All Blacks player ratings from a convincing 54-0 win against the Sharks in the second game of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
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Following a remarkable pre-match, which saw Ma’a Nonu do his own Haka as a response to the All Blacks, the Sharks started strongly in the rain at Kings Park, but struggled to turn possession into points.
The All Blacks grew into the contest, with Fehi Fineanganofo scoring his first try in black. Damian McKenzie then crossed after a TMO check, giving New Zealand a 14-0 lead heading into half-time.
Caleb Clarke extended the lead just five minutes into the second half, and from there, Dave Rennie’s side took complete control.
Fineanganofo got a second, before Jordie Barrett, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Sam Darry all crossed as the All Blacks produced some scintillating rugby, while keeping the Sharks scoreless.
Scroll down for All Blacks player ratings vs Sharks.
Sharks: 0
All Blacks: 54
- Tries: Fehi Fineanganofo (19′, 53′), Damian McKenzie (29′), Caleb Clarke (45′), Jordie Barrett (60′), Kyle Preston (63′), Timoci Tavatavanawai (70′), Sam Darry (76′)
- Conversions: Ruben Love (20′, 30′, 46′, 54′, 61′, 63′, 76′)
All Blacks player ratings vs Sharks
15 Damian McKenzie — 7
The experienced fullback showed flashes of quality in difficult conditions, scoring in the corner after a burst of pace, although he was close to being tackled into touch. Before that, he was also guilty of a costly knock-on with the try line beckoning.
His evening was cut short after just 33 minutes after playing through an early ankle injury, and fans will be hoping that it is nothing serious.
14 Fehi Fineanganofo — 8
Making his first All Blacks start, the winger showed his finishing quality with two tries and an assist for McKenzie. He was tenacious in the air and showed his killer try instinct that led to 17 tries in Super Rugby last season.
A hugely impressive outing that will surely only strengthen the All Blacks’ desire to keep him away from a move to Newcastle Red Bulls.
13 Quinn Tupaea — 8
It is easy to see why he was named Super Rugby Player of the Season. His intelligent play, powerful carries and superb offloading were outstanding, including a brilliant break to set up Kyle Preston’s try.
12 Jordie Barrett — 8
Barrett was effective with his boot throughout, relieving pressure and repeatedly finding space out wide to accelerate attacks.
His clever kicking helped create chances for Fineanganofo and Caleb Clarke, with a neat kick through sparking the chaos for the fourth try finished by Fineanganofo following an earlier kick out wide to assist the winger’s first try.
He also showed his pace to finish strongly in the corner.
11 Caleb Clarke — 7
A quieter outing than some of his fellow backs, with limited opportunities to make an impact with his carries. He was reliable in the air and took his chance well, finishing in the corner. A solid performance without ever really dominating the game.
10 Ruben Love — 8
Love underlined his excellent Hurricanes form with a superb all-round display. His early 50/22 showcased his game management, while he repeatedly found space in the backfield and linked well with the attack.
He was outstanding off the tee, converting six of his first six, almost exclusively from the touchline, before finally missing his seventh attempt.
Beyond the tee, Love was incredibly lively and always played on the front foot, helping to kick the ball on for Fineanganofo’s second try.
With Beauden Barrett struggling for form, Love has made a compelling case to start at 10.
9 Kyle Preston — 8
Given an opportunity following Cam Roigard’s injury, Preston has taken it with both hands. His electric tap-and-go produced a remarkable break of about 70 metres, beating defenders before kicking into space.
He kept the tempo high around the ruck and capped his display with a deserved try, showing exactly why he is worth a closer look.
