{"id":118333,"date":"2025-09-06T09:39:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T09:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/118333\/"},"modified":"2025-09-06T09:39:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T09:39:10","slug":"all-blacks-player-ratings-vs-springboks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/118333\/","title":{"rendered":"All Blacks player ratings vs Springboks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Very rarely do Test matches have as much history, prestige, and anticipation as this. The All Blacks<\/a> hosted the Springboks at Eden Park for the first time since 2013 in round three of the Rugby Championship, and a 31-year unbeaten record was valiantly upheld.<\/p>\n

48,312 fans witnessed another famous chapter in rugby\u2019s greatest rivalry, and roared at the sight of Damian McKenzie<\/a> kicking the ball out with a seven-point All Blacks lead on full-time.<\/p>\n

The All Blacks protected home turf, surviving some late Springbok power in doing so.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how they rated.<\/p>\n

1. Ethan de Groot \u2013 8.5<\/p>\n

After losing his place in the starting team during an injury-disrupted 2024 international calendar, de Groot\u2019s engine has been well up to the task in 2025. The challenge was for him to make his stats count and for him to handle the bulk of the Boks\u2019 scrum.<\/p>\n

De Groot produced a strong showing in the former of the two, with his abrasive defence standing up to the visitors\u2019 physicality well.<\/p>\n

The Kiwi scrum was more stable on the loosehead\u2019s side, although it was more likely to surrender metres than make them. Replaced at the half.<\/p>\n

2. Codie Taylor<\/a> \u2013 6<\/p>\n

With a loss souring his 100th game in Buenos Aires, Taylor was sure to be itching for a win in Auckland. His night was ended early, however, due to a head knock.<\/p>\n

At the time he left the park, the All Blacks\u2019 attacking lineout and scrum were imperfect, and Taylor hadn\u2019t found many opportunities to make his presence felt.<\/p>\n

3. Fletcher Newell<\/a> \u2013 6.5<\/p>\n

Faced with one of the great challenges in rugby, scrummaging opposite Ox Nche<\/a>, Newell had his work cut out for him in this one. The prop hit the ground in the first handful of scrums, with the Springbok pack making more of a dent behind Nche.<\/p>\n

On defence, Newell was absorbing the contact rather than repelling it, and that allowed the Springboks to drive forward for a step or two. His presence at the breakdown was rock solid more often than not.<\/p>\n

4. Scott Barrett<\/a> (c) \u2013 7.5<\/p>\n

The captain has had his doubters, and Saturday night was his biggest opportunity yet to inspire a meaningful winning performance from his men.<\/p>\n

Barrett started with a missed tackle and couldn\u2019t execute a pass to Tupou Vaa\u2019i<\/a> a few minutes later, seeing the ball go to ground. A charge down on Grant Williams\u2019 box kick 10 minutes in was a big play to put pressure on the Springboks\u2019 contestable kicking game, and he continued to at least get in the halfback\u2019s peripheral vision throughout the game.<\/p>\n

Possession \"Team \"Team \"Team \"Team <\/p>\n

22%<\/p>\n

Possession Last 10 min<\/p>\n

78%<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

5. Tupou Vaa\u2019i \u2013 8<\/p>\n

Shifting back to the second row after four Tests at blindside flanker, Vaa\u2019i\u2019s selection was one of the big calls from Scott Robertson<\/a> for this Test.<\/p>\n

Vaa\u2019i\u2019s defence work at the lineout was present early, disrupting Springbok ball. When the visitors tried a midfield lineout, Vaa\u2019i was on them in an instant, contributing to a knock-on. That play exemplified just how switched on he was on the night.<\/p>\n

He looked to be the most explosive off the ground in the lineouts, but was caught napping on the side of the ruck by Cobus Reinach<\/a> for a crucial try.<\/p>\n

6. Simon Parker<\/a> \u2013 8<\/p>\n

With just one Test cap under his belt and now in his preferred position, Parker\u2019s nous was well up to international standard in Auckland.<\/p>\n

The rookie\u2019s physicality saw him go toe-to-toe with some established heavyweights of the rugby world and hold his own. He absorbed the contact of Ox Nche<\/a> right on the try-line and followed it up by tackling Marco van Staden<\/a>, who had a full head of steam, moments later, early in the second period.<\/p>\n

Parker led the game in completed tackles in his 67 minutes on the park.<\/p>\n

7. Ardie Savea<\/a> (vc) \u2013 9<\/p>\n

The milestone man. Savea\u2019s 100th Test coming in this almighty game is one of those moments that feels written in the rugby stars.<\/p>\n

Savea\u2019s defence was less tackling and more wrestling. The flanker\u2019s strength never ceases to amaze, and he was as busy as anyone on the park in Auckland. The pace shown to keep up with Cheslin Kolbe<\/a> when chasing a chip kick highlighted the athlete he still is at 31 years of age.<\/p>\n

A huge turnover in the 79th minute was vintage Savea, who always rises to the occasion.<\/p>\n

