By Henry Lee, AUT journalism student.
OPINION
In a positive start to Scott Robertson’s tenure, the All Blacks secured a shaky but gritty 16-15 victory over England at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
It didn’t look pretty for most of the match, but it worked.
Next week to Eden Park!
Here’s how I rated the All Blacks players from tonight’s match:
Ethan De Groot 7
A solid all round display from the Loosehead prop, part of a strong All Blacks scrum towards the end of the first half. He carried the ball well and most memorably won a huge scrum penalty in the 10th minute and kept his discipline in front of his home crowd. Off in the 49th minute.
Codie Taylor 6
Stealt the ball from a breakdown in the 6th minute but missed two key lineout throws in the second half before being substituted. Solid carrying throughout but poor discipline and accuracy hurt him in the second half.
Codie Taylor was solid and earned a 6
Tires Lomax 6
A solid performance from the Hurricanes tighthead as part of a solid All Blacks scrum. Defended accurately and was awarded a scrum penalty in the 45th minute to secure his shirt for next week.
Scott Barrett (center) 8
Led the troops magnificently in an ideal start to his stewardship. Wore hard and was always present at the collapse. Did his best to calm murmurs about his discipline on the international stage with a calm captain’s pat.
Patrick Tuipulotu 6
Delivered a solid performance in the black shirt just a few weeks after his heroic comeback from injury for the Super Rugby final. “Patty” was a consistent lineout option and produced front-foot ball for his team.
Samipeni Finau 6 Had a solid shift and fought hard, but may miss next week due to his failed HIA in the second half. Whether Finau is the answer to the enforcer role popularized by Jerome Kaino and continued by Shannon Frizzell remains to be seen.
Dalton Papalii 6
Made his tackles and was reliable all over the park without being noticed. There may be some questions about his starting place next week with Ethan Blackadder hot on his heels. You can read Papalii’s pre-match interview with the Time here
Dalton Papalii made his tackles and made an early break. Photo Getty Images.
Ardie Savea (VC) 8
The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year hasn’t played a professional game of rugby since April, but you wouldn’t have noticed. Aggressive in the contact area on a night when defending was crucial to halting England’s momentum. Worked through a mountain of work to score the second try in the 25th minute.
TJ Perenara 6
Quick and effective ball distribution resulted in a solid first 40. The test veteran showed his experience all over the pitch and can be happy with his minutes. Injuries are a concern. Away at half-time
Damian McKenzie 7
The Chiefs pivot had a strong start in his first test of the year. Incredible under the highball and launched multiple counterattacks. The tee-off was shaky early on but accurate in the second half. Would have been delighted to hear the final whistle after a blunder in the closing stages.
Mark Telea 8 A fantastic night under the roof for the 2023 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. Playing slightly out of position on his disadvantaged left wing, Telea looked for work to get going and was at his tackle-breaking best.
Jordie Barrett 7
The newly appointed vice-captain enjoyed a powerful night on both sides of the ball. One of the All Blacks’ most solid players during an arm-wrestling match of a Test match. In the game, kicking on both feet was impressive.
Rieko Ioane 4
Due to his long absence, he struggled to contain England’s powerful attack.
Missed several tackles and made a few mistakes in the first half. One to forget.
Follow Reece 9
The best player of the AB that night, a try in the 17th minute calmed the nerves. An excellent 50/22 under pressure. Hard chase and a thumping tackle executed at the end of the piece. Brilliantly chosen moments at the breakdown. Will be one of the first names on the team sheet next week.
Stephen Perofeta 8
Exceptional start to perhaps the biggest game of his career. Broke the line twice in the first half, leading to Ardie Savea’s try in the 17th minute. Positioned himself well to control the kicking game of the English game drivers.
Substitutes
Finlay Christie5
Came into the game at half time but maybe not his best half in a black shirt but will probably be preferred next week with Perenara possibly out. Shame he didn’t get a penalty in the last few minutes.
Asafo Aumua 6
Slight hiccup with a failed throw early in his second half. Destructive with ball in hand, which will excite the fans.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi 6
Came on in the 49th minute, solid defensively. Should be there next week at Eden Park
Fletcher Newell 6
A stress-free stint in the second half. Impact on scrum time clear.
Tupou Vaai 7
Another good changeup from an impact player was a key part of the eventual turnover that won him the game.
Beauden Barrett. 7
Razor’s injection of Beauden’s experience and impact was perfectly timed. Some fine moments in the second half, including a clever grubber kick that eventually resulted in an All Blacks lineout.
Not rated due to limited minutes: Luke Jacobson, Anton Lienert Brown
