---
title: "All Blacks player ratings: Springboks 16-33 All Blacks"
canonical: "https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/08/22/all-blacks-player-ratings-springboks-test-1/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Black"
section: "Match Reviews"
published: "2026-08-22T18:03:55Z"
modified: "2026-08-22T18:04:00Z"
---

# All Blacks player ratings: Springboks 16-33 All Blacks

The All Blacks pulled off a famous victory against the double World Champions as they scored five tries at Ellis Park to win by 17 points.

Will Jordan scored two, while the other tries came from Josh Moorby, Luke Jacobson and Fabian Holland. Ruben Love kicked four of his five kicks.

## 1 Ethan De Groot- 4

Hard to analyse his performance as he had a really difficult day at scrum time and then went off with a head injury just before halftime.

## 2 Codie Taylor- 6

Poor discipline early to give the Springboks a kickable penalty. He held onto the ball and was marched back 10 metres. Scrum was destroyed by the Springboks and was picked off a few times by the Springboks’ big carriers. Did make 13 tackles.

## 3 Tyrel Lomax- 5

Had a really difficult day against Ox Nche, but did make eight tackles in the game. This is going to be a massive area for improvement for test two.

## 4 Josh Lord- 5

Penalised twice in the first half for hitting the lifter in the lineout. Came off just before halftime with a head injury.

## 5 Fabian Holland- 7

Brilliant charge down shortly after the kick-off in the 47th minute saw him score the third All Blacks try. Worked hard to disrupt the Springboks ball at ruck and lineout time.

## 6 Tupou Vaa’i- 8

Outstanding carry in the wide channels allowed him to offload and send Josh Moorby over for the second try. Got his hands on the ball a lot early on and shifted into the second row just before half time.

## 7 Luke Jacobson- 7

Scored the fourth try for the All Blacks, getting quick ball after a strong Ardie Savea carry off the base of the scrum. Completed 10 of his 11 tackles and was a nuisance at ruck times.

## 8 Ardie Savea- 8

Great carry off the base of the scrum on 60 minutes led to the Luke Jacobson try. Assisted the final try sending a looping ball over the top to Will Jordan. Captain needs to get a lot of credit for a famous victory. Made 12 tackles only missing one and made eight carries.

## 9 Cam Roigard- 7

Missed the ball on the line after McKenzie’s huge break. Was a massive opportunity. One of the most difficult positions to play against the Springboks (other than prop) and dealt with it well. Was a little slow to get it out of the scrum at times but his back row were coming back onto him.

## 10 Ruben Love- 8

Managed the game well, particularly in the second half and fronted up to every challenge sent his way by the Springboks. Hit four of his five conversions, which were crucial points, having missed the first one.

## 11 Josh Moorby- 7

Scored the second try for the All Blacks, which put them 12-10 ahead. Worked well with Tupou Vaa’i to get an inside offload and score. Did well in his first match against the Springboks.

## 12 Jordie Barrett- 9

Incredibly solid. Kicked well. Made 15 tackles, completing more than any other player on the pitch. He is a defensive brick wall for the All Blacks and was relatively faultless in this game.

## 13 Quinn Tupaea- 7

Great 50/22 kick on 67 minutes allowed the All Blacks to keep the pressure on the Springboks with a 10 point lead. Was relatively quiet throughout but very solid when he needed to be.

## 14 Will Jordan- 8

Did what he always does and scored his 52nd All Blacks try. This score was the first points on the board for the All Blacks. Unbelievable work rate in the ruck on 66 minutes won a penalty as the Springboks were on the attack. His second try sealed the game. Was the All Blacks top carrier and popped up in the crucial moments.

## 15 Damian McKenzie- 8

Outstanding break up the middle on 57 minutes, making more than 50 metres. When about to be caught by Willemse, his pass wasn’t accurate, and Roigard couldn’t get the ball down. Added the important pace to the ball whenever he got it in his hands,