Player Ratings: New Zealand

OPINION: The All Blacks have drawn first blood in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, producing an emphatic 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

New Zealand outscored the world champions five tries to one in a performance that showcased their attacking quality, defensive resilience and ability to punish South Africa when opportunities presented themselves.

Check out the All Blacks rated:

15. Damian McKenzie
The fullback endured a fairly quiet first half and struggled to impose himself on the contest. However, McKenzie found his rhythm after the break and became far more influential in attack. His link-up play with Will Jordan was particularly effective, with the pair combining well to create opportunities and keep the All Blacks moving forward.
6/10

14. Will Jordan
The All Blacks record-breaking try-scoring winger added a brace to his growing tally, scoring the All Blacks’ opening try of the match before adding another later in the contest. He was a constant attacking threat and made two line breaks, showcasing the pace, footwork and finishing ability that have made him one of the most dangerous wings in world rugby. One of New Zealand’s standout performers.
8/10

13. Quinn Tupaea
It was a mixed outing for Tupaea. He struggled in the aerial battle against Damian Willemse and was unable to consistently make an impact in attack. However, his 50:22 was a definite highlight and helped put the Springboks under pressure. Not his most influential performance, but he still produced some important moments.
7/10

12. Jordie Barrett
The standout performer in the All Blacks backline. Barrett was influential in both attack and defence, setting up one of New Zealand’s tries while producing two outstanding try-saving interventions. He first denied Malcolm Marx on the try-line in the 34th minute before producing a huge hit on Jasper Wiese. He also made 15 tackles, underlining his enormous defensive contribution. A superb all-round performance from the experienced centre. His boot also helped alleviate pressure.
8.5/10

11. Josh Moorby
In just his third Test, Moorby showed that he belongs at this level. The winger officially announced himself on the international stage with a well-taken try and looked dangerous whenever he found space. His finishing was excellent, and he showed confidence despite his limited Test experience.
6/10

10. Ruben Love
A relatively quiet performance from the flyhalf, who had brought plenty of spark to the All Blacks in recent weeks. Love struggled to exert the same influence against a Springbok defence that put him under considerable pressure especially in the first half. He missed his first attempt at goal, but remained composed and did the basic well. There were also glimpses of the attacking threat that has made him such an exciting prospect.
7/10

9. Cam Roigard
Roigard’s first touches were nervy, with a charge-down from Eben Etzebeth and an early knock-on putting him under immediate pressure. To his credit, he recovered well and gradually grew into the contest. He showed glimpses of his individual skill, beating defenders with his footwork, while his bullet pass put Will Jordan over for the All Blacks’ first try. However, the Springboks’ physicality made it difficult for him to dictate the game for long periods.
7/10

8. Ardie Savea (captain)
The big question surrounding Savea was whether his lack of recent rugby would leave him undercooked for such a physically demanding Test. It proved to be anything but the case. The captain led from the front, completing 11 tackles and making eight carries. He was heavily involved around the park and provided the leadership and physicality New Zealand needed in a hostile environment.
7/10

7. Luke Jacobson
Jacobson put in a typically committed performance, doing plenty of the unseen work around the breakdown and defensive line. He initially struggled with the Springboks’ physicality, but gradually grew into the contest and became increasingly influential in the second half. He capped his performance by scoring a try to extend the All Blacks’ lead.
7.5/10

6. Tupou Vaa’i 

Vaa’i’s work rate was exceptional. The No. 6 was involved throughout the contest, contributing strongly in attack and defence. He conceded a lineout penalty, but otherwise produced a very impressive performance. He made seven carries, handled the ball confidently and showed excellent awareness to help set up Josh Moorby for the All Blacks’ try.
7.5/10

5. Fabian Holland

Holland was penalised for a neck roll, but otherwise delivered a strong performance in the second row. He made several powerful carries and was willing to put his body on the line in the physical exchanges. He also gave the All Blacks the lead in the 49th minute when he reacted quickest to a charged-down kick and scored an important try.
7.5/10

4. Josh Lord
A difficult outing for Lord. He conceded lineout penalties after making contact with the lifter and struggled to find his rhythm in the forward exchanges. His night was cut short when he left the field in the 37th minute, limiting his opportunity to make a significant impact on the contest.
4/10

3. Tyrel Lomax
A frustrating evening for Lomax, who struggled to match the Springboks’ physicality in the front-row battle. He conceded a scrum penalty in the 31st minute and found himself under increasing pressure as the Bok pack began to gain the upper hand. The All Blacks needed more from their tighthead on a night when the scrum became a major battleground.
4/10

2. Codie Taylor
The most experienced All Black on the field, Taylor started solidly and brought plenty of leadership to the forward pack. However, he and his front-row partners struggled to gain the upper hand at scrum time against a powerful Springbok unit. His experience remained valuable, but this was ultimately a difficult night for the veteran hooker.
5/10

1. Ethan de Groot
De Groot suffered a similar fate to his front-row partners, struggling to match the Springboks’ physicality when the scrum battle intensified. He was unable to impose himself in the tight exchanges and left the field in the 37th minute, bringing a disappointing end to his evening.
4/10

Replacements:

16 Asafo Aumua (on for Taylor, 54th minute)
Aumua made an immediate impact after coming on, bringing plenty of physicality and standing his ground at scrum time. He played a key role in winning a crucial scrum penalty in the 56th minute. His line-out throwing still needs some work, but overall he made a positive contribution off the bench.
7/10

17 George Bower (on for de Groot, 37th minute)
Bower initially struggled to settle into the scrum battle after coming on, but gradually found his footing as the game progressed. He became more effective in the set piece and was part of a much-improved scrummaging effort from the All Blacks in the second half.
6.5/10

18 Fletcher Newell (on for Lomax, 50th minute)
Newell, like his fellow front-row replacements, made a strong impact at scrum time. He added fresh energy and physicality to the All Blacks’ pack and was rewarded for his efforts with a crucial scrum penalty. A valuable contribution from the bench.
7/10

19 Simon Parker (on for Lord, 37th minute)
Parker was a late change to the match-day squad after Anton Segner suffered a swollen ankle. He did not steal the headlines, but brought some much-needed physicality and energy from the bench. Given the circumstances, he made a solid contribution when called upon.
6/10

20 Peter Lakai (on for Jacobson, 75 minute)
Not enough time to be rate

21 Kyle Preston,
Not enough time to be rated

22 Anton Lienert-Brown,
Not enough time to be rated

23 Leroy Carter (On for Moorby, 63rd minute)