing intensity that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Finlay Christie<\/p>\n 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\u2019 defence with a barrage of challenging high balls.<\/p>\n