Over the weekend in the City of Sails at Eden Park, the All Blacks put on a performance of a quality I haven’t seen from them in a long time. The manner in which they went about their business was exciting, yet efficient, and allowed them to totally dominate the hyped-up Irish side off the park.
By now, the game has settled, and it has allowed myself, and likely you, some time to really break this one down. From that, we are once again going to embark on the stock watch series, which will have a slightly different look to it based on how well the team played.
With that, it feels like enough time has been wasted, and we all know what we are really here for, so let’s dive into it.
Asafo Aumua | Stock Up 📈
The first stock up, and it is a big one, was Asafo Aumua, who, after being injected into the game early, put on an absolute masterclass for 50 minutes. He ticked just about every box imaginable for a good hooker’s performance.
He was, as usual, potent with ball in hand, constantly carrying defenders with him through first contact, while also barrelling over the line for a try that maybe only he could score in world rugby with his combination of size and power.
The defensive work rate also stuck out big time from Aumua, who was constantly dominating the tackle and freezing Irish attackers in their place, while contributing to an overall solid defensive outing from the whole squad.
And finally, the biggest issue in Aumua’s game has been at lineout time, but that was a non-factor on Saturday, as he led a very steady lineout for the time he was on the park against a very aerially skilled Ireland pack. If that can remain consistent, it will be the final box needing to be ticked by this coaching staff to unleash him as the All Blacks starter.
Chiefs Duo | Stock Up 📈
While the last thing on our minds regarding the Chiefs was their dismantling at the hands of the Canes in the Super Rugby final, there was no doubt both Damian McKenzie and Quinn Tupaea had superb seasons, which was proven by the latter winning player of the season.
However, neither of their spots were nailed down in the All Blacks, with the battle for the 10 jersey between McKenzie and Ruben Love hitting a fever pitch, and Tupaea, who was the incumbent centre, having Billy Proctor breathing down his neck for that role.
This weekend, though, it seems like both Chiefs stars have nailed down a starting role for the national side heading to South Africa. For McKenzie, that is of course at fullback, where he was nothing short of immense against Ireland. For Tupaea, showing he truly can operate as an international centre was a massive step forward towards consistent selection.
For both of them, it seemed like the game had slowed down in the test arena, and they are starting to look really comfortable in positions many would call their secondary option, which is a sign of great versatility.
Dave Rennie | Stock Up 📈
Props where props are due for head coach Dave Rennie and his coaching staff, who have seemingly created a buy-in from an All Blacks squad that no doubt lacked one only six months ago.
Based on the way they are playing, it seems like the culture surrounding the team is at a different level compared to what we saw prior to him taking the reins, and no doubt that has something to do with his ability to be a player’s coach first.
Outside of that, he has been malleable with the way he wants to play the game. Where some coaches are set in their ways, Rennie has been able to build a game plan centred around his key players, stemming from a Hurricanes system. That freedom he is providing is infectious, and rather than capping the players, he is allowing them to express themselves.
Furthermore, his selections in this game in particular really hit the nail on the head, especially around Vaa’i being deployed on the side of the scrum, which is something we have seen backfire in the past.
Regardless, he has had a very good first month in charge, and the hope will be that this kind of vibe surrounding the team can continue.
Jacobson Yellow Card | Stock Down 📉
I really struggled to find a true stock down, but the one moment I can think of was Luke Jacobson’s yellow card, which luckily wasn’t upgraded to red. And while Jacobson did play well overall, the lack of awareness to do that in that area of the pitch is not something you get away with against the Springboks. So, let’s hope it was just a one-off, because it seems like Jacobson will be on the blindside in the biggest games.
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