Captain18,570 posts
04 Oct 2014, 20:53
#1
04 Oct 2014, 20:53#1
The All Blacks record undefeated run has finally come to an end as the Springboks dealt them a 25-27 defeat at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday. The All Blacks felt the pressure right from the beginning with the Springboks piling on three tries in the first half against Malakai Fekitoa's one. There was a big come back from the world champions as they got back two tries of their own in the second half. It was a late Pat Lambie penalty for a swinging arm from Liam Messam that eventually cost the All Blacks the game. We rate the All Blacks! 15 Israel DaggMissed every tackle he made in the first half but he was still a big threat on attack.6/10 14 Ben SmithThe ball seem to find its way to Savea's wing more often but he did beat a number of defenders and got a try to boot.6/10 13 Conrad SmithDevastating in his defensive organisation, kept the Springboks behind the gain line and balanced it well with some good running.8/10 12 Malakai FekitoaRan hard and direct, a lot like Savea, and was just as devastating in the midfield.7/10 11 Julian SaveaTook more than one or two Boks to bring him down each time he ran and made a lot of direct metres, really is the Lomu of this generation.9/10 10 Beauden BarrettWas troubled by Pollard who ran at him and exploited his poor defence but he did run the All Blacks backline well.5/10 9 Aaron SmithBusy around the rucks and made the Boks stretch around the fringes but his kicking game was a bit off.7/10 8 Kieran ReadWas forced into a defence role throughout the game and put in thirteen tackles, equally with Richie McCaw.6/10 7 Richie McCaw (captain)As usual was a menace at the break down and put in a huge amount of tackles, inspirational captain8/10 6 Jerome KainoA strong presence in the tight loose as well as with ball in had, powerful force.7/10 5 Sam WhitelockDid his job under pressure in the line-out but also impressed in his defensive work.7/10 4 Jeremy ThrushTook on Retallick's role as the enforcer by smashing some big tackles and did not let the team down7/10 3 Owen FranksPut in a fair amount of tackles but was not too impressive when it came to scrum time.6/10 2 Keven Mealamushowed he still has life in his experienced legs and made plenty of tackles but felt the pressure of Matfield at the line-outs.6/10 1 Joe MoodyWorked really hard in his first start, put in plenty of tackles and was useful in the loose.7/10 Replacments: 16 Dane Coles (on for Mealamu, 48 mins)Was involved quickly off the bench with some of his famed running as he added an extra gear to the All Blacks with his try on the wing.7/10 17 Ben Franks (on for Moody, 41 mins)Ran hard and added with that put in a fair amount of tackles.6/10 18 Charlie Faumuina (on for Franks, 57 mins)Had a few runs and did well to set up Coles for his try. 7/10 19 Steven Luatua (on for Kaino, 60 mins)Got involved with some effective ball carries as he got onto the park.7/10 20 Liam Messam (on for Thrush, 48 mins)Got plenty of time but was relatively quiet, should have maybe got a yellow card for his tackle on Schalk Burger5/10 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow (on for A. Smith, 65 mins)Got a massive tackle fro Pietersen and that basically ended his night4/10 22 Colin SladeNot used. 23 Ryan Crotty (on for C. Smith, 73 mins)Not enough time to be rated.
