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All Blacks player ratings vs England | Steinlager Ultra Low Carb second Test
By Ben Smith
The All Blacks were made to work for a 24-17 win over England at Eden Park to complete a 2-0 series win.
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After two try assists from Marcus Smith, England took a 14-13 lead into the sheds at half-time. A further penalty extended England’s lead to 17-13 as history beckoned, but a vintage cameo off the bench from Beauden Barrett saved the game.
Barrett’s electric showing from the back changed the game and powered the All Blacks to 10 points in the final quarter to take the game.
Here’s how the All Blacks rated against England in the second Test:
1. Ethan de Groot – 7
Delivered up front in the physicality stakes. Put a big shot on Steward early in the second half. The two starting props really controlled the gain line in defence.Finished with eight tackles. Off at 50.
2. Codie Taylor – 3
A really off night for Taylor. Had a nice break in support early but last pass to Reece went astray. England had a read on the All Blacks lineout with two steals in the first half and errors by Savea and Tuipulotu. A poor attempt to steal gave England a penalty advantage on final play of the game which they scored off a cross-field kick going for the free roll of the dice. Was a work horse in defence with 11 tackles but when the lineout is a shambles none of that really matters. Off at 64 min.
3. Tyrel Lomax – 7
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Tough defence in close. Really aimed up on England ball carriers and dominated the contact area. Produced eight tackles and had a solid night at scrum time. Off at 54.
4. Scott Barrett – 5
Not Scott’s best game in the black jersey but continual work rate in defence. Went for pressure at the lineout as the first half wore on and conceded one penalty. Almost had two steals but couldn’t keep a hold. Started to chase a bit with a near-strip on Alex Mitchell but knocked on. Was credited with two turnovers lost in the first half. Helped stablise the lineout in the second with a couple of takes.
5. Patrick Tuipulotu – 5
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Was the All Blacks main target at the lineout. Carried hard and tackled well. Produced a key steal midway through the second half as the All Blacks struggled to gain momentum. Subbed at 55.
6. Samipeni Finau – 5
An ineffectual night for Finau. Wasn’t really used much in a faltering lineout and didn’t come up with the steals despite having a crack. Had nine tackles. Off at 48.
7. Dalton Papali’i – 6
A big night defensively for Papali’i making some solid tackles on first phase taking out England’s crash option. Disrupted Ben Earl’s pass breaking off the scrum but was called for a knock on. Finished with 10 tackles.
8. Ardie Savea – 5
A slow start with a botched lineout transfer. A few trademark power runs but was kept in check by England’s big men. Just three carries and six tackles for the reigning World Player of the Year.
9. Finlay Christie – 6
Really made his presence felt on defence but the attacking platform was still a bit static. Made a big first up tackle on Chandler Cunningham-South that forced a turnover. Pressured Ben Earl off the back of the scrum a little while later. A big opportunity missed off a penalty advantage from a scrum twenty minutes in, fumbled the ball to McKenzie with Reece wide open waiting for the cross kick. Sacked Earl at the back of the scrum and the counter-ruck won the penalty. Big defensive game. Subbed at 53 min.
10. Damian McKenzie – 9.5
Was the All Blacks best attacking player on the night. Had a great chip and regather to spark the All Blacks first break after a regathered box kick. Nailed first conversion from the sideline. Beaten in cover defence by Feyi-Waboso on England’s first try. Sparked a brilliant long range counter attack down the left flank with Tele’a and Perofeta. Put Tele’a into space down the left early in the second. Had a hand in Tele’a second try with a three-on-two down the left. Topped the defenders beaten charts with six. Kicked well out-of-hand and off the tee. What can you say, D-Mac is stepping up.
11. Mark Tele’a – 8.5
Smart blind side raid for the game’s first try. A classic Tele’a pick and go down the empty short side. Left on an island out wide where a Smith cross-field kick found it’s mark to Feyi-Waboso. Combined beautifully with Perofeta down the left side on counter attack only to be pinched by Smith on the last inside pass. Had a crucial strip on Jamie George inside own 22 early in the second half.
12. Jordie Barrett – 6.5
Terrible first up pass on the first launch of the game. Safe under the high ball and kicked well for the lines. Gave away a silly penalty taking Marcus in the air early second. A big night in defence with 17 tackles including an assist on the final one of the game.
13. Rieko Ioane – 6
Solid defensively but limited opportunities with ball in hand. Two big defensive plays midway through the first half on Ollie Lawrence, jamming the inside centre on a crash ball inside the All Blacks’ 22 and forcing a knock on twice on first phase in quick succession. First real involvement came late in the first half and he beat two defenders on the outside break. Off at 60 min.
14. Sevu Reece – 5
A quiet first half for Reece. A great spot tackle to force a deep turnover inside England’s 22 early. Defending at first five came up with a big ruck penalty on Marcus Smith but it got reversed. Had a clearance kick go out on the full after taken back into the 22 which handed England prime attacking territory. Off the ball work was good, contests at the breakdown or in the kick chase line. Got stood up one-on-one by Sleighthome at the death.
