{"id":895830,"date":"2026-09-17T22:38:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T22:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/895830\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T22:38:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T22:38:20","slug":"all-blacks-report-card-the-best-and-worst-from-the-rugbys-greatest-rivalry-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/895830\/","title":{"rendered":"All Blacks report card: The best and worst from the Rugby\u2019s Greatest Rivalry tour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tour review: The skipper skipped the first part of the tour, arriving for the tests, but was at his usual best until coming off second best against the clearing-out 117kg frame of Malcolm Marx<\/a> in the first half in Soweto. What could have been.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 in the first, second and third tests<\/p>\n

Savea in first test: \u201cLast played against Ireland a month ago and showed no sign of rust at Ellis Park. Good strong runs early. Held up a try and set up both Jacobson and Jordan from the back of the scrum runs, a classy wide assist for Jordan\u2019s second. Finished with 11 tackles and eight carries in a strong all-round effort, though he wasn\u2019t a major threat at the breakdown. A massive force off the scrum when it\u2019s going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anton Segner \u2013 Ave rating 8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 2<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 138<\/p>\n

Tour review: Struck down cruelly in the prime of his tour with an ankle infection<\/a>. Would have been a strong case for a bench spot in the first test. Hopefully he\u2019ll be back in black soon.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 9 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 7 against the Stormers<\/p>\n

Segner against the Bulls: \u201cWas everywhere on defence in a dynamic, man-of-the-match performance featuring 13 tackles and three turnovers. The German made a crucial jackal steal 5m from New Zealand\u2019s line and another in their 22 a few minutes later. He ripped the ball free in a tackle early in the second half, held a player up over the line and ran hard for his 12 carries.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AntonAnton Segner: “Would have been a strong case for a bench spot in the first test.” Photo \/ SmartFrame<\/p>\n

Jordie Barrett \u2013 Ave rating 7.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 383<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Superb throughout. Constantly put his body on the line. Saved tries, helped set up tries, offered his booming boot when needed and completed the most tackles in the test series. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 10 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 in the fourth test<\/p>\n

Barrett in the first test: \u201cA defensive workhorse right until the late minute of the test. Came up with two key defensive plays first denying Malcolm Marx over the tryline with a strip and then again ripped the ball from a charging Jasper Wiese inside 10m just before halftime. Did it again to Wiese in the closing stages. Finished with 15 tackles, the most of the test, and won five turnovers, the most of the test. Even managed to join a rolling maul. While Jordan got the plaudits, Barrett was the real man of the match.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quinn Tupaea \u2013 Ave rating 7.3<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 265<\/p>\n

Tour review: The final gift Scott Robertson<\/a> gave New Zealand Rugby was moving Tupaea into centre. Didn\u2019t have things all his way against the Boks, especially in the air, but the decline in the team\u2019s performance after his exit in Soweto and during his absence in Baltimore tells plenty. Has clearly established himself as Dave Rennie\u2019s first choice in the No 13 jersey, and as Jordie Barrett\u2019s best partner.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 10 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 in the third test<\/p>\n

Tupaea in first test: \u201cLost the contest in the air a few times against Damian Willemse and didn\u2019t have a massive test on the defensive end. However, two smart plays kept the All Blacks in control \u2013 taking a kickoff inside the in-goal to win a scrum at halfway and a crucial 50-22 in the final quarter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan Blackadder \u2013 Ave rating 7.3<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (1 test)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 199<\/p>\n

Points scored: 15<\/p>\n

Tour review: Probably had question marks over his naming in the squad over Du\u2019Plessis Kirifi, who was coming off a victorious Super Rugby campaign, but Blackadder was the right type of player to take on the Boks. Non-stop engine willing to put his body on the line all game.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 9 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 against the Stormers and Sharks<\/p>\n

Blackadder in the fourth test: \u201cBlackadder was bustling and busy, his engine still revving after 80 minutes. He topped the tackle count with 21 and carted the ball with intent, though other than his clever dab for a try, he never looked like splitting the Boks\u2019 defence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"EthanEthan Blackadder: “Non-stop engine willing to put his body on the line all game.” Photo \/ SmartFrame<\/p>\n

Fabian Holland \u2013 Ave rating 7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 317<\/p>\n

Tour review: Incredible he could play after a horrible shoulder injury in Super Rugby pre-season<\/a>, and arguably should have started all four tests. For all the worry from the simultaneous retirements of Brodie Retallick<\/a> and Sam Whitelock<\/a>, Holland has given glimpses that he can operate at those same levels. Remains a lock \u2013 no pun intended \u2013 in the second row for as long as he\u2019s fit.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 9 in the first test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 in the third test<\/p>\n

