Player ratings: AB forwards stand tall
The All Blacks negotiated a passionate Pumas side and atrocious conditions to consolidate their position atop the Rugby Championship log on Saturday.
It wasn’t pretty but the All Blacks, thanks to a physical display by their forwards, were able to pull away in the latter stages and get the job done against Argentina.
Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the All Black players.
15 Israel Dagg
Did an admirable job fielding high balls in the swirling Wellington wind and his decision-making was sound, kicking with the wind behind his back and running only when the situation called for it.
7/10
14 Cory Jane
A great finisher as he showed to run in a late try and was solid under the high ball, but could have upped his workrate.
6.5/10
13 Conrad Smith
An intelligent player, his experience shone through in the latter stages when he pulled in three Argentine defenders and offloaded to Ma’a Nonu to create Julian Savea’s try.
7/10
12 Ma'a Nonu
An error-ridden performance highlighted by him losing the ball in contact near his try-line which led to the Pumas’ five-pointer. Improved as the game went on and unselfishly gifted Savea a try.
6/10
11 Julian Savea
With no room to work with, his strength with ball in hand to earn the hard yards gave the All Blacks momentum. Also went looking for work.
7/10
10 Aaron Cruden
Had a very shaky start with a terrible first attempt at goal and poor knock-on moments later that dented his confidence. Attacked the gain-line well but ultimately tried to implement a game plan that wasn’t suited to the conditions. Great cut-out pass to put Jane over in the corner.
6/10
9 Aaron Smith
Needed to play a smarter, tactical game. With conditions not suited for his natural attacking game, Smith’s potency was largely nullified and it was evident that he struggled without the experienced Dan Carter, who takes a lot of pressure off the young number nine.
6/10
8 Kieran Read
One cannot fault his work ethic, on attack, defence and hitting rucks and mauls. His true value in Wellington, however, was his highly underrated line-out ability. He was a menacing figure on the Pumas’ throw and a go-to target for Keven Mealamu.
7.5/10
7 Richie McCaw
Classy and industrious, McCaw’s workrate was outstanding and so was his leadership. His decision to go for the scrum instead of taking the three points proved a masterstroke as it resulted in a late try.
8/10
6 Victor Vito
The former Sevens star played a very loose, roaming game which, in wet conditions, wasn’t the smartest tactical decision. Should have committed more to cleaning out rucks instead of constantly standing off.
6.5/10
5 Brodie Retallick
A solid if not spectacular performance that will make for healthy competition with Sam Whitelock for the black number five jersey.
6.5/10
4 Luke Romano
Great all-round performance. He ruled the line-out (nine takes and two against the throw) and was one of the All Blacks’ best and most utilised ball carriers. His best Test to date.
8.5/10
3 Owen Franks
In addition to strong scrummaging, Franks made a number of hard hits and was mobile across the park.
7/10
2 Keven Mealamu
Satisfactory in the set-piece with accurate line-out throwing in difficult conditions but didn’t make his usual impact with ball in hand.
6.5/10
1 Tony Woodcock
While the hosts often conceded free kicks for early engagement, they held their ground at scrum time and gained ascendency in this facet in the second half. Woodcock played a big role in the solidity of the All Black scrum.
7/10
Replacements:
16 Andrew Hore (on for Mealamu, 49th minute)
Grafted hard and added value in the close quarters.
6/10
17 Charlie Faumuina (on for Franks, 73rd minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Sam Whitelock (on for Retallick, 64th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
19 Liam Messam (on for Vito, 43rd minute)
An explosive cameo from the in-form Messam, who didn’t shy away from the donkey work.
7/10
20 Piri Weepu (on for Smith, 61st minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Beauden Barrett (on for Cruden 75th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Ben Smith (on for Smith, 75th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
