Top Performers: All Blacks v England
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New Zealand secure the series win and continue a three decade winning streak at Eden Park. Her are the Top Performers:
Marcus Smith:
Smith kept England in the game through the game with his ability to put in pin point kick passes that exposed the All Black back three positioning. He may have got a little loose at stages but was instrumental in giving England the lead and keeping them in touch.
Beauden Barrett:
Beauden Barrett comes on and does this. While the game is in the balance.
At Eden Park pic.twitter.com/2S8MCrUXQA
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 13, 2024
Barrett came on with 30 minutes to play with the score at 13-17. Soon after coming on he set up Mark Tele'a for a try, a tyr that gave the All Blacks the lead and took the wind out of England's sails. He is a certain to start in the Rugby Championship against the Springboks.
Maro Itoje:
Itoje was a menance all through the game, he caused a mess of New Zealand's line out, comepted at all the rucks and made 9 tackles. He kept his side in the game with his solid 80 minute performance and one that was the best performing on the England team on the night.
Dalton Papali'i:
Papali'i, like Itoje, was tasked with the unseen jobs, the hard work and glue that every side needs. He beat two defenders on the day, made one turnover and put in 10 tackles.