Holland in first test: \u201cThe brilliant charge-down try changed the test coming off a South African penalty to take a 16-12 lead. Suddenly, thanks to Holland, the All Blacks took the lead themselves and didn\u2019t look back. He was later penalised for a neck roll penalty with his team on attack. Put in constant pressure at the lineout and won a turnover from a tackle. Strong defensive effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fehi Fineanganofo \u2013 Ave rating 7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 2<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 133<\/p>\n

Points scored: 10<\/p>\n

Tour review: Has never let the All Blacks down, but hasn\u2019t really been given the chances his Super Rugby form warranted. Stood out with a double in the midweek match against the Sharks, but was a passenger in a close contest against the Lions. Was overlooked for all four tests, as the role of the specialist winger continues to diminish.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 9 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Fineanganofo against the Sharks: \u201cGreat presence of mind to score his first try in the black jersey by knowing where the touchline was in horrible conditions, added a second when running became easier. A bit of resemblance to Cory Jane in evading tackles. Led the stats in line breaks (three) and defenders beaten (six), to go with 12 carries for 61m, two offloads, and six tackles. Has done his chances at test selection no harm, but a lot will depend on the balance with the second playmaker at fullback.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saula Ma\u2019u \u2013 Ave rating 7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 1<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 20<\/p>\n

Tour review: Made the trip to South Africa as an injury replacement for Ollie Norris<\/a> before earning a spot on the bench at Ellis Park. Provided one of the memorable moments of the tour<\/a>. Hopefully we see more of him.<\/p>\n

Only rated match: 7 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Ma\u2019u against the Lions: \u201cDebutant was a key figure in the beast-mode tighthead scrum in the 74th minute and part of a late pack that cut out the errors.\u201d <\/p>\n

Will Jordan \u2013 Ave rating 6.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 tests<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 320<\/p>\n

Points scored: 20<\/p>\n

Tour review: Played every minute of every test, but struggled for the impact we\u2019re used to seeing from the All Blacks\u2019 record try scorer. Fell victim to South Africa\u2019s desire to turn the series into a battle between forward packs, and had fewer opportunities to hurt the Springboks than he needed. Still managed to score four tries in four tests, a sign of how lethal he is when the game falls his way.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 in the first, second and fourth test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 in the third test<\/p>\n

Jordan in first test: \u201cScored two relatively easy tries, but Jordan finished with seven defenders beaten and he also put McKenzie into a break that almost saw a try. Got away with a few mistakes \u2013 took a quick tap inside the 22 only to have his kick charged down, batted a high ball back too far which left Love chasing and led to a South African lineout on attack, and he dropped one ball cold. Won a key turnover but also responsible for five turnovers lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"WillWill Jordan: “Fell victim to South Africa\u2019s desire to turn the series into a battle between forward packs.” Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n

Cam Roigard \u2013 Ave rating 6.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 tests<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 277<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Strong showing but was outplayed by his opposite in the last two tests, denting claims to be the best No 9 in the game. Doesn\u2019t help when you\u2019re dealing with a scrum going backwards. Mixed efforts from box kicks on accuracy and lack of execution from chasers. Was a constant threat with ball in hand, finishing with more carries than Damian McKenzie<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 in the first, second and third tests<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 in the fourth test<\/p>\n

Rogaird in the second test: \u201cAn odd one to judge (six kicks versus six runs) as he didn\u2019t do many box kicks compared to his opposite but looked dangerous when running into space against a rushing Boks defence. Good support of Jordan to score. Did well to get the ball quickly out of scrums.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luke Jacobson \u2013 Ave rating 6.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 297<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Really strong start to the test series then dropped off slightly before an elbow injury ruled him out of the final test<\/a>. Not sure how that affected his performance in Soweto when he took over from Savea as captain. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 in the first test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 in the third test<\/p>\n

Jacobson in the first test: \u201cLooks like the No 7 jersey is locked up for the moment. Jacobson had some good charging runs early on but was clutching air in an attempt on Cheslin Kolbe (there\u2019s a long list of defenders in that club). Scored from short distance and had to beat the attempted tackle from Pieter-Steph du Toit to do so (not many attackers in that club).\u201d<\/p>\n

