7. Sam Underhill 7
The Bath bruiser lived up to his attributed name, as he left his All Black opponents with some dark blue bruising. Joining George Martin with some meteoric hits off the defensive line, Underhill impressed insurmountably in defence. However, the Bath man’s head down and drive approach wasn’t too impactful against the All Blacks, who could predict his attacking movements.
8. Ben Earl 7
The Saracen is his own harshest critic and will be focussing upon the missed opportunity to make history rather than his own solid performance. Earl’s outing was up to his usual strengths, with his customary roar echoing around the enclosed roof of Forsyth Barr. However, the back-row was unable to kick into that final gear that he is beloved for, and gets a 7/10 overall.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Theo Dan 6
17. Fin Baxter 7
18. Dan Cole 6
19. Alex Coles 6
20. Tom Curry 7
21. Ben Spencer 7
22. Fin Smith 5.5
23. Ollie Sleightholme 5.5
All Blacks player ratings
15. Stephen Perofeta 6.5 – Given the go ahead over Barrett, solid high ball battler with an exciting future in the black jersey.
14. Sevu Reece 7.5 – The Crusaders wing impressed upon his return to the Test match stage. Out for over a year from the All Blacks and marked his return with a well taken try.
13. Rieko Ioane 7 – Hot off an important role in the Blues’ triumphant Super Rugby campaign, Reiko was a classy playmaker and made life difficult for Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade.
12. Jordie Barrett 8.5 – The provider of some real ‘edge of your seat moments’, Jordie Barrett was at his near best against England. We’ve been mentally replaying that outrageous missed pass.
11. Mark Tele’a 7 – The Blues man is a dangerous threat out wide, with glimpses of his show-stealing best flashing against England. Nullified by Tommy Freeman with his orders passed to Ollie Sleightholme, Tele’a was well prepared for by the England wings.
10. Damian McKenzie 8 – Despite cracking his customary smile just seconds before, McKenzie was unhappy after having a penalty timed out with no shot clock on the big screens. The Chiefs playmaker was entertaining the masses, with well weighted kicks and silky offloads.
9. T.J. Perenara 6 – It was a difficult day to mark TJ’s return to the All Blacks, as the nine played his first Test since the 2022 draw against England at Twickenham. Perenara led the haka but was withdrawn at half-time with a knee injury.
1. Ethan de Groot 6.5 – The hometown boy got a wondrous reception, as the Highlanders loose-head ran out at his home stadium. Scrummaged well and got the upper hand in many a midfield carry, de Groot’s engine got him round the park and over the gain-line time and again.
2. Codie Taylor 6.5 – The hooker stepped up for the first Test match after Dane Coles’ All Blacks retirement. Solid at the set-piece despite England’s best efforts to disrupt.
3. Tyrel Lomax 7 – A scrummaging machine, Lomax got an early upper hand over Joe Marler before the Harlequin vacated with a foot injury. The tight-head was tested following the arrival of Fin Baxter, and battled well in the loose.
4. Scott Barrett (c) 7.5 – The most relieved man in Dunedin along with Scott Robertson, the Crusaders lock has his first win under his belt as the new All Blacks captain. Hard-hitting and tireless at the ruck, a stand-out carry saw Barrett canter down-field for an unexpected break.
5. Patrick Tuipulotu 7 – The battering ram to complement Barrett’s barrage, Tuipulotu was sent on many a crash ball, to wear down the England defensive with hit after exhaustive hit. Solid tackling as well for a seven point performance.
6. Samipeni Finau 6.5 – The new-coming back-row was name-checked by Scott Robertson mid-week, as he was excited to unleash his new asset upon England. Exciting to see the Crusader get his shot, but would need more to surpass Sam Cane once he returns.
7. Dalton Papali’i 7 – An enjoyable outing from the Blues back-row, who like Reiko Ioane rode a wave of momentum to Dunedin after winning Super Rugby. Let Marcus Smith know he was here in the early goings.
8. Ardie Savea 8 – The World Rugby Player of the Year lived up to his recent accolade, as he crossed over for a well taken try build the All Blacks points tally. Praised after the game by a respectful Ben Earl, who was impressed by his opposite man to no end.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Asafo Aumua 5.5 – Was unable to lift the tempo after replacing Codie Taylor, and will likely take a seat amongst the replacements for the Auckland test. Given the nod with Samisoni Taukei’aho injured, with a step up required at Eden Park.
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi 6.5 – The replacement tight-head had a solid outing, with short and sharp carries chipping away at the English defence. Tu’ungafasi pushed for a starting spot, and battled well at the scrum.
18. Fletcher Newell 5.5 – Not the most memorable performance from the replacement tight-head, who was bested up-front by the debutant Fin Baxter.
19. Tupou Vaa’i 6 – Offered a lift of intensity in the locks, as he replaced a fatiguing Patrick Tuipulotu. Formed a nice partnership in the engine room under his new captain Scott Barrett, who kept the tiring pack moving forward.
20. Luke Jacobson 6.5 – The Chiefs man took it upon himself to blitz against England’s blitz, and flew out of the line with an assortment of well-timed hits. However, his late involvement did not contribute too much memorable action in attack.
21. Finlay Christie 7.5 – The halfback known as ‘Red’ by his affectionate teammates, Christie did a solid job in lifting the attack after TJ Perenara’s half-time withdrawl. Christie sent some dangerous box-kicks skyward, as Sevu Reece nailed George Furbank time and again.
22. Anton Lienert-Brown 5.5 – An older experienced midfielder that Robertson could rely on for stability, Lienert-Brown’s key involvements were more to do with his verbal guidance to see his side through for the win.
23. Beauden Barrett 7.5 – The calls for Beauden Barrett’s involvement drowned out the intercom, as the fullback replaced Perofeta shortly after the break. An immediate lift was noticed upon the All Blacks back-three, with the high ball battle dominated by Barrett.