Dave Rennie's All Blacks squad faced a rigorous test in the July Nations Championship, securing victories against France, Italy, and Ireland. Each player's performance varied, some standing out significantly while others left room for improvement. Here’s a detailed evaluation of the team's efforts during the tournament.
Starting at full-back, Damian McKenzie initially raised eyebrows with his selection, yet his performances, particularly against Ireland, vindicated Rennie’s choice, earning him a solid 8. On the wing, Will Jordan excelled, scoring six tries over the matches and breaking the try-scoring record, meriting a score of 9.
In contrast, Fehi Fineanganofo and Leroy Carter had limited impact due to early injuries, scoring 3 and 5 respectively. Josh Moorby, stepping in as a replacement, showcased potential with a score of 7, despite a quieter game against Ireland.
Moving to the centres, Quinn Tupaea impressed with his robust play and earned an 8. Jordie Barrett's performance was nothing short of stellar, earning a 9 for his critical role and exceptional skill set. "Jordie has really lifted his game; his playmaking ability has been a standout feature," remarked Rennie.
"Jordie has really lifted his game; his playmaking ability has been a standout feature."
Billy Proctor, however, struggled to adapt to the international level, receiving a 4, while Anton Lienert-Brown, though playing minimally, was effective enough in his appearances to score 5.
Fly-half Ruben Love played consistently but without notable flair, resulting in a 6. At scrum-half, Cam Roigard was among the best, playing with precision and earning a high 9 for his efforts.
In the loose forwards, Ardie Savea led with distinction, though not dominating as usual, he still had a strong presence, scoring an 8. Luke Jacobson fulfilled his role effectively, securing a 7, while Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi underperformed, scoring 4 and 3, respectively.
The lock positions saw varied contributions. Sam Darry was formidable in the first two games, meriting an 8, while Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i both contributed positively with 7s. Patrick Tuipulotu, returning from injury, made a significant impact in his sole appearance, scoring a 6.
At hooker, Codie Taylor remained reliable, scoring a 6, while Asafo Aumua, who did not feature heavily, managed the same score. Each player's performance reflected their current form and the tactical decisions made by the coaching staff.
As the All Blacks prepare for the upcoming series against the Springboks, it's clear Rennie's focus on integrating new talents and testing strategies during the Nations Championship has provided valuable insights. The performances in July have set a strong foundation, but the intense matches ahead will be the true test of their readiness for more formidable opponents.
Overall, the All Blacks continue to evolve under Rennie's guidance, with players like Jordie Barrett and Cam Roigard highlighting the potential highs the team can achieve. As they move forward, the blend of experienced heads and fresh talent will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge on the international stage.