Timoci Tavatavanawai \u2013 Ave rating 6.7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 3<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 98<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Got one start when Jordie Barrett was rested for the final midweek game against the Lions. Used sparingly off the bench against the Sharks and Bulls, coming on in the final quarter. Would have been an option for the final test bench but selectors went with Rieko Ioane.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against Sharks and Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Tavatavanawai against the Lions: \u201cFirst start in a black jersey for a bloke who seems to have been around a while. Made a couple of smart line breaks and topped the stats for defenders beaten (eight).\u201d<\/p>\n

Peter Lakai \u2013 Ave rating 6.6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 7 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 342<\/p>\n

Tour review: Might have been the biggest winner from the tour, though not entirely reflected in the Herald ratings. Started the third test on the blindside and then at No 8 in Baltimore and it seems the rugby world is starting to notice the impact he can have on the field. Expect to see more of him with Ardie Savea out of action.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 on four occasions<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 on three occasions<\/p>\n

Lakai in third test: \u201cCalled in for Simon Parker, Lakai made an immediate impact with a big hit in the opening minutes of the test. He ran strongly with ball in hand throughout an 80-minute stretch. His running and passing in wide channels made the Hurricanes loosie a constant threat.\u201d <\/p>\n

Ruben Love \u2013 Ave rating 6.5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 310<\/p>\n

Points scored: 30<\/p>\n

Tour review: Still early days. Maybe a B+ on his first trip to South Africa. Is that good enough for an All Blacks No 10? Will have Mo\u2019unga nipping at his heels until the World Cup. Was solid enough off the tee. He did miss a close-range penalty in the Soweto defeat, although the All Blacks scored shortly after.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 9 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 in the third test<\/p>\n

Love in second test: \u201cStrong kicking game which began with a weak grubber while on attack. But followed that up with some strong exit clearances and a decent kick for touch to gain territory. Attack work not strong enough with some indecision including an intercept. Produced a solid hit on de Allende.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"RubenRuben Love: “Maybe a B+ on his first trip to South Africa. Is that good enough for an All Blacks No 10?” Photo \/ SmartFrame<\/p>\n

Leroy Carter \u2013 Ave rating 6.5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 324<\/p>\n

Points scored: 20<\/p>\n

Tour review: Dubbed by Scott Robertson as the fastest player in New Zealand<\/a>, Carter was frustratingly denied the chance to operate at his best by the stifling defence of the Springboks. Got his chance to start after Moorby was punished for the second test, and didn\u2019t look back \u2013 even as the best on display in the Cape Town loss.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 in the second test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 against the Stormers<\/p>\n

Carter in second test: \u201cBest on the field for the All Blacks. Pinned his ears back and showed his pace to score a well-deserved try in the corner. Provided a key link-up with Savea in the All Blacks second try. Also won a scrum from a held-up tackle. Was fighting right to the end, even if it was picking on the smallest guy on the field in Cheslin Kolbe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wallace Sititi \u2013 Ave rating 6.4<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (2 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 252<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Impressively, Sititi\u2019s best performance on tour came when the All Blacks needed it most, after Ardie Savea left the field injured. Otherwise, opportunities were limited as a player outside the first-choice loose forward trio, evidenced by starting on the bench in the rotated Baltimore side. Still yet to hit the same heights as in his breakout season two years ago, but is learning the demands of the highest level too.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 in the third test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Sititi in the third test: \u201cBrought on to fill the enormous shoes of Savea, Sititi was easily New Zealand\u2019s most impactful bench player. Entering in the 32nd minute, the loose forward made a crucial strip turnover early in the second half with New Zealand effectively down to 13 men after Tupaea got injured. Sititi won a breakdown penalty with a well-timed jackal and made a late break up the park, sparking an attacking opportunity\u201d.<\/p>\n

Xavier Numia \u2013 Ave rating 6.4<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 144<\/p>\n

Tour review: Despite the scrum being a constant issue for the All Blacks, Numia was probably the front-rower who gained most from the tour. He came off the bench in the final three tests and helped shore up a struggling pack. Will continue to battle George Bower for the reserve spot while Tamaiti Williams remains on the sidelines.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 in the third and fourth tests<\/p>\n

Numia against the Lions: \u201cArguably the loosehead\u2019s strongest showing for New Zealand. The All Blacks scrum dominated the Bulls\u2019 pack<\/a>, with Numia particularly damaging. He changed up the running lines as a support player in his pod. Numia produced a dominant tackle in the middle, plus a counter-ruck after sacking halfback Embrose Papier from a lineout.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cortez Ratima \u2013 Ave rating 6.3<\/p>\n

