Player Ratings: Scrappy but Champs in the end
Even though things seemed a bit scrappy at times the All Blacks still managed to keep composure in a hard battle in Buenos Aires
The All Blacks showed great execution and when they made mistakes their individual brilliance came to the rescue.
Well-deserved Champions – and now they make their way to Cape Town to take on the Springboks next.
Jeremy Papier rates the New Zealand players!
15 Damian McKenzie
Dangerous on attack when he joined the line and created a few opportunities
7/10
14 Waisake Naholo
Impressive come back to international rugby. Solid game overall. Sets up 1st try and scored a brace.
7/10
13 Anton Lienert-Brown.
Solid game in the mid had a few very strong carries and defensively worked hard
6/10
12 Sonny Bill Williams
Very direct in his approach and got a few offloads going typical SBW play, solid game
6/10
11 Rieko Ioane
Very little space and time on the ball but did well when the ball came his way. Good under the high ball
6/10
10 Beauden Barrett
Showed a few skilful touches but made a lot of errors at the same time. Sets up a good try for Naholo. Did not always kick well
6/10
9 Aaron Smith
Solid performance even though his over eagerness led him to make a few mistakes but he somehow always fixes his mistakes
6/10
8 Kieran Read
Strong performance, leading from the front with good carries and solid defence. Great support running and always there to finish off tries. Overall good performance, unlucky yellow card.
7/10
7 Matt Todd
Very busy performance on and off the ball. Good work rate. Unfortunate yellow card for team’s offences
6/10
6 Vaea Fifita
Little opportunity on the attack but very strong defensive show. Definitely one for the future
6/10
5 Scott Barrett
Strong physical presence in attack and defence. Showed some good skill at times with offloads and passes
6/10
4 Luke Romano
Strong physical presence, good performance all round
6/10
3 Nepo Laulala
Solid scrummaging but had very little opportunity to carry
6/10
2 Dane Coles
Solid performance even though he had very little opportunity in open play
5/10
1 Kane Hames
Strong scrummaging and good defensive work
6/10
Replacements:
23 David Havili
Not enough time to be rated
22 Ngani Laumape (on for Williams, 61st min)
Made a solid impact to an already winning performance
5/10
21 Thomas Perenara (on for Smith, 51st min)
Speed the game up well and good decision-making. Added to an already winning performance
6/10
20 Ardie Savea (on for Todd, 65th min)
Added to an already winning performance
6/10
19 Patrick Tuipulotu (on for Fifita, 65th min)
Made an impact to an already winning performance
5/10
18 Ofa Tuungafasi (on for Lualala, 51st min)
Solid scrummaging putting the Pumas frontrow under pressure
5/10
17 Wyatt Crockett (on for Hames, 47th min)
Solid scrummaging putting the Pumas frontrow under pressure
5/10
16 Codie Taylor (on for Coles, 54th min)
Missed first line-out but had a few strong carries out wide added to a winning performance
5/10
By Jeremy Papier
@rugby365com
