1 Ethan de Groot — 5
The scrum was inconsistent, though Codie Taylor was penalised more often. Gave away a scrum penalty shortly after half-time against a new front row before being replaced. Made a few strong carries into traffic whilst on the pitch.
2 Codie Taylor — 6
Finished brilliantly for the opening try, finding a superb close-range line. His throwing was slightly shaky at times and he conceded a couple of brake-foot infringements at scrum time, but tackled well and carried strongly.
Picked up a nasty head wound which he played on through before coming off after 48 minutes.
3 Fletcher Newell — 6
Offered a few carries early on and earned a penalty against Ox Nche just before half-time. The scrum was not at its best, although he was less culpable than Taylor for the infringements. Replaced after 48 minutes.
4 Patrick Tuipulotu — 6
This game marked Tuipulotu’s first start against the Springboks before being replaced after 54 minutes.
A quiet start gave way to a hugely influential spell before half-time, with multiple powerful carries helping the All Blacks build the phases that led to Jordan’s try.
He was busy defensively with 10 tackles and produced a brilliant offload just before Jordan’s try.
5 Sam Darry — 7
Worked tirelessly around the park, making 15 tackles and putting in a strong defensive shift. Was decent in the air from lineouts but was stepped by Morne van den Berg for the Springboks’ try. Replaced after 57 minutes.
6 Tupou Vaa’i — 6
A mixed outing, with a needless early high-tackle penalty gifting the Springboks their opening points.
He showed good awareness to win a turnover near his own line but missed a tackle in the build-up to Du Toit’s try. Shifted into the second row with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Was stepped far too easily by Kurt-Lee Arendse for his try, and was almost made to look like he wasn’t trying.
7 Ethan Blackadder — 8
Blackadder set the tone with a huge defensive effort, including a game-leading 26 tackles.
Produced a powerful carry and excellent offload to Jordan, while his work rate was evident over the course of the game.
Was overpowered for Du Toit’s try but responded with a brilliant close-range finish of his own, capping an outstanding performance with his first Test try.
8 Peter Lakai — 7
Lakai made an impact after switching from six to eight, showing plenty of energy with carries and some lovely touches.
Returned from an early HIA and looked dangerous, including a superb line that went unrewarded. His side entry at a maul also handed the Boks penalty advantage that they scored from.
Replacements
16 Asafo Aumua — 6
17 Xavier Numia — 6
18 Tyrel Lomax — 5
19 Josh Lord — 6
20 Wallace Sititi — 7
21 Kyle Preston — 6
22 Rieko Ioane — 6
23 Beauden Barrett — 7
Played less than 10 minutes, although he did manage a try late on.
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