Matches played: 3<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 123<\/p>\n

Tour review: Had two starts against the Stormers and Bulls but another one who joined the injury list before the first test. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 against the Stormers and Sharks.<\/p>\n

Ratima against the Bulls: \u201cRatima\u2019s performance was highlighted by quick, accurate delivery from the breakdowns and a measured kicking display. The halfback expertly milked a penalty with a sharp pass into the back of a retreating Francois Klopper, who was yellow-carded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rieko Ioane \u2013 Ave rating 6.3<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (1 test)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 281<\/p>\n

Points scored: 20<\/p>\n

Tour review: Criminally underused in the tests, as Rennie went for Anton Lienert-Brown as his midfield bench cover. Ioane looks to have found new levels to his game \u2013 evidenced by a strong showing against the Bulls \u2013 after his Irish stint, but uncertainty over his best position remains. Will be interesting to see where he fits once Leicester Fainga\u2019anuku returns to fitness.<\/p>\n

Highest rated matches: 7 against the Stormers and Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 in the fourth test<\/p>\n

Ioane against the Bulls: \u201cIoane delivered a composed and mature performance at centre, proving himself a reliable backup. The midfielder made 15 carries for a game-high 109m, plus four offloads and eight tackles. He produced some threatening pace in the wider channels and showed maturity in knowing when to give the pass and when to carry into contact. Ioane scored a try down the right edge early in the second half.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"RiekoRieko Ioane: “Criminally underused in the tests.” Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n

Damian McKenzie \u2013 Ave rating 6.2<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 353<\/p>\n

Points scored: 20<\/p>\n

Tour review: Continues to be a mixed bag at the highest level. Started all four tests, and had plenty of highlights, notably his ability to break the line against the world\u2019s best defence. Unfortunately, for any fullback, mistakes can prove costly when you\u2019re the last line of defence. You can probably argue he should be kicking goals over Ruben Love.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 in the first test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 on four occasions. <\/p>\n

McKenzie in first test: \u201cComing off injury watch and fairly ineffective in the first half, but made his mark in the second 40. A great line break midway through the second half almost led to a try. Started to find his way once South Africa started chasing and moved away from box kicks. Finished with two turnovers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asafo Aumua \u2013 Ave rating 6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 6 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 224<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: After proving himself the standout hooker in Super Rugby, Aumua being picked over Codie Taylor for the crucial third test was a sign of a changing of the guard in this All Blacks side. Was an improvement on the All Blacks\u2019 worrisome lineout, but the issues exposed by the Springboks\u2019 forward pack will take more to fix than swapping hookers. Should keep the No 2 jersey when everyone is fit and available.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 6 in all six appearances<\/p>\n

Aumua in third test: \u201cMuch scrutiny was always going to be heaped on Aumua\u2019s lineout throwing, and he delivered. The hooker\u2019s ball-running was explosive, drawing four defenders off a lineout leading to Savea\u2019s opening try. Aumua was in the front row that conceded a pushover scrum. which led to a penalty try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emoni Narawa \u2013 Ave rating 6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 3<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 140<\/p>\n

Points scored: 10<\/p>\n

Tour review: Only had one start, scoring twice against the Lions, while wearing the No 23 jersey in two other tour games. Surprised he didn\u2019t get more game time with the struggles under the high ball from his counterparts.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 3 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Narawa against the Lions: \u201cTerrific show from a winger worthy of a test spot for Dave Rennie\u2019s side<\/a>. Narawa is strong, fast and incredibly smart, as evidenced in the grab and dash that led to Noah Hotham scoring the tourists\u2019 first try. Narawa\u2019s tries were well taken, particularly the second on the final hooter, when he had five big South African bodies to get through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josh Moorby \u2013 Ave rating 6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 304<\/p>\n

Tour review: Arguably fell victim to Rennie\u2019s high standards after the first test in which he scored a fantastic try, but was responsible for conceding one himself \u2013 and was benched for the next two. Came back in Baltimore, but found opportunities hard to come by in a test that saw a broken All Blacks side finish with tails between their legs.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 9 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 on three occasions<\/p>\n

Moorby in first test: \u201cMissed a one-on-one tackle on Andre Esterhuizen which led to the Springboks try. But made up for that with a good finish, beating the tackle of du Toit to score the All Blacks\u2019 second try. Just four carries. Off after 63 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caleb Clarke \u2013 Ave rating 6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 2<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 115<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Ruptured a shoulder tendon that ended his tour before the test series. Would have been a strong contender to face the Boks.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 against the Stormers<\/p>\n

