All Blacks Player Ratings v Argentina

All Blacks Player Ratings v Argentina

The All Blacks continue on their winning ways in the 2021 Rugby Championship with yet another bonus point victory.

It was all one-way traffic after the break with the vast majority of the second half taking place in Argentina's half.  Argentina's defence was determined and they did well to concede only two tries however the result was never in doubt.

New Zealand consolidate their spot at the top of the standings. Here is how we rated Ian Foster's men.

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe - 6

Finished the game with plenty of battle wounds with a nasty cut on his head. The loosehead prop was effective with ball in hand and was sound on defence.  However, he struggled at scrum time with a few penalties going against him. 


2.  Asafo Aumua - 7
 
He was a go-to ball carrier for the All Blacks and an effective one at that. Passed well too as he mixed his approach up well. A first start for the hooker and he didn't disappoint, even with one or two of his lineout darts being picked off by the Pumas. 
 
 
 
3.  Nepo Laulala - 6.5
 
 
Set the tone for the All Blacks and his performance with a massive hit on Pablo Matera from the kickoff. 
 
 

The All Blacks had their struggles at scrum time but Laulala was solid in that department and was effective around the park. 
 
 
 
4.  Brodie Retallick - 8
 
The new All Black captain didn't give an inch, as per usual, as he lead his side to a comprehensive victory. His decision making to go to the corner in the opening stages didn't quite pay off but it did help soften up the Pumas' defence which ultimately cracked wide open. 
 
 
He was excellent over the ball-winning a crucial penalty in the opening 10 minutes with the Pumas on the attack and grabbed another soon after. Retallick is getting better each game.
 
 
 
 
5.  Scott Barrett - 6.5
 
Made good meters from his carries and did the job on defence missing just one of his six attempted tackles. Solid without being fantastic. 
 
 
 
6.  Akira Ioane - 7
 
 
Continued his fine form for the All Blacks. Contributed well with ball in hand while not being asked to do much on defence. 
 
 
7.  Dalton Papalii - 7
 
Grabbed a try just before halftime. Did the dirty work that often goes unnoticed and stayed on the right side of Nic Berry's whistle. 
 
 
 
 
8.  Luke Jacobson - 7.5
 
 
Got on the end of two tries. Combative and abrasive against the physical Pumas' pack. Made over 60 running metres and was excellent on defence. The kind of performance that will catch the eye of the selectors.
 
 
 
 
 
9.  TJ Perenara - 8
 
 
Took his chance well as he kept the All Blacks' attack steaming forward. He made some metres with his snipes and his service to Barrett and co. was swift and accurate. While the All Blacks found more space once Weber came on, Perenara's performance set the platform for the All Blacks to capitalise on. 
 
 
10. Beauden Barrett - 8.5
 
 
Produced the highlight of the match as he spotted a gap in the Pumas defence and beat three defenders before throwing a glorious offload to Jacobson. However, his game was more than just that pass. His kicking out of hand was superb whether it was short, long or bombs, Barrett was on point.
 
 
 


11. George Bridge - 7
 
Bridge made good metres each time he touched the ball making well over 90 running meters. He almost grabbed a try for himself but couldn't quite get the ball down but did play a major role in the build up to Jacobson's first with a stellar break deep into Argentina's half. 
 
 
Sound on defence with his only big error happening in the latter stages when he lost the ball in contact. 
 
 
 
12. David Havili - 7.5
 
No try in this one for Havili but the All Blacks inside-centre was fantastic in all facets of the game. He kicked well, carried well and linked up well with the Barretts and Ioane. 
 
 
 
 


 
 
13. Rieko Ioane - 8
 
 
A threat with ball in hand and was on hand to grab the first try beating Jordie Barrett to the ball. A poor decision from a great break denied the All Blacks another score with Cordero on hand to intercept. 
 
 
Made well over 120 running metres as the Pumas struggled to contain him. 
 
 
 
14. Sevu Reece - 7
 
Grabbed another five pointer in a strong outing for the All Black winger. He almost grabbed another from an intercept later on in the game but couldn't hold onto the ball. Made good metres with ball in hand and missed one of his three tackles. Went looking for work around the park which saw him score a forward's try.
 
 
15. Jordie Barrett - 8
 
Excellent under the high ball and was millimetres away from scoring a blinder off a kick by his brother.
 
 
Beaten to the ball by Rieko Ioane for the first try as he ended the game without a five pointer. 
 
 
Nailed his kicks from the tee. 
 
 
 
Replacements: 
 
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho - 7
17. Joe Moody - 7
18. Tyrel Lomax - 6.5
19. Tupou Vaa’i - 6
20. Ethan Blackadder - 6 
21. Brad Weber  - 7
22. Damian McKenzie - 6 
23. Quinn Tupaea - 6
 
 
 
 
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