In a crushing 43-10 defeat against the Springboks during the Rugby Championship at Sky Stadium, the All Blacks faced a harsh reality check. Here are the player ratings from a game where New Zealand was largely outclassed, save for a shimmering debut.
Damian McKenzie struggled with consistency; his first-half contributions faded into a series of mishaps post-break, leaving him scoring poorly. 3
Will Jordan's rare break resulted in a fumbled opportunity, epitomizing his quiet night and a broader team malfunction in the second half. 4
Billy Proctor, while more settled at test level, had his night marred by an intercepted pass leading to a Cheslin Kolbe try. 5
Jordie Barrett displayed flashes of brilliance in defense and attack, though his efforts were insufficient to swing the momentum. 7
"Leroy Carter's debut was the lone highlight in an otherwise dim performance,"
reflected in his impressive first half and a try to his name. 7Beauden Barrett found moments of ingenuity, but like his teammates, he couldn't overturn the tide in the second half. 5
Noah Hotham, recently back from injury, had his game cut short due to a concussion assessment. N/A
Wallace Sititi showed glimpses of impact but generally failed to break free from the Springboks' grasp. 6
Ardie Savea’s presence was felt with crucial turnovers, yet he wasn't as influential as usual. 7
Simon Parker, despite a decent performance, was overshadowed by the dominant Springboks' loose forwards. 6
Tupou Vaa’i, known for his provocations, failed to back his antics with a strong performance, ending up more notable for the wrong reasons. 5
Scott Barrett couldn’t replicate his previous intensity, diminishing his presence in key areas. 5
Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot both succumbed to the Springboks' pressure in the scrum, highlighting fitness or form concerns. 3 each
Samisoni Taukei’aho had a robust start but his early substitution was felt deeply. 6
The bench provided little relief in a second half dominated by the Springboks, with no substitutes making a significant impact. 2
Ultimately, the All Blacks need to regroup and address the glaring disparities highlighted by this game, as they prepare for their next fixtures. While the debut of Leroy Carter offers a glimmer of hope, the team's overall synergy and resilience need urgent attention.