8. Wallace Sititi<\/a> \u2013 8.5<\/p>\n

Having made a name for himself in this very rivalry one year ago, Sititi hasn\u2019t missed much of a step since, despite two injuries.<\/p>\n

Sititi used quick hands under duress, footwork in close quarters, and lent his shoulder to some heavy contact.<\/p>\n

9. Finlay Christie<\/a> \u2013 7.5<\/p>\n

New Zealand\u2019s injury crisis at halfback handed Christie a rare opportunity to reclaim favour with selectors, after falling out of the All Blacks squad at the back end of 2024.<\/p>\n

The halfback was composed from the outset, feeling out the Springbok defence and being patient with his box kicks, also handling loose balls well.<\/p>\n

Some passes were a little high, and some clearance kicks left a little to be desired in terms of distance, but it was a robust showing from the halfback.<\/p>\n

10. Beauden Barrett<\/a> \u2013 7<\/p>\n

The most experienced player in this immense battle, Barrett\u2019s boot was well employed in the game. The All Blacks didn\u2019t win the territory battle, but as they have this tournament, they were superbly efficient in converting their 22m entries into points.<\/p>\n

Barrett kept the ball moving, whether by pass or kick, with some crisp deliveries as his side looked to move the big Boks pack around. Just eight metres carried represents a quiet performance in that regard. A superb 50-22 was a golden contribution to the win.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

22m Entries <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

11. Rieko Ioane<\/a> \u2013 7<\/p>\n

One of the All Blacks seemingly fighting to keep his place in the starting XV, Ioane\u2019s name was greeted with a roar at his home ground of Eden Park.<\/p>\n

The ball didn\u2019t come his way a whole lot, but Ioane had some class moments when involved in play off the wing. His defence cut down some dangerous moments.<\/p>\n

12. Jordie Barrett<\/a> \u2013 8<\/p>\n

Barrett\u2019s return to New Zealand<\/a> hasn\u2019t been as smooth as he perhaps would have liked. On Saturday night, he got involved early and often, also assuming the kicking duties for the first two kicks before Damian McKenzie entered the game.<\/p>\n

Barrett chewed through plenty of work in his time on the park, chasing hard and putting pressure on the Boks under the high ball. He handled the physicality of opposite Damian de Allende<\/a>, who struggled to get go-forward leading his team in carries.<\/p>\n

13. Billy Proctor<\/a> \u2013 6<\/p>\n

Capitalised on some clunky Springbok play early, and was there when things got scrappy in various parts of the game.<\/p>\n

One subpar cross-field kick was his main contribution on the attacking side of the ball, but his defensive positioning was good throughout.<\/p>\n

14. Emoni Narawa<\/a> \u2013 N\/A<\/p>\n

A dream start for the winger, with a try just one minute into the contest coming from a smart run. A knee injury befell Narawa shortly after, and Damian McKenzie replaced him.<\/p>\n

15. Will Jordan<\/a> \u2013 7.5<\/p>\n

After plenty of criticisms over his high ball in Buenos Aires, Jordan was right where his team needed him when contesting in Auckland. Collecting the ball in the air was still an issue, however.<\/p>\n

Running off Wallace Sititi\u2019s inside shoulder off a lineout 16 minutes in, Jordan shed the tackle of Malcolm Marx<\/a> to score his side\u2019s second try of the game.<\/p>\n

\"Team Attack \"Team <\/p>\n

221m<\/p>\n

Post Contact Metres<\/p>\n

227m<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Reserves<\/p>\n

16. Samisoni Taukei\u2019aho \u2013 9<\/p>\n

The hooker got straight down to business once on the park, getting involved in some big plays. The Springboks struggled to get him on the ground when carrying.<\/p>\n

17. Tamaiti Williams<\/a> \u2013 7<\/p>\n

Williams got well overpowered in the scrum that preceded the Springboks\u2019 try, but was otherwise strong, especially in the driving maul. Got the upper hand in some scrums as the game wore on.<\/p>\n

18. Tyrel Lomax<\/a> \u2013 7<\/p>\n

19. Fabian Holland<\/a> \u2013 7<\/p>\n

20. Du\u2019Plessis Kirifi \u2013 8<\/p>\n

Kirifi was hungry around the park in two separate stints.<\/p>\n

21. Kyle Preston* \u2013 7<\/p>\n

22. Quinn Tupaea<\/a> \u2013 8.5<\/p>\n

Tupaea\u2019s energy was felt in the game as soon as he came on. Put his side ahead by 14 when he ran a strong line right through the tackle of Pieter-Steph du Toit<\/a>. He also put a big hit on the World Rugby Player of the Year close to the try line.<\/p>\n

23. Damian McKenzie \u2013 7<\/p>\n

Mckenzie was thrown into the action early after the injury to Narawa. He was targeted by the Springboks under the high ball, and while there was no shortage of effort, the ball came loose more often than not. McKenzie\u2019s kicking was on point for the team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Very rarely do Test matches have as much history, prestige, and anticipation as this. The All Blacks hosted…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":118334,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[5903,101,56,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-118333","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-rugby","8":"tag-rugby","9":"tag-sports","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom","12":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/118334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}