The All Blacks' performance against Scotland at Murrayfield left fans with a mix of emotions. While the team secured a 25-17 victory, it was a tale of two halves, with a dominant first period followed by a worrying loss of control. Let's dive into the player ratings and uncover the key moments that shaped this international clash.
A Puzzle Solved, But a Rocky Road Ahead
15 Will Jordan: Jordan's barren spell came to an end thanks to some brilliant work by Wallace Sititi. He was a constant threat, but Scotland's aerial challenge exposed some weaknesses, especially after halftime. Rating: 6
14 Leroy Carter: Carter's Test rugby journey has been smooth, but a cynical trip on Darcy Graham earned him a yellow card. Despite some good moments, discipline issues are a concern. Rating: 5
Power Players:
13 Leicester Fainga'anuku: Absolutely everywhere, Fainga'anuku was a physical force, almost acting like a forward with his carries. A standout performance. Rating: 8
12 Quinn Tupaea: Stepping into Jordie Barrett's shoes is no easy feat, and Tupaea showed promise, but couldn't quite match Barrett's all-round excellence. Rating: 6
11 Caleb Clarke: Clarke's power was a challenge for Scotland, but Darcy Graham kept him honest. His aerial dominance was missing, and an injury didn't help. Rating: 6
10 Beauden Barrett: Barrett's first half was a masterclass, dictating play with ease. However, the second half saw a complete turnaround, with the All Blacks losing their grip. Rating: 6
9 Cam Roigard: Roigard controlled the game beautifully in the first half, but his kicking game let him down in the second, failing to maintain the team's momentum. Rating: 6
The Outstanding Loose Trio:
8 Peter Lakai: Part of an exceptional loose trio, Lakai's breakdown work was exceptional, especially under pressure. Rating: 8
7 Ardie Savea (c): Savea maintained his high standard, delivering a superb performance. He and his teammates faced a tough challenge from the Scots. Rating: 8
6 Wallace Sititi: Sititi's slow start to the Test season was forgotten as he delivered his best performance in a while. However, a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in the second half was a blemish. Rating: 8
5 Fabian Holland: Holland was a consistent force, excelling in the lineout and on both sides of the ball, even as fatigue set in. Rating: 7
4 Josh Lord: Lord's early influence was notable, setting up Roigard with a brilliant run. However, his impact waned as the match progressed. Rating: 7
Scrum Frustrations:
3 Fletcher Newell: Newell's performance in the scrum didn't meet expectations, and he was penalized in the second half. A solid effort, but not his best. Rating: 5
2 Codie Taylor: Taylor's set-piece contributions were solid, but lacked spectacle. Rating: 6
1 Ethan de Groot: De Groot wanted more prominence in the scrum, but his work rate around the field was impressive. Rating: 6
And here's where it gets controversial... The bench stepped up as the starters faded. Damian McKenzie's impact was huge, scoring a try and penalty to secure the win. Tamaiti Williams and Sam Darry also impressed, rescuing New Zealand when they needed it most. Rating: 8
So, what do you think? Did the All Blacks' performance live up to expectations? And is the back-row puzzle truly solved? Let's discuss in the comments!
