After another loss, the All Blacks head to the USA to try to tie the series at 2-2 before heading back home.
But before we turn our attention to all of that, it is that time of the week when we have a look at the stocks of the All Blacks and see who has risen and who has dropped after last weekend’s performance.
Young Loose Forwards | Stock Up 📈
I have been saying this duo will be the future of the loose forwards in New Zealand, so you know I was very happy to see Peter Lakai get the start in the third Test and the coaches trust Wallace Sititi off the bench.
For Sititi, it has been no secret that he has not been at the level of his 2024 season in the black jersey since that campaign ended, and he was in desperate need of a good outing.
When introduced off the bench for Ardie Savea, Sititi had some big boots to fill, but the young forward certainly did so. He was dominant not only with his carries, but also at the breakdown.
As for Lakai, he showed why he provides the best of both worlds, being a dynamic athlete with ball in hand while also having the engine of a tight forward, which was on display during his 80-minute stint.
Ruben Love | Stock Down 📉
This was a huge moment in Ruben Love’s All Blacks career, as it finally felt like it was time for the young pivot to step up and win a game for his side, as he had done countless times at Super Rugby level.
However, that was not to be, with Love unable to affect the game with ball in hand as a runner or creator as much as he would have liked.
The most damning part of Love’s performance was the five points he left off the tee, which has been somewhat of a calling card for him. No doubt, that 80 minutes has blown the door wide open for a Richie Mo’unga return to the Test arena.
The Superstars | Stock Up 📈
In my mind, the All Blacks have four world-class players in their squad, and on Sunday morning, all four answered the bell in some form or another. For me, those four names are Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard, Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan. All of those players left their mark on the match at some stage.
Savea was the best player on the park before going down with injury, Roigard was a threat with ball in hand and with his kicking, while the other two carried well, broke tackles and were like loose forwards on the defensive side of the ball.
If nothing else, after back to back losses, at least we can rely on those four world-class players week in, week out.
Response To South Africa’s Strengths | Stock Down 📉
The biggest proponent of the loss, in my mind, was South Africa constantly flexing their muscles in the areas of their greatest strengths. Those were, of course, the aerial battle, scrum time and the lineout maul.
In these areas of the game, the Springboks flat-out bullied the All Blacks and allowed themselves to flip the field in massive moments throughout the match.
