ABs Players Of The Week (Spingboks Test One)

What a statement from the All Blacks, coming away with a famous victory at Ellis Park against the Springboks while doubling their fierce opposition’s points total.

There are so many names that could be mentioned on this list, but I have managed to narrow it down to our top five from what was one of the biggest wins in recent New Zealand rugby history.

1 Point – Asafo Aumua

Aumua came on early in the second half and was a major part of the momentum swing in the 55th minute, which turned the game on its head. No doubt the Springboks generally have the most physical players on the park, but when the Canes hooker came on, he showed he might just be the most powerful player in world rugby.

In open play, he was a nightmare for Springboks defenders, as he constantly won the contact area. But it was not only with ball in hand where Aumua caused issues. One moment that really stuck out was the shot he and George Bower put on Pieter-Steph du Toit, where, as a duo, they dominated the Springboks captain in a way I do not remember ever seeing before.

Finally, when it came to set-piece time, the scrum was certainly more solid when Aumua came into the fold. Even if South Africa won a bit of lineout ball, it was more about the quality of their contest than poor execution on Aumua’s part.

2 Points – George Bower

Eyebrows were raised when Dave Rennie and the coaches went with George Bower as the reserve loosehead prop for the Ellis Park Test, but after his 43 minutes on the paddock, they were absolutely proven right by the Crusaders front-rower.

Bower came on for the injured/unwell Ethan de Groot after 37 minutes, and from there, the game slowly swung in New Zealand’s favour. Bower provided quality around the park, making eight tackles, hitting countless rucks and limiting errors in open play.

But it was at scrum time where Bower provided the most value. With him on the pitch, each All Blacks scrum became more stable until, eventually, you could argue it became dominant, proving to be the turning point of the Test.

3 Points – Fabian Holland

Fabian Holland once again proved why, when healthy, he is a game-in, game-out starter for the All Blacks. The engine on this guy is immense, as he got through a mountain of work against a Springboks pack where his frame and power proved crucial.

He was once again very good at lineout time, made eight tackles on the day and was also second among the All Blacks for carries.

Of course, there was also his big moment of the game, as he flipped the match on its head by charging down Grant Williams’ box kick, regathering the ball and scoring his maiden Test try for the All Blacks. That try would go on to set up the major avalanche of points late in the game and also maintain constant scoreboard pressure on the home side.

4 Points – Will Jordan

He still does not look 100% healthy, but there is something inevitable about Will Jordan and scoring tries. He scored the opening try of the series, diving into the corner and setting the tone for the Test.

He was influential in so many moments, breaking seven tackles, leading the side in carries and freeing Damian McKenzie with a line break that really asserted the All Blacks’ dominance.

Once again, he went on to score another try late in the piece, following a scrum combination between him and Ardie Savea. It felt like the moment the All Blacks put the game to rest.

5 Points – Jordie Barrett

For me, Jordie Barrett was the man of the match. He was absolutely everywhere for the All Blacks, leading the team in tackles with 15, making plenty of bone-crushing carries to set up the attack and, most of all, leading the game with an eye-watering five turnovers won.

None of those turnovers was more important than the strip he forced on Malcolm Marx, with the Springboks hooker destined for a five-pointer before Barrett somehow managed to jar the ball free from one of the greatest maul try-scoring hookers of all time.

It was a moment that kept the All Blacks well in the game. Add that to the absurd amount of work he gets through at second-five, and it was just an unreal performance from the youngest Barrett.

Leaderboard After Four Tests:

1st Will Jordan 12
2nd Cam Roigard 8
3rd Asafo Aumua 6
4th= Ruben Love 5
4th= Jordie Barrett 5
6th= Quinn Tupaea 4
6th= Ardie Savea 4
6th= Josh Moorby 4
9th= Fabian Holland 3
9th= Damian Mckenzie 3
11th= Tupou Vaa’i 2
11th= George Bower 2
13th= Anton Segner 1
13th= Peter Lakai 1