The All Blacks have made two additions to their squad following their impressive victory over the Springboks in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
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New Zealand confirmed that Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah have been called into the squad as injury replacements for Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord.
De Groot and Lord are both progressing through World Rugby’s concussion protocols following Saturday’s bruising encounter at Ellis Park.
The changes come after the All Blacks stunned the Springboks with a 33-16 victory in Johannesburg, taking a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.
All Blacks issue squad update
In a short statement, New Zealand confirmed:
“Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah have been called into the All Blacks squad as injury replacements for Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord while they progress through the World Rugby concussion protocols.”
Hannah, 23, was already involved with the All Blacks set-up earlier this season, having initially joined as temporary injury cover for Tupou Vaa’i.
Tu’ungafasi brings considerably more experience and provides Dave Rennie with another established front-row option ahead of the second Test.
All Blacks draw first blood
The injury news takes some of the shine off what was a hugely impressive opening victory for New Zealand.
South Africa led 13-12 at half-time, but the All Blacks took control after the break to eventually run out comfortable 33-16 winners.
Will Jordan crossed twice, while Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson also scored as New Zealand finished with five tries to the Springboks’ one.
Andre Esterhuizen scored South Africa’s only try, with Cheslin Kolbe providing the remainder of their points from the tee.
The result also brought an end to the Springboks’ 12-Test winning streak and leaves Rassie Erasmus’ side needing to respond quickly if they are to win the series.
The two rivals meet again in Cape Town next Saturday, with the All Blacks now holding the early advantage in the four-Test series.
All Blacks player ratings vs Springboks
Ratings by Bruno Freire.
1. Ethan de Groot – 4/10
At first, he was one of the few All Black forwards to answer the physical challenge set forth by a titanic Springbok pack, with some strong involvements both in attack and defence.
However, multiple scrum penalties conceded marred a forgettable performance for De Groot, as he was substituted following a head clash with teammate Josh Lord late in the second half.
2. Codie Taylor – 5/10
Strong defensive performance from Taylor, who was one of only a few All Blacks who physically matched the Springboks in the first half.
In attack, he made several carries but made little headway against the blitzing Boks defence.
In the set-piece, he was obviously challenged by the overpowering force that is Wilco Louw. However, his lineout throws were exceptional, as per usual, and net him a higher score than his two partners in the starting front row.
3. Tyrel Lomax – 4/10
Lomax has always been somewhat of a scrum and defensive specialist, with statistically average numbers of carries in attack.
Today was much of the same, and while he did pressure the Springbok breakdown in the first half, he was ultimately crushed into submission by his green and gold adversaries.
4. Josh Lord – 4.5/10
Physically outmuscled during his time on the field, notably missing a few tackles during the Springbok period of dominance after the second All Black try.
Gains bonus points for a well-executed lineout throughout the first half, with many of the strong All Black moments coming off lineout ball.
Overall, a just below-average performance from the Chiefs lock prior to his unfortunate head injury substitution in the 37th minute.
5. Fabian Holland – 6.5/10
Considering his absence from any form of rugby in the last few months, his performance was pretty exceptional.
Being one of the main attacking ball carriers in the New Zealand pack, alongside an admirable showing in defence considering the opposition, were the hallmarks of his game.
He does lose points for a lineout that dropped in efficiency somewhat in the second half, which allowed the Springboks chances in New Zealand territory.
6. Tupou Vaa’i – 6.5/10
One of the standout wide players for New Zealand in the first half, assisting the 24th-minute try by the men in black.
He was also committed in defence, but not as standout as his flank partner.
A solid performance, with some lineout slip-ups, from the Auckland-born lock turned six.
7. Luke Jacobson – 7.5/10
One of perhaps the more doubted players in this All Black team, as Jacobson does seem somewhat like a workhorse compared to stallions like Savea, Lakai, Sititi and Vaa’i.
However, his performance today rose above expectations. While he did not start fantastically, he came alive in the second half with strong contributions at the breakdown and a well-taken try in the 59th minute.
8. Ardie Savea – 7.5/10
Compared to his astronomical standards, this was not an exceptional attacking performance from the All Black captain.
On the other hand, his defensive work and harassment of the Springbok breakdown were exceptional, and he stopped a potential attack from the Springboks through a steal in the 69th minute.
There is certainly more to come from Savea in this series.
9. Cam Roigard – 8/10
In a post-match interview, Ardie Savea described this Test as a boxing match, and if that’s the case, then Roigard was very much like a prime Lomachenko.
Calmness under pressure combined with elite footwork and some of the best defensive kicking in the world.
Roigard managed the game with his clubmate Love fantastically as the All Blacks threw counterpunch after counterpunch at the heavyweight Springboks, largely led by his flat passing and expansive boot.
