TOPS
Huge match for the captain and N. 8 of New Zealand on the occasion of the big victory in Australia (7-38). In scraping, recovery, tackle, but also in the advance thanks to his powerful percussion. What can we say about the performance of the 3rd line of the Wellington Hurricanes, except that he was certainly the best player on the lawn. He constantly led by example with an overflowing desire and constant commitment.
Very fit, Beauden’s little brother and Jordie’s big brother put in a full performance. Present in attack as in defense, he showed his power and his commitment, especially on the first try of the game where he left his business card to McDermott and inflicted a devastating tackle on him to make him lose possession and thus allow Frizell to score. Subsequently, he was crucial in defensive scratches and tackles.
They were thought to be lost since the 2019 World Cup, but this 2023 edition of the Rugby Championship has shown that the All Blacks will never die. Mistreated by Ireland last year during a series of test matches, the New Zealanders showed their total superiority during the three meetings against Argentina, South Africa and finally Australia. With a 20th title, they remain the most successful by far among the nations of the south.
FLOPS
New Zealand have proven time and time again that they have to be disciplined against them. Playing 15 against 15 is already very difficult, but at 14, victory is no longer possible. This was the case this Saturday for the Australians who dived after competing during the start of the game. Koroibete was sanctioned with a yellow card (26th) for a voluntary offside which resulted in the test of Codie Taylor (34th). That of Tupou in the second half (57th) allowed the Blacks to register no less than three tries in ten minutes.
Eddie Jones had opted for youth at the expense of experience by establishing Carter Gordon in 10 and Tate McDermott in 9 instead of Quade Cooper and Nick White. Author of good entries against South Africa and Argentina, Gordon was not influential in the game and uninspired in his kicking games. He also missed a penalty against the posts at the start of the game which seemed like a gift. McDermott for his part did not bring much either and like the first New Zealand try when he suffered the opposing engagement, evidenced by the terrible tackle by Scott Barrett which left him on the ground to start the fern selection machine.