Clarke against the Sharks: \u201cOn what should have been a tough night for the outside backs, Clarke shone. Barring a couple of errors under the high ball \u2013 completely forgivable in the wet \u2013 Clarke made the most metres and the most carries of any All Black, 91 and 16 respectively.\u201d <\/p>\n

Bradley Slater \u2013 Ave rating 6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 2<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 44<\/p>\n

Tour review: Got the call-up when George Bell went down with injury<\/a> and earned his debut against the Sharks. But as hooker No 4 he wasn\u2019t really an option for the tests.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 6 against the Sharks and Lions<\/p>\n

Slater against the Lions: \u201cBig unit was tidy in lineout work and gets a pat on the back for the scrum improvements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie Hannah \u2013 Ave rating 6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 1<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 32<\/p>\n

Tour review: Not much to report as a tour latecomer. Came off the bench for the final 32 minutes of the last midweek game. <\/p>\n

Only rated match: 6 against the Lions.<\/p>\n

Hannah against the Lions: \u201cFlew in during the week<\/a> and impressed off the bench with tidy lineout work as the Lions jumped against him. Also made a few handy contributions around the park on attack and defence.\u201d<\/p>\n

George Bower \u2013 Ave rating 5.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 237<\/p>\n

Tour review: <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 in the first test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 against the Stormers<\/p>\n

Bower in the first test: \u201cHuge impact from the bench to stop the scrum going backwards.\u201d <\/p>\n

Fletcher Newell \u2013 Ave rating 5.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 164<\/p>\n

Tour review: Was strong off the bench in the Ellis Park victory to even up a scrum contest in the final quarter, and again held up well when starting in the final test. Along with Numia, he was a rare bright light in the front-row from the tour.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 in the first test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 in the third test<\/p>\n

Newell in the fourth test: \u201cSeemed to deal with Ox Nche pretty well as the All Blacks papered over their scrum worries. Newell was useful around the park and did a good job of moving big bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samisoni Taukei\u2019aho \u2013 Ave rating: 5.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (1 test)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 182<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: After his whirlwind All Blacks debut in 2021, Taukei\u2019aho probably hasn\u2019t kicked on as many thought he would, evidenced by being jumped in the queue by Asafo Aumua. Still an incredibly strong ball-running option, and his defensive work rate isn\u2019t to be scoffed at either. The big worry, as seen against the Springboks, is his lineout throwing, which teams at the highest level will continue to punish.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 6 on three occasions.<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 against the Lions.<\/p>\n

Taukei\u2019aho in third test: \u201cTaukei\u2019aho scored a belated All Blacks try after fulltime, which showed just how much this game was up for grabs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SamisoniSamisoni Taukei\u2019aho: “The big worry, as seen against the Springboks, is his lineout throwing.” Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n

Simon Parker \u2013 Ave rating 5.8<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (2 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 244<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Another victim to the hole at No 6, Parker was a late addition to the side for the first test once Anton Segner went down, and helped close out the win off the bench. Was promoted to start in Cape Town and was solid, but didn\u2019t do enough to keep his place for the final two tests. Is an excellent lineout option, but question marks remain at the highest level.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 in first test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Parker in second test: \u201cThe fourth different All Black to wear the No 6 jersey in tests this year, clearly a position Dave Rennie is not sure about. Parker was the side\u2019s main lineout option and was up there in the tackle count with 11. He was obstructed in the lead-up to the de Allende try, which the TMO missed or ignored. Fine test, which included a linebreak, but don\u2019t think he locked down the jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anton Lienert-Brown \u2013 Ave rating 5.7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 7 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 256<\/p>\n

Tour review: Played all but one game on tour, but was mostly used as a substitute through the test series, with a sole start in Baltimore. Was strong in Soweto, replacing the injured Quinn Tupaea, but was comfortably outgunned by the Springboks pair of Jesse Kriel and Damien de Allende. Remains an important squad member for Rennie, with this side\u2019s success built on more than the starting XV.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 in the third test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 on three occasions<\/p>\n

