Three All Blacks who flopped against the Springboks – and who should replace them

Several players endured difficult evenings against the physical Springboks, with the set-piece in particular causing Scott Robertson's side problems.

With the second Test looming, changes could now be considered as New Zealand look to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

Here are the All Blacks who struggled most – and the players who could replace them.

Moorby scored a lovely try following Tupou Vaa’i’s superb offload, but it was otherwise a difficult outing for the wing.

He has performed well under the high ball in his previous Tests, but facing the Springboks presented a very different challenge and he was exposed in that area.

Moorby was also overpowered by Andre Esterhuizen in a one-on-one tackle for South Africa’s first try and had missed a team-high three tackles by half-time.

There were positives. He took Vaa’i’s offload beautifully in his stride before powering over for the All Blacks’ second try, reward for his constant efforts around the field.

However, he was eventually replaced late in the second half.

Carter would offer the All Blacks another explosive option out wide and could be given his opportunity if Robertson decides to freshen up his back three for the second Test.

Lord was part of an All Blacks pack that found itself under serious pressure before his afternoon was cut short by a clash of heads with Ethan de Groot.

The lock went early at a Springboks lineout maul, which ultimately resulted in Esterhuizen crossing for South Africa’s opening try.

There were some good moments, including an excellent spot tackle on Ox Nche which forced the prop to knock on.

However, Lord later infringed at lineout time and departed before half-time having made six carries.

With several locks pushing hard for opportunities, his starting position could now come under threat.

Parekr was initially a late inclusion following Anton Segner’s swollen ankle but was thrown into the contest during the first half.

He produced a strong all-round performance, getting through plenty of the dirty work around the breakdown and making his presence felt physically.

His performance could be enough to earn him a starting opportunity in the second Test.

Like Tyrel Lomax, De Groot endured problems at scrum time against the formidable Springbok pack.

The loosehead produced some nice touches around the field but was penalised for collapsing a scrum in the 26th minute, the first infringement of the match at scrum time.

Two All Blacks scrums were then driven backwards late in the opening half.

De Groot was also battling a minor knee problem before eventually leaving the field following a nasty head clash with teammate Lord.

He finished his 40-minute appearance with six carries and two tackles, but the scrum remains the biggest area requiring improvement.

Bower was arguably a surprise selection ahead of Xavier Numia and entered the contest late in the first half.

His first scrum was solid before he ran into problems at the next two, but New Zealand’s set-piece became increasingly competitive as the second half progressed.

Bower also made several strong defensive contributions and could be considered for a starting role if the All Blacks want to change their front row.

The All Blacks vice-captain endured an unusually ill-disciplined evening.

Taylor infringed at a ruck in the fourth minute before being marched back another ten metres for failing to hand the ball back to South Africa.

He was penalised again at a breakdown, although the Springboks instead used the advantage to score their opening try.

New Zealand’s lineout largely functioned well, with only one miss during the first half, but their scrum struggled against the Springbok pack.

Taylor departed in the 54th minute having made 12 tackles, but it was otherwise a difficult outing.

Aumua made an immediate impact from the bench.

Alongside Fletcher Newell, the replacement hooker helped win a crucial scrum penalty in the 56th minute before combining with Bower for a crunching tackle on Pieter-Steph du Toit that dislodged the ball.

The lineout was less convincing after his introduction, although the issues were not entirely Aumua’s fault.

His physical impact could nevertheless give Robertson something to think about ahead of Test Two.