Following a thrilling 24-17 victory over the Springboks in the Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the All Blacks.
15 Will Jordan: Was unsurprisingly tested under the high ball and probably lost more than he would have liked in difficult conditions, but his team-mates covered nicely. With the ball in hand, Jordan was as classy as ever, and his line for the try was stunning. 7
14 Emoni Narawa: Chosen over the more experienced Sevu Reece and justified his selection with a fine early finish following Beauden Barrett’s inch-perfect cross-field kick. Unfortunately got injured after that and looked in significant pain when he was replaced. 6
13 Billy Proctor: Better from the outside centre, who improved defensively and also had some surges into the Springboks defence. 6
12 Jordie Barrett: Was sent flying backwards on a couple of occasions but was still physical in contact and always made the right decision. Alongside Jordan, he has been the All Blacks’ most consistent back. 7
11 Rieko Ioane: The under-pressure wing was solid as South Africa failed to have the same joy as Argentina had in the air, but he’s still struggling to get into the game in attack. 6
All Blacks power past error-ridden Springboks to extend unbeaten Eden Park record
Control at half-back
10 Beauden Barrett: Has ended the conversation as to who should be the All Blacks 10 with another composed and controlled display. There was the odd error when the match became frantic, but his class was very much on show, as evidenced by that delightful assist for Narawa. 8
9 Finlay Christie: New Zealand may have a scrum-half crisis, but this was some performance from Christie. Their top three half-backs are injured, but the Blues man may have just elevated himself into the conversation when those players return. His decision-making was exceptional, the service was sharp and box-kicking accurate. 9
8 Wallace Sititi: It wasn’t necessarily the barnstorming display we saw last year, but his footwork sucked in defenders and opened the space for others. He was also, like his forward team-mates, a nuisance at the breakdown, while his pass for Jordan’s try was superb. 7
7 Ardie Savea: Another outstanding display from the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year. Whether it was carrying, tackling or jackalling, the mesmeric Savea was sublime on his milestone match. 9
6 Simon Parker: Backed by Scott Robertson despite only making his debut in Argentina, and he rewarded that faith with a fine shift. He was a tackling machine and did some wonderful work at close quarters to justify his inclusion. The All Blacks may have found their long-term blindside. 7
Outstanding locks
5 Tupou Vaa’i: Having spent 2025 at the side of the scrum, Vaa’i moved to lock and probably produced his best performance of the year. Won a couple of turnovers at the breakdown, was a disruptor in the lineout and put himself about elsewhere. 8
4 Scott Barrett (c): Has received some criticism this year, but the captain well and truly stepped up. Barrett simply never gave the Springboks a moment’s rest at the contact area and in the lineout. 8
3 Fletcher Newell: A solid scrummaging effort from the tighthead, who limited Ox Nche’s influence as best he could. The set-piece looked under pressure at times, but it was not a decisive factor while he was on the field. 6
2 Codie Taylor: Started well and was a strong presence in the opening half-hour, but he was replaced for a HIA and never returned. 6
1 Ethan de Groot: Similar to Newell, the scrum creaked at times, but they did well to make sure it did not have an impact on the encounter. 6
Replacements: It was mixed, but there was enough good in there to see out the game. Early replacement Damian McKenzie was excellent while Samisoni Taukei’aho ended in credit, despite the odd lineout wobble. The props were sent into reverse, which changed the momentum of the contest, but another bench player, Quinn Tupaea, did go over for the decisive try, while Fabian Holland had a couple of key moments late on. 6