Lienert-Brown in third test: \u201cEntering the game early in the second half for the injured Tupaea, Lienert-Brown was New Zealand\u2019s second-best bench player. The midfielder caught an attacking bomb and won a penalty in the final minutes to give New Zealand a chance. However, there was a defensive misread, as Kriel sailed past his inside shoulder late after the Kiwis failed to mark-up properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josh Jacomb \u2013 Ave rating 5.7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 3<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 108<\/p>\n

Points scored: 10<\/p>\n

Tour review: Got the one start before Mo\u2019unga joined the tour group but he impressed in terms of game management. Realistically fourth \u2013 or even fifth option behind Barrett \u2013 for the No 10 jersey. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Jacomb against the Bulls: \u201cThe Chiefs playmaker<\/a> made a highly promising starting debut. Jacomb managed the game brilliantly, highlighted by some creative general play kicking, including a 50\/22. He was defensively sound despite being one of the smallest players on the park. Jacomb drew two defenders in setting up Josh Moorby for the opening try and showed great skill in keeping a Willie Le Roux touch-finder in play.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josh Lord \u2013 Ave rating 5.6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (2 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 170<\/p>\n

Tour review: Started the first test alongside Fabian Holland in a hint of the locking pair for the future but clashed heads with de Groot after 37 minutes, which led to him missing the next two tests. Would have loved to see him battle Eben Etzebeth<\/a> a few more times.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 on three occasions<\/p>\n

Lord in first test: \u201cA shame to leave the field after a head clash with de Groot as he was starting to get into the test. Gave away an early penalty for taking out a man at lineout. But forced a knock-on with a tackle on Ox Nche. Won three lineouts. Off after 37 minutes.\u201d <\/p>\n

Sam Darry \u2013 Ave rating 5.6<\/p>\n

Matches played: 6 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 361<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Started the last two tests as Tupou Vaa\u2019i was shifted to the back row. Probably remains behind Lord, Holland and Vaa\u2019i in the locks pecking order but seems to have jumped ahead of Tuipulotu (excuse the pun).<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 6 in third test<\/p>\n

Darry in third test: \u201cWas a reliable lineout option and a workhorse around the park. The lock made seven carries, six tackles and hit plenty of rucks with no obvious errors.\u201d <\/p>\n

Semisi Ta\u2019eiloa \u2013 Ave rating 5.5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 2<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 76<\/p>\n

Tour review: Came off the bench on debut against the Sharks and then started in the final midweek game.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Ta\u2019eiloa against the Lions: \u201cBig-unit debutant had a hard time making an impact on the game where his side\u2019s errors stifled any chance of building continuity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ollie Norris – Ave rating: 5.5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 2<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 50<\/p>\n

Tour review: Was never in test contention after a knee cartilage injury led to him returning home after two bench appearances. Never got to see if his brake foot was good or not.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 6 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 5 against the Stormers<\/p>\n

Norris against the Stormers: \u201cGood work with short carries and shoving as the All Blacks gained ascendancy. Scrum seemed slightly less of a shambles when he was out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tupou Vaa\u2019i \u2013 Ave rating 5.4<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 383<\/p>\n

Tour review: Is he a lock? Or is he a No 6? Another to have played in all four tests, but started twice in each position. Is slowly growing into one of the leaders of this group, but the uncertainty over which jersey he wears can\u2019t be doing Vaa\u2019i any favours. On his day, though, has proven he can go toe-to-toe with the best in the game.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 8 in the first test<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 3 in the fourth test<\/p>\n

Vaa\u2019i in fourth test: \u201cA troubling night on defence for the man wearing the jersey that once hung on Jerome Kaino\u2019s shoulders. There were useful moments on the other side of the ball, including a key breakdown penalty in the 27th minute. But Vaa\u2019i gifted a daft penalty for scragging a bloke at the back of a ruck when his side were hot on attack in the final quarter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TupouTupou Vaa\u2019i: “All the uncertainty over which jersey he wears can\u2019t be doing Vaa\u2019i any favours.” Photo \/ SmartFrame<\/p>\n

Patrick Tuipulotu \u2013 Ave rating 5.4<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (2 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 250<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: The big question is when\/if Scott Barrett returns, whether there is a spot for Tuipulotu with the younger talent of Darry, Holland, Lord and Vaa\u2019i in the mix. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 in the second test<\/p>\n

Tuipulotu in the fourth test: \u201cHasn\u2019t had the same impact on this tour that he managed in the home tests, where the Blues skipper was a brute runner on the ball. Against the Boks, he carried the ball plenty, but the green wall was unyielding. Tuipulotu piled into the breakdowns in Baltimore, cleaning ruck ball for Cam Roigard.\u201d <\/p>\n

