All Blacks player ratings vs Springboks: Third Test scores revealed

Saturday, 05 September 2026 at 18:05

byCharlie Elliott

All Blacks player ratings as Dave Rennie's side fell to defeat in the third Test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium.

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Although there were plenty of good moments from the visitors, the strength of South Africa showed from the bench and the hosts ran out 29-24 winners.

Following a fast start, the All Blacks took the lead after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s yellow card and Cheslin Kolbe’s injury, with Ardie Savea scoring the opener.

Kurt-Lee Arendse quickly replied for the Boks before Savea grabbed his second. A powerful scrum then earned South Africa a penalty try, levelling the scores at 12-12 at half-time.

Will Jordan grabbed his first try of the game after 56 minutes to put the All Blacks back in front, but Jesse Kriel soon responded for the Boks. His converted score restored South Africa’s lead before Malcolm Marx added another, finishing off the back of a maul.

A Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu penalty then stretched the advantage to 12 points with less than 10 minutes remaining, which was narrowed at the end thanks to a consolation try after 80 minutes from Samisoni Taukei’aho.

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Springboks: 29

Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse (22'), Penalty Try (38'), Jesse Kriel (58'), Malcolm Marx (66')
Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (59', 67')
Penalties: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (71')
Yellow Card: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (10')

All Blacks: 24

Tries: Ardie Savea (11', 26'), Will Jordan (56'), Samisoni Taukei’aho (80')
Conversions: Ruben Love (12'), Damian McKenzie (80')
Yellow Card: Ruben Love (37')

15 Damian McKenzie — 6

McKenzie was generally solid in the backfield, although he did run into traffic on one occasion before being rescued by some excellent breakdown work from his teammates.

He did brilliantly to hold up Ox Nche, although the All Blacks conceded a try shortly afterwards anyway. Also showed some good moments at second receiver.

14 Will Jordan — 8

The record All Blacks try-scorer produced a brilliant run and chip-and-chase that was narrowly cut out, while he repeatedly showed his elusiveness by finding space and escaping pressure.

A poor pass nearly put Ethan Hooker through, but he made no mistake with an easy finish for his try.

He was in the right place to collect Carter’s ball after originally kicking it through to his teammate, completing a really clever passage of play.

13 Quinn Tupaea — 7

Was fortunate to escape punishment for a high tackle early on, but responded with some strong carries. He absolutely bulldozed through Eben Etzebeth at one point, showcasing his immense power with ball in hand. Also led the All Blacks’ Haka ahead of the game.

12 Jordie Barrett — 6

Barrett made an early error with a poor pass that went straight into touch, but responded with an excellent cross-kick.

He started well defensively and produced a superb tackle to absolutely smash Ethan Hooker. However, he was on the receiving end moments later when Pieter-Steph du Toit powered through him.

Overall, he had a few good playmaking moments, but was more anonymous than he would have liked to have been.

11 Leroy Carter — 7

Collected a well-executed kick out wide and made a good run down the wing to get himself into the gam. He was beaten a little too easily for Arendse’s try, although he was not solely to blame.

Showed great awareness to put the ball down for Savea to collect, before producing a brilliant improvised offload to set up Jordan.

10 Ruben Love — 5

Love endured a difficult afternoon, missing two conversions and a penalty, with his second conversion attempt drawing plenty of boos from the crowd.

He was also yellow-carded on the Boks’ line, although he had defended well before that. He never really managed to get the All Blacks’ attack flowing and will be disappointed with his overall performance.

9 Cam Roigard — 6

As always, Roigard provided quick service and kept the All Blacks moving at pace. There were initial suggestions that he had knocked the ball on for Savea’s second try, but fortunately for him, it did not come off him.

Fans have accused him of gamesmanship after appearing to go down too easily following contact from Cobus Reinach. Replaced after 67 minutes.

1 George Bower — 6

Conceded an early penalty but was heavily involved defensively, making plenty of tackles and showing an excellent work rate. The scrum was generally solid, although he was outmuscled on his own line, resulting in a penalty try. Replaced after 45 minutes.

2 Asafo Aumua — 7

Made some excellent carries early on, adding much-needed impetus, while his lineout work was very good.

He was somewhat nullified with ball in hand as the game progressed, but still looked dangerous when given opportunities. Replaced after 60 minutes having made nine carries.

3 Tyrel Lomax — 5

Was solid in the scrum overall, but was outmuscled on his own line, which ultimately resulted in a penalty try. Replaced after 45 minutes and didn't contribute as much overall as Bower.

4 Tupou Vaa’i — 7

He did brilliantly to win a penalty on his own five-metre line and put in plenty of solid tackles throughout. He also got through a lot of work off the ball and was a strong contributor for the All Blacks.

5 Sam Darry — 6

Darry put in some good defensive work and worked hard at the breakdown, while also proving reliable in the air. He was replaced after 60 minutes having made a limited impact, although he got through plenty of valuable unseen work.

6 Peter Lakai — 7

7 Luke Jacobson — 6

The Chiefs flanker found a good line early on and made some valuable metres for his team.

He worked hard at the breakdown and was generally effective, although he appeared to get away with being off his feet on a few occasions. A real workhorse who put in plenty of effort.

8 Ardie Savea — 8

A smart pick-and-go saw Savea score the opening try, taking his Test tally to 34, the most by any forward in Test history.

He made some strong carries early on and was quickest to react when Carter placed the ball on the floor, grabbing it to score his second of the match and 35th Test try. Unfortunately, his afternoon was cut short by injury after 30 minutes.