Jordie Barrett of the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport
Jordie Barrett of the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport
NZME rugby writer Patrick McKendry analyses the best and the rest from the All Blacks' 69-31 victory over Japan last night.
Forward of the week: Jackson Hemopo
Some good ball carries and excellent lineout work and defending, lock Hemopo isn't considered a second-rower by coach Steve Hansen but in Tokyohe very much played like one. This was a statement-like performance by a tough individual who hasn't had a lot of minutes lately due to injury.
Back of the week: George Bridge
A freakish performance off the reserves bench in his first test, wing Bridge probably stole the limelight from Richie Mo'unga who until early in the second half looked like the All Blacks' best performing back. Bridge scored two tries and set up another – all with pace and composure. He's one for the future.
Maybe not so much a coach killer as a confidence killer for a 21-year-old who is going through a bit of a form dip. Barrett's early attempted clearance was charged down for Japan's opening try, the first of the test, and while the fullback did well to bounce back he doesn't look as assured as he did even last year on debut against the British and Irish Lions.
To score five tries and 31 points against an All Black team is not easy so the Brave Blossoms deserve credit for their attacking imagination and spirit. A couple of their tries were breathtaking. They are a well-drilled and tight unit which bodes well for their World Cup campaign at home.
Dane Coles
Scored a trademark try on the wing but more importantly got through 53 precious minutes without further injury. The All Blacks will hope Coles comes through this test with no reaction from his knee; if so he could be on the bench next weekend against England at Twickenham.
Down:
All Blacks defence
Let in five tries and 31 points against a tier two nation… no matter the inexperience of this All Black team, that defensive effort is not ideal.
Referee Matthew Carley
This was an odd performance from the English official who appeared to see knock-ons when there weren't any and didn't see obvious foul play when it was right in front of him. Carley got most 50-50 calls wrong and, in the case of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi's try (which he referred to the TMO), he didn't have the confidence to call what was