After their victory in the mid-year international against England at Eden Park in Auckland, here’s how the All Blacks players performed on Saturday.
New Zealand player ratings v England
15 Stephen Perofeta: The Blues man had some good moments with ball in hand during a 50-minute stint and finished with 76 metres gained. However, the introduction of Beauden Barrett as his replacement saw a big improvement in the All Blacks’ attack. 6
14 Sevu Reece: The Crusaders speedster was constantly looking for work but did not pose much of a threat with ball in hand while he was also quiet on defence. 5
13 Rieko Ioane: Not his best day at the office as England kept him in check whenever he tried to launch attacks and he made little impact in the execution of his defensive duties. Replaced by Anton Lienert-Brown on the hour-mark. 5
12 Jordie Barrett: The All Blacks‘ vice-captain took some time to get going but once he did he showed how important he is to his team with a fine all-round performance. Impressed on attack as he made 50 metres and also shone on defence where he made a joint team-high 13 tackles. 8
11 Mark Tele’a: World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year had an eventful match as he showed his class with two well-taken tries but he was also exposed under the high ball as both England‘s tries were scored when he failed to deal with cross-field kicks. Also butchered a try in the first half. 7
10 Damian McKenzie: It’s fair to say the All Blacks playmaker came off second best in his direct duel with Marcus Smith but despite that, he stayed in the fight for the full 80 minutes. Came back strongly on attack during the latter stages of the game and kicked 14 points. 7
9 Finlay Christie: Came into the run-on side after TJ Perenara’s injury and found the going tough as his forwards were on the back foot for most of the match. Made little impact on attack and defence before being yanked off early in the second half with Cortez Ratima taking his place. 5
All Blacks keep Eden Park fortress intact with another dramatic victory over excellent England
Good fightback from the forwards
8 Ardie Savea: Although the All Blacks forwards were on the back foot for long periods, Savea was his usual busy self on attack and defence and also won an important turnover at a lineout when competing on an England throw-in in the second half. 8
7 Dalton Papali’i: The All Blacks tearaway was restricted mostly to defensive duties but gave a good account of himself in that department as he finished with 10 hits made and also competed tirelessly at the breakdowns. 6
6 Samipeni Finau: The rookie back-row was restricted mostly to defensive duties during a 50-minute spell on the field before he was replaced by Luke Jacobson. Completed nine tackles but not as prominent with ball in hand. 5
5 Patrick Tuipulotu: Used his physicality to test England’s defensive line during the early stages but became less prominent as the match progressed. Was put under plenty of pressure in the lineouts and replaced by Tupou Vaa’i in the 55th minute. 6
4 Scott Barrett (c): Like Tuipulotu, the All Blacks captain struggled in the lineouts but he toiled manfully in other departments. Although his team was under plenty of pressure, he led them well and like his brother Jordie also made 13 hits. 7
3 Tyrel Lomax: Once again did well at scrum-time as Lomax stood up to the challenge and also fronted up on defence as he made eight tackles during a 55-minute stint. 6
2 Codie Taylor: Although he struggled to find his jumpers on a few occasions at the lineout, Taylor was lively in other areas with his ball carrying particularly impressive and he finished with 41 metres gained. Also shone on defence with 11 hits made before Asafo Aumua replaced him in the 65th minute. 7
1 Ethan de Groot: Like Lomax, the Highlanders loosehead did what was expected but made his biggest contribution on defence where he made eight tackles before leaving the field after 50 minutes. 6
Replacements: All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson rang the changes early in the second half and it had the desired effect with Beauden Barrett leading the way with an inspired performance. Barrett’s playmaking skills were of a high standard and he finished with 32 metres gained during a 30-minute spell on the field. There were also good cameos from Ratima and Lienert-Brown in the backline while the front-row of Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell and Aumua won a crucial scrum penalty late on. 9
READ MORE: Posolo Tuilagi channels his inner Jonah Lomu in STUNNING 50-metre solo try