The All Blacks powered to a 54-0 win over the Sharks in a very wet and waterlogged pitch in Durban. The All Blacks scored eight tries and showed some massive improvements from the performance that came against the Stormers in the opener of the tour.
A Damian McKenzie ankle injury may be the only negative from the game and hopefully his substitution in the first half was a precaution.
All Blacks forwards
1 Ethan de Groot- 8
Very solid scrum platform, winning multiple scrum penalties throughout the game. Made four carries and eight tackles, the third most for the All Blacks when he came off.
2 Asafo Aumua- 6
Held up over the line in the opening minutes of the second half. The All Blacks scored from the penalty advantage. A few issues at lineout time but made seven tackles in his appearance just over 50 minutes.
3 Fletcher Newell- 7
Scrum was very successful, although he did give away a penalty after the push came on in the Sharks red zone. This was understandable given the very wet conditions.
4 Josh Lord- 7
Lovely hands sent Fehi Fineanganofo over in the corner for the first try. Along with Caleb Clarke, assisted two tries in the game and was a good disrupter in the lineout.
5 Sam Darry- 8
A very strong showing in the second row for Darry. He scored the final try and led the All Blacks forwards for carries. Played the full 80 minutes and was also second in the All Blacks team for tackles made. Was the leading All Black target in the lineout.
6 Tupou Vaa’i- 7
Outstanding choke tackle on the goalline to hold the Sharks up over the line in the opening minutes. Another solid performance in the six shirt for the All Blacks and will be in with a shout of starting in this position. Made seven tackles in his 60 or so minutes and six carries.
7 Luke Jacobson- 8
Great choke tackle on 14 minutes earned a scrum for the All Blacks. Captain for the day and led solidly. Made more tackles than anyone on the pitch with 15 and made three more than the next All Black. Gives himself a good chance of getting the starting seven shirt for the test matches.
8 Wallace Sititi- 6
Great wide pass sent Caleb Clarke over in the corner for the third try. Outside of this was relatively quiet. Did make 35 metres from seven carries.
Backs
9 Kyle Preston- 9
Quick tap and brilliant kick through in 14 minutes gained All Blacks about 70 metres; unfortunately, a Fehi Fineanganofo high tackle gave away the advantage. A brilliant performance for the number nine and will make Dave Rennie think on who will be the backup scrum half for Cam Roigard for the opening test. Made 84 metres carried, second in the game only to Caleb Clarke.
10 Ruben Love- 9
Outstanding 50-22 in the seventh minute. All Blacks couldn’t take advantage from lineout. Excellent first conversion from the corner in off the post. Kick through on the floor led to the fourth try, even though he overran it, misreading the wet conditions. Brilliant from the tee, getting seven of his eight kicks, including some incredible conversions from the corner. Dealt well with the high ball, which seems to be a tactic of all the South African sides.
11 Caleb Clarke- 8
Scored the third try. Held his width well and was found by a great Wallace Sititi wide pass. Led the All Blacks for carries, with 16 and made the most metres with 91 metres from these carries.
12 Jordie Barrett- 9
Crossfield kick didn’t exactly go to plan but, despite going backwards, did lead to the second try. Was awarded the official man of the match award and was the main kicker in open play for the All Blacks. Made two line breaks and scored the fifth try in the game, which put a hard finish to any Sharks momentum.
13 Quinn Tupaea- 8
Cute chip over the top sent over Damian McKenzie for what they thought was the second try, but he lost it forward as he slid over. Was the main hard carry threat for the All Blacks and made 15 carries, only one behind Caleb Clarke. Also beat five defenders.
14 Fehi Fineanganofo- 9
High tackle on 14 minutes cost the All Blacks about 70 metres that had been gained by a quick Preston tap. Scored the opening try after soft hands in the corner. Took a crossfield kick from Barrett and put McKenzie through in the corner for the second try. Lightning quick step beat the last defender to score the fourth try. A brilliant performance for his first start in a black shirt. Will be giving Dave Rennie some difficult questions ahead of the test team selection.
15 Damian McKenzie- 7
Thought he had scored a second try after collecting a Quinn Tupaea chip through, but he had lost the ball forward. Did eventually score the second try but only after a TMO check to see if he had been put into touch. Picked up an ankle injury early on and had to come off before half-time. Was very solid under the high ball in difficult conditions.
