ABs Players Of The Week (Spingboks Test Two)

Well, Test two did not go to plan for the All Blacks, as they came up short in a 33-26 loss to the Springboks in Cape Town.

It was an error-filled display from the All Blacks, who might still take some positives from the performance because, regardless of their inaccuracies, they were still in with a chance down the stretch.

Regardless, it is just about time to move on to the third Test, but before we do, we have our top five players in the black jersey series from yesterday’s Test to discuss.

1 Point – Quinn Tupaea

Quinn Tupaea was reasonably solid once again on Sunday morning, plying his trade across the paddock in all facets of the game. He was, of course, very solid defensively, making his tackles and leading the line as always, but he was also tasked with running into the green wall early and often, which he did willingly and effectively.

For Tupaea, the performance was even better because of the tough outing from his midfield partner, Jordie Barrett. Tupaea was asked to clean up a few of Barrett’s mistakes, and he certainly deserves his flowers.

2 Points – Cam Roigard

Roigard was once again excellent. In the first half, he scored the All Blacks’ opening points with some of his trademark support play after Will Jordan was released on the outside of the Springboks’ defence.

He was once again a handful around the ruck, manipulating the Springboks’ defence with his snipes and accurate passing, which is something we have just become accustomed to.

Lastly, he was also very effective when it came to his kicking game. He was accurate when asked to kick, and that is no doubt something the All Blacks will rely on heading into next week.

3 Points – Will Jordan

He still does not look 100% healthy, but Will Jordan was once again one of the best players on the park for the All Blacks. He was dynamic with ball in hand, causing plenty of issues for the Springboks, as he led the game in metres gained, defenders beaten and line breaks, generally dominating those numbers by a long way.

He also, as we mentioned, set up Cam Roigard’s first-half try and was crucial in many other All Blacks attacks.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the one recurring issue in Jordan’s game that still needs to be cleaned up, and that is his work under the high ball. He was dominated in that facet on Saturday, but as mentioned, I think there might be an injury holding him back in certain aspects, including the aerial battle.

4 Points – Ardie Savea

The skipper had his best performance of the season in the black jersey on Sunday morning and was one of the best players on the park. He looked fresh and dynamic with ball in hand, with his big moment coming when he broke through the Springboks’ line, which then set up Damian McKenzie’s try from a lineout set piece.

Savea also managed to score his own try in the second half to bring the game back to within one score in the final few minutes.

5 Points – Leroy Carter

It was a gamble made by the coaching staff, but one that certainly paid off, as Leroy Carter was simply sensational in Cape Town.

He did a little bit of everything for his side and got through a mountain of work around the park. Some of the skills he showed included his ability under the high ball, where he was the safest pair of hands in a black jersey. He was also a superb link for attacks coming in off his wing, applying his halfback passing skill set to set up McKenzie’s try. He also played from the base of the ruck every now and again.

Lastly, he scored yet another try against the Springboks, which is becoming a regular occurrence for Carter after he managed to do it on debut. After being put into space down the left wing, Carter showed the blistering pace we know he possesses, burning a few Springboks defenders before dotting down in the left corner.

Leaderboard After Five Tests:

1st Will Jordan 15
2nd Cam Roigard 10
3rd Ardie Savea 8
4th Asafo Aumua 6
5th Leroy Carter 5
5th Ruben Love 5
5th Jordie Barrett 5
5th Quinn Tupaea 5
9th Josh Moorby 4
10th Fabian Holland 3
10th Damian Mckenzie 3
12th Tupou Vaa’i 2
12th George Bower 2
14th Anton Segner 1
14th Peter Lakai 1