Kyle Preston \u2013 Ave rating 5.3<\/p>\n

Matches played: 8 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 186<\/p>\n

Tour review: The only player to feature in every match on tour, albeit with one start. An average rating of less than six doesn\u2019t tell the full picture, with his normal day\u2019s work usually consisting of 10 minutes or less. His one start, against the Sharks, was easily his best game. Has the worst job in the game as back-up to Cam Roigard, but gave a good account of himself as arguably New Zealand\u2019s next-best running halfback.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 9 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 3 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Preston against the Sharks: \u201cMore than repaid Rennie\u2019s faith after being selected over Crusaders teammate Noah Hotham. Was smart and decisive with the ball and had 84 running metres to go with a linebreak. Showed great awareness in his support runs and finished off the night with a well-deserved try. This could be the game that sees him become the No 2 halfback to Cam Roigard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Codie Taylor \u2013 Ave rating 5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (3 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 190<\/p>\n

Points scored: 15<\/p>\n

Tour review: Not sure what to make of Taylor\u2019s place in the side one year out from the World Cup<\/a>. He was dropped for the third test, with Asafo Aumua taking his place, but then captained the side in Baltimore. World Rugby\u2019s new obsession with the brake foot didn\u2019t help his tour but the All Blacks had scrum and lineout issues throughout the test series.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 in second and fourth tests<\/p>\n

Taylor in Cape Town test: \u201cLineout issues throughout and uncharacteristic mistakes around the field. The opening All Blacks try did come from an overthrown lineout. Slipped off in tackle attempt of Damian de Allende\u2019s try. Taylor was penalised for offside and knocked on with the All Blacks on attack. Six tackles and six carries.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CodieCodie Taylor: “The All Blacks had scrum and lineout issues throughout the test series.” Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n

Ethan de Groot \u2013 Ave rating 5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 3 (2 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 139<\/p>\n

Tour review: The Highlanders prop collided with teammate Josh Lord 37 minutes into the first test at Ellis Park, which meant he missed the next two tests for a concussion stand-down. He also seemed to be struggling with a knee injury. The All Blacks had scrum issues throughout the entire test series, but it probably looked better when de Groot was on the field.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 against the Sharks<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 in first and fourth tests<\/p>\n

De Groot in the first test: \u201cBusy around the field, despite being hampered by a knee injury but must be judged by the performance of the scrum, which was poor in the first half. The All Blacks had six feeds, were penalised twice, and were going backwards on two. De Groot was penalised at one scrum which led to three points. Was also pinged at the breakdown. Six carries in first half. Off after 37 minutes with a head knock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richie Mo\u2019unga \u2013 Ave rating 5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 2 (1 test)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 160<\/p>\n

Points scored: 4<\/p>\n

Tour review: Back in black and probably moves straight to No 2 in the first five-eighths depth chart behind Love.<\/a> Would like to see him get another test this year but which one? <\/p>\n

Highest and lowest rated match: 5 against the Lions and fourth test<\/p>\n

Mo\u2019unga in fourth test: \u201cMissed touch from a defensive penalty when his teammates really needed a break from relentless Springboks pressure, and was beaten in the air soon after. Other kicks were more accurate, including a gem from a later that drilled the Boks into their corner. Chose his options smartly and seemed happy to play right on the line against big, brutal Bokke defenders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beauden Barrett \u2013 Ave rating 5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 4 (1 test)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 224<\/p>\n

Points scored: 15<\/p>\n

Tour review: Has clearly become the fourth-choice playmaker behind Love, McKenzie and Mo\u2019unga, as could be expected of a player who\u2019s just turned 35. Barrett\u2019s efforts in a poor team showing against the Stormers<\/a> were symptomatic of where he\u2019s at in his All Blacks career. Still, you will never hear a bad word said about his professionalism, and his role in this group \u2013 especially off the field. However, if it wasn\u2019t already clear that Barrett\u2019s days as a frontline All Black are over, there\u2019s no doubt now.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 7 on two occasions<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 2 against the Stormers.<\/p>\n

Barrett against the Stormers: \u201cCoach Dave Rennie would have wanted better control from his veteran playmaker. Barrett was inaccurate with ball in hand and couldn\u2019t direct the men outside him into space in the messy opening half. There were sloppy kicks and mis-reads under the high ball. The blown second-half restart typified a night to forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BeaudenBeauden Barrett: “Barrett\u2019s days as a frontline All Black are over, there\u2019s no doubt over it now.” Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n