15. Stephen Perofeta – 6
First touch a wobbly forward pass trying to free Tele’a. Good first high ball take under pressure. Injected well on counter-attack, a memorable almost-try in the first half. Kicking out of hand a mixed bag, his exits didn’t get much purchase. Controlled the backfield well and looked dangerous on kick returns. Off at 48 for Beauden Barrett.
Substitutes
16. Asafo Aumua – 6 – On at 64. Helped turned the lineout around making his throws. Added a turnover for a nice cameo.
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – 6 – On at 50. Scrum remained stable with the reserves on. Got pushed into Ratima on a counter ruck which caused an error but produced scrum penalty from the push.
18. Fletcher Newell – 5 – On at 54. Helped New Zealand maintain a dominant scrum.
19. Tupou Vaa’i – 5 – On at 54. Pressured England’s lineout well. Added three tackles.
20. Luke Jacobson – 5 – On at 49. Added six tackles.
21. Cortez Ratima – 5 – On at 53. Solid first outing. First touch a wobbly old box kick into touch. Connected well with McKenzie and linked his 10 when needed. Had a costly knock on after England counter ruck pressure with 10 remaining. Wasn’t his fault though.
22. Anton Lienert-Brown – 5 – On at 60. First touch hauled in a cross-field kick on the bounce. A valuable save as Barrett set up Tele’a a few phases later.
23. Beauden Barrett – 10 – On at 49. Vintage Beauden. Came on and changed the game with a superhuman performance. Kicking game helped the All Blacks get back into the arm wrestle. Some timely kicks to pin England into a corner. Produced a big line break and try assist for Tele’a to get the All Blacks into the lead. Sparked the All Blacks into life on counter. An audacious double kick just fell out of reach as he had Eden Park on their feet. Produced the final tackle on the last England maul which saved the win.
Codie Taylor must be one of the most over rated players around. He almost always has poor outings in the big games.
Should be dropped along with Rieko and Finlay, who are even worse.
Seems like the new coaches have got the Foster conservative yips regards selection. Ratima showed class will still out perform an average “experienced” player.
Not sure about Taylor’s rating but even if he was, say, a 7, why keep him so long on the park when you have Aumua?!?!
Blew the first try in the opening minutes not looking to get the ball to his winger earlier. If he nailed that it might have set the tone towards nailing the 10 other chances they created and floundered.
2 tries to Telea doesn’t change the fact he lacks pace for a wing and gets caught out of position a lot. It cost the All Blacks 2 tries. Time for Caleb Clark to have a go.
Telea seems to think defending is optional sometimes too. Does the old Sivivatu fling an arm out as a ‘tackle’ attempt thing way too much. Shaun Stevenson does the same thing.
Clarke on the left with Reece, Narawa and Telea (all natural right wings) vying for 14. Maybe keep Ioane as wing cover, he might actually be useful out there, he sure isn't at 13.
I am not a Damian McKenzie basher by any means. But 9.5 is a ridiculous grade.
He was a solid 7 . He made some good plays and made some negative plays. But he did not really shine until Beauden Barrett and Cortez Ratima came on.
Yeah, he was a 9.5 last week. Didnt setup as near as many players this week.
Razor has had 2 weeks and had to win these 2 tests. Box ticked. I'm hoping that now he will start to introduce new players and the team will get up to speed on new coaching teams systems. I really am hoping that by end of RC we start to see what this team is going to be….
Really good effort by ENG but the lack of depth shows…They need a 2nd Itoje. Marcus saved their ass(ets) a couple of time in the game
We can just be thankful the series wasn’t against SA or Ireland. I don’t think either of those teams would be quaking in their boots at taking on the likes of Taylor, Christie, Perofeta, Finau or Ioane. A few more selections on form would not go amiss before travelling to Africa.
England beat Ireland in 6N. As for the Boks, their record here is crap. And IRE just beat them. Who’s to say?.
Good old fashioned test series that these two pretty new teams will benefit from. Ratima, DMac, Jordie, BB a much better combo than when Christie and Perofeta were on. Christie so slow and predictable, Ratima crisp and quick. BB with great skills and decision making, he's the 15 DMac needs. DMac still our best goalkicker and some telling moments.
Taylor's throwing a real worry again, we need to make more use of Vaa'i too.
Versus Fiji, I’d like to see Ratima and McKenzie start at 9 and 10 and Jordie and Proctor start in the midfield. Back three of Clarke, Tele’a and Perofeta.
If a 10 needs a 15 to make him play to his potential then he is not your answer at 10.
*Needs at that the end of the game. We need to ask why he ran like the Beauden of old before we get carried away don’t we?
Finau should be a 2, he did exactly what he did in the last game (including the SRF) absolutely nothing. Don’t know what Robertson sees in him.
Finau does alot in defense and attack he just doesn’t have some if the class players that the chiefs have
Ryan influence
He was there doing the work again. If you aren’t noticing he’s not knocking guys on their a$s and instead going low, then you probably aren’t asking yourself the right questions.
He was involved in everything last weekend, I’m not sure he was that good tonight though.
