The All Blacks have produced a huge second-half performance to defeat the Sharks 54–0 in Durban. New Zealand scored eight tries during the match, with seven of them converted by first-five Ruben Love.
The win was a major improvement from the All Blacks’ previous match against the Stormers, where they struggled to find their rhythm. The match was played in extremely wet conditions, with a waterlogged field making handling and passing difficult. Despite the conditions, the All Blacks controlled the game from the beginning.
They led 14–0 at half-time after tries from Fehi Fineanganofo and Damian McKenzie. The second half was a completely different story. The All Blacks increased their speed and intensity and began finding gaps in the Sharks’ defence. Fineanganofo scored his second try, while Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Sam Darry also crossed the line.
For several players, it was a match to remember. Fineanganofo scored his first tries in an All Blacks jersey, while Preston scored a try in his first start for the team. Tavatavanawai also scored his first try for New Zealand. There were also All Blacks debuts for hooker Bradley Slater and loose forward Semisi Ta’eiloa.
Ruben Love was one of the stars of the match. He kicked seven conversions and controlled the game well, even though the difficult conditions made kicking challenging. The All Blacks’ kicking game was also much better than it had been against the Stormers. Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea regularly found space with accurate kicks.
The match also featured a special moment before kick-off. Former All Black Ma’a Nonu performed the Kapo o Pango haka by himself in response to the All Blacks’ Ka Mate haka.
The All Blacks will now travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls on Sunday as they continue their tour of South Africa.
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