Player Ratings: New Zealand

OPINION: The All Blacks continued their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour with another convincing victory, thrashing the Sharks 54-0 at Kings Park on Saturday.

New Zealand survived an early Sharks onslaught before taking control of the contest and running in eight tries for a dominant victory in torrential rain.

The previous meeting between these sides came back in 1992, when the All Blacks defeated Natal 43-25 in what was the final encounter between the provincial side and New Zealand.

The All Blacks will now turn their attention to the Bulls, with the two sides set to meet on Saturday.

Here is how the All Blacks players rated:

15 Damian McKenzie
Got put down inside his own five in the opening exchanges. The fullback knocked the ball on over the try line in the 23rd minute, resulting in the try being chalked off. Minutes later, he almost had another try ruled out when it appeared he had been tackled into touch by Vusi Moyo. However, the TMO found insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision, and the try stood. Very lucky. Even McKenzie appeared slightly surprised by the decision. However, the fullback picked up an injury in the opening exchanges and did not fully recover. His evening was then cut short when he left the field in the 33rd minute
5/10

14 Fehi Fineanganofo
The try-scoring winning machine, who scored 17 tries in 17 matches for the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby season, had a slow start. A high tackle in the 15th minute saw his team’s try-scoring opportunity in the Sharks 22 nullified, but the winger responded well. Although his chances were limited by the weather conditions, he took his opportunity when it came his way, scoring his team’s first try in the corner. Also had a try-assist, collecting Jordie Barrett’s crosskick before sending Damian McKenzie on his to the try-line
7/10

13 Quinn Tupaea
He was very physical throughout and played a key role in keeping the Sharks’ dangerous backline in check. He was a little bit frustrated given that he did not enjoy much of the ball in the first half, but his defensive work was a major part of his contribution, as he consistently disrupted the opposition’s attacking momentum. However, in the second-half he got more possession and he showed his incredible footwork in the build-up to one of the All Blacks’ tries in the second half. Also top the chart for carries.
8/10

12 Jordie Barrett
He was the standout on the field. He took over some of the kicking responsibilities and helped alleviate some of the pressure on Ruben Love. His perfectly executed cross-kick created the opportunity for McKenzie’s try. In the second half, he showed his class and dictated much of the play, proving to be a key influence in attack.
9/10

11 Caleb Clarke
Last week, he started from the bench, but this week he earned a start against the Sharks. The weather conditions did not favour the winger, who has a tendency to run with the ball. He contested the high balls well and was also solid in defence. He tried to get into the thick of things in the second half and got his name on the scoreboard, but there was certainly nothing spectacular from the winger.
6/10

10 Ruben Love
Touted as the player who is set to wear the No. 10 jersey against the Springboks, the Hurricanes flyhalf had plenty of pressure on him. The flyhalf also led the Haka, which added to the occasion. He executed a great 50:22 in the eighth minute but did not WOW the crowd. He was accurate from the tee, but his tactical kicking was not up to his usual standard. He also had a few wayward passes, with one in particular standing out just before half-time when he sent a pass sailing over the head of Fehi Fineanganofo and into touch. He was also flattened by Ma’a Nonu in the 66th minute.
6/10

9 Kyle Preston
It was solid innings by the scrumhalf and may have given the coaches something to think about when it comes to selection. His passes from the ruck were crisp, while his box kicks were well executed. He also capped an impressive performance with a well-taken try.
7.5/10

8 Wallace Sititi
The No. 8 made a return after an injury saw him miss the showdown against the Stormers. The first half was not one of his best, but he managed to find his feet in the second half. He made a few strong carries, while his loop pass sent Caleb Clarke on his way for the All Blacks’ third try at the start of the second half.
7/10

7 Luke Jacobson (captain)
Captaining New Zealand for the first time, the Chiefs star was seen struggling to get to his feet after Eduan Swart put in a huge hit on him, but it seemed to shock him into action. He made up for it with some solid defensive maul work. He was also very vocal at every scrum, while his massive hit on Vincent Koch is certainly one that will make the highlight reel.
8/10

6 Tupou Vaa’i
Made a crucial tackle on Hendre Stassen in the third minute to prevent the Sharks from scoring. He also completed six tackles, while with the ball he did okay, made strong carries and also produced an offload.
6/10

5 Sam Darry
It was a difficult first half for the lock. He was penalised after being isolated and holding on inside the Sharks’ five-metre area. He was also caught offside inside his own five-metre line. However, it wasn’t all bad, as he produced an excellent line-out steal in the 32nd minute. He also grew in confidence, producing a great second half which saw him set up a driving maul in open play in the 62nd minute, providing the perfect platform for a try. While he also got his own name on the scoreboard with a try.
7/10

4 Josh Lord
He had some trouble at the line-out. However, he tried to impose himself on defence, making 10 tackles and missing only one.
6/10

3 Fletcher Newell
He was penalised at the scrum in the 24th minute, dropping under the pressure of Nemo Roelofse. But he certainly did his best in other areas, completing seven tackles before leaving the field in the 54th minute.
6/10

2 Asafo Aumua
He was okay at scrum time, but his line-out throws were not up to standard. However, his work in open play was good. He made a few strong carries and got his team on the front foot. He also went over the try line but was held up.
6/10

1 Ethan de Groot
Missed a tackle in the opening minutes but quickly bounced back and made some big ones. He was good at scrum, kept Vincent Koch intact. He was also part of a great defensive maul system and worked hard throughout.
7/10

Replacements:

16 Bradley Slater (on for Aumua, 54th minute)
His first touch of the ball was a knock-on, but he was solid at the line-out throughout the remainder of his time on the field.
6/10

17 Ollie Norris (on for De Groot, 54th minute)
Part of the front row that was penalised at scrum time. In open play, he managed to make a few solid carries.
5/10

18 Pasilio Tosi (on for Newell, 54th minute)
Made some strong carries, but there was nothing particularly spectacular from the prop.
5/10

19 Ethan Blackadder (on for Vaa’i, 63rd minute)
Not enough time on the field to be rated.

20 Semisi Ta’eiloa (on for Sititi, 58th minute)
His first carry was strong, and he quickly imposed himself on the game, making some solid tackles.
6/10

21 Cortez Ratima (On for Preston, 70th minute)
Not enough time to be rated

22 Timoci Tavatavanawai (on for Barrett, 63rd minute)
Made a good impact off the bench. He scored a try and made a couple of solid carries.
7/10

23 Emoni Narawa (on for McKenzie, 33rd minute)
He did not do anything out of the ordinary but showed glimpses of his skills in the second half and caused a few problems out wide. He also set up Kyle Preston for a long-range try in the second half.
6.5/10