Razor has gone for a consistent and cohesive approach. All last years players have made the team. Finau was the only other 6 after Finau (and now Ioane) left.
Did his job adding heft and cleaning breakdowns. That's test rugby, it's a lot better than when we had the likes of Ioane or Hoskins.
BEAUDY was the father,the son and the Holy Ghost,superb cameo. He must get more time from now on surely. Everyone else were far too slow in movement and awareness. I prescribe intravenous vitamins and more variation in play.
Typical rugby pass bullshit! Cody Taylor was outstanding at hooker, do not deny the quality of Itoji! McKenzie was way better but a solid 7….9.5? Give back you chiefs card bro!
Re-inforces the idea rugby pass is a joke to be fair
Reinforces my belief that Ben Smith has made his mind up on players before he watches the game
Blames Taylor for the lineout but fails to mention that both locks were beaten by the English especially Itoje. So Taylor gets a 3. Mackenzie gets a 9.5 but Smith has always rated him. If that was a 9.5 performance I hope I never see a game where he has a 7. Time for Rugby Pass to find someone with some credibility to do this job
Itoje was excellent but as an England fan I can tell you he doesn't usually dismantle a lineout in that manner. The ABs lineout was really bad and Codie Taylor has to taken some responsibility for that.
Agree about DMac, I've seen plenty of games where he deserved a 9.5, this wasn't one of them.
Right ..DMck a 9.5
Good Lord that is terrible
He was a 6 and struggled to dictate the play unlike Smith
Ardie shouldered the carries and was brilliant
Finau has been a big disappointment so far
Papalii tackles but needs to offer more
Locks average and Codie had another poor game
Reece a shocker
Move Telea to the right as that suits him
Bring Clarke in for now
Beauden Barrett…enough said
Two fantastic impacts in the series
WHY ISN’T HE AT 10 THEN?
Struggling to dictate the game that’s what happens when you have a half that us terrible look what happened when bb and ratima come on boom we went forwards the game was faster the attack was better literally was. One of the best player on the park you lot are just blind you think everything should be flashy but that’s not test rugby
Geez, other than a few moments the All Blacks looked very ordinary right up until BB and the other reserves came on. No strong carries or big hits, clearances regularly getting just a few meters, knock-ons, bad lineouts, boring play with no execution.
England were great, but if they would just held onto the ball instead of kicking it when approaching the try line they'd probably have grabbed a few.
I hope the ABs give Aumua/Sititi/Procter/Tosi a go now, they need some players that can break tackles rather than fall over as soon as someone touches them.
DMac 9.5? He played OK but easily outplayed by his opposite, some beer goggles going there.
I don't know when the England coaching team are going to realise that grubber kicking the ball away every time we get attacking possession is not a good strategy. Every F time we do it we find ourselves back on the halfway line. How is it so difficult to grasp? Just stop doing it. Stop it.
Yep, England were too good for those. I still thought we played great, big hits and carries will come against side that aren’t the best in the world.
Telea’s not an 8.5, I’d give him 6.5 on the back of his 1st try effort. But his two defensive lapses directly led to the two English kick-pass tries. The 1st he was caught out of position, the 2nd he didn’t even get off the ground. In addition, he combined with Perofeta to bomb a certain try.
Codie was a 4.5, for me. Well below standard but showed enough effort in the tight & on D to get more than a 3 (which is basically a zero for a frontrower). Blew a try by not taking the kick option for Sevu to run on to, otherwise he’d get a 5.
D-Mac I'd give a 7.5, a solid game rather than outstanding. He merely did his job which should never get anyone a 9.5. And he seemed to relish BBs presence when they reverted to the dual driver mode.
Beauden was fantastic except for when he kicked the ball out on the full with an overlap looming from our 10 metre line. Blew a great try opportunity. He gets an 8.5 partly too because he only played 30 or so minutes.
generous
Pretty hard to watch for much of the game but luckily BB and the bench pulled it back together.
haha you’re wanting the win too much Jen, just enjoy the game!
Not sure what game you were watching, but in the game I watched, D-Mac was done over by Marcus Smith in general play and I’d give D-Mac a 6.5
Dave, you didn’t even rate Smith, what the hell are you talking about?
I think you have no clue what you’re talking about if you just rate Smith slightly above 7..
Don’t think there will be too many complaints about those scores, but it does make England’s individual scores look very generous given they managed to play so badly against a team who looked pretty lost until Beauden came on.
Congrats to The ABs for the win and preservation of their Eden record. Once again the bench and Beauden Barrett especially made the difference.
Terrible 2nd half performance from England who completely failed to capitalize on that 20-minute period of dominance. Counted about 5 kicks from hand in or close to the NZ 22 all of which came to nought. Very frustrating.
Dmac, 9,5?
Everyone should have got a 5 and BB 10.
What is interesting for me is to compare the potentials of each team. Somehow I get the feeling that the AB’s Ireland and SA are all at the end of an era and will need to develop new players and new styles of play. England on the other hand need to find two new locks and they are pretty much a unit that can be very formidable based on their two performances with a very young inexperienced team.