TOPS
The Crusaders winger showed his legs and initiated a good handful of New Zealand attacks, sharp attacks that often hit the mark. Evidenced by his two initiatives on the first two tests in New Zealand. He contributed greatly by taking the hole twice which allowed him to be twice decisive passer. First for Aaron Smith then for Shannon Frizell. His performance ended with a decisive two-step try in the corner after a kick from Beauden Barrett.
The 3rd line wing of the Blacks precisely signed a hell of a game with a huge slaughter and a remarkable presence in the game. Indestructible in defense he never stopped tackling effectively and attacking the South Africans with the ball in hand. In attack he very often advanced and progressed with his power and physical qualities including speed (for a 3rd line). He too was rewarded with a try in the image of his match, in power by pushing Willie Le Roux before scoring.
New Zealand can boast of having two fly halves on the pitch. Barrett was very good in the offensive game by his inspirations and his changes of pace. His kicks to surprise the opposing defense very often worked as he wanted, especially the one for the decisive try of the game scored by Will Jordan (69th). Richie Mo’unga was almost perfect in animation and kicks since he was one hundred percent successful against the poles before his last attempt. It was he who also scored the knockout try at the end of the game without converting it, but the score was already made.
FLOPS
In great shape last week against Australia, the South African rear completely missed his game today. Despite a very nice jump on Kolbe’s try (at the limit of the forward), he got into his game very badly. Approximate in his runs and his choices, his occupation kicking game was not efficient and his contribution to the game was minimal. In defense he was often bitten like on Smith’s try at the start of the match where he tackled Jordan before releasing him and letting him go. On Frizell’s second try he was crushed by the power of the third wing line close to his line.
The Springboks came back well in the second half but paid for their start to the game completely missed. The Blacks dictated the entry pace and monopolized the ball for almost 20 minutes. Without ammunition and only defending, they made their first foray into the opposing camp in the 23rd minute. Faf de Clerk only passed his team’s first three points in the 35th, proof of the very difficult first half of the 2019 world champions.