Tyrel Lomax \u2013 Ave rating 5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 5 (4 tests)<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 235<\/p>\n

Tour review: Leaves South Africa with a damaged reputation after being part of an All Blacks scrum that repeatedly moved backwards. He came up against the immovable force that is Ox Niche and ended up being penalised four times across the test series.<\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 4 in the first and third tests<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 7 against the Bulls<\/p>\n

Lomax in first test: \u201cAll Blacks were done at the scrum in the first half and the front-rowers have to wear that. Was also penalised for not releasing with Boks inside own half. Finished with eight tackles in 50 minutes of game time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Billy Proctor \u2013 Ave rating 5<\/p>\n

Matches played: 1<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 45<\/p>\n

Tour review: Sadly his tour lasted 45 minutes after fracturing his shoulder blade in the opening game. Would have been great to see him take on Kriel and de Allende.<\/p>\n

Only rated match: 5 against the Stormers<\/p>\n

Proctor against the Stormers: \u201cSpilled a dead-set scoring chance when he dropped a (ropey) pass from Josh Moorby on the Stormers line in the 27th minute, just as the All Blacks were looking to get control of a scrappy first half. His long delivery to set up Simon Parker\u2019s try was smart and accurate. Nasty-looking injury.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pasilio Tosi – Ave rating 4.7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 3<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 133<\/p>\n

Tour review: Started against the Stormers and Lions, but wasn\u2019t needed for the tests despite a less than impressive scrum. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 6 against the Sharks.<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 3 against the Stormers.<\/p>\n

Tosi against the Lions: The All Blacks scrum couldn\u2019t get the better of their hosts<\/a> in the opening exchanges, but Tosi kept busy around the park and was a big defensive presence.<\/p>\n

Siale Lauaki \u2013 Ave rating 4.7<\/p>\n

Matches played: 3<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 123<\/p>\n

Tour review: Got a few chances off the bench before a start at loosehead against the Lions, putting in a big 70-minute shift, but didn\u2019t get a look-in for the big games. But unclear where he sits among a list of front-rowers who spent a lot of time going one-foot forward, five backwards. <\/p>\n

Highest rated match: 5 against the Stormers and Bulls<\/p>\n

Lowest rated match: 4 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Lauaki against the Stormers: \u201cDebutant spilled the ball after being hit hard on his first carry as an All Black. Put that one down to nerves and the last gasps of the exhausted Stormer\u2019s defence. Lauaki was part of the second-half pack that started to make sense of a messy game. Massive tackle set the platform for attack that led to final try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Noah Hotham \u2013 Ave rating 3<\/p>\n

Matches played: 1<\/p>\n

Minutes played: 54<\/p>\n

Points scored: 5<\/p>\n

Tour review: Got a start against the Lions with Crusaders teammate Mo\u2019unga, but was behind Kyle Preston in the pecking order and sits fourth when Cortez Ratima is fit.<\/p>\n

Only rated match: 3 against the Lions<\/p>\n

Hotham against the Lions: \u201cWhen Hotham is on the job, the ball seems a tad slower getting from ruck to first five-eighths. Throughout a match marked by scrappy errors, All Blacks bosses might have wanted to see their 9-10 combination get the team into better areas of the park.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Tour review: The skipper skipped the first part of the tour, arriving for the tests, but was at…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":895831,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[567],"tags":[5118,3265,617,465115,64,63,613,1700,9658,3200,7988,25095,10366,15454,105298,5587,37311,50926,395496,45884,20034,10963,3017,59907,8936,323,37738,15624,23917,33470,263250,8207,15126,760,44985,9672,85,231,320,245,92937,10593,307777],"class_list":["post-895830","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-rugby","tag-alex","tag-all","tag-and","tag-assess","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-baltimore","tag-best","tag-blacks","tag-cameron","tag-card","tag-dave","tag-defeat","tag-during","tag-efforts","tag-from","tag-greatest","tag-herald","tag-highs","tag-johannesburg","tag-look","tag-mcmillan","tag-men","tag-opening","tag-over","tag-overall","tag-performances","tag-player","tag-powell","tag-ratings","tag-rennies","tag-report","tag-rivalry","tag-rugby","tag-rugbys","tag-series","tag-sports","tag-test","tag-the","tag-tour","tag-tracked","tag-victory","tag-worst"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=895830"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895830\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/895831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=895830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=895830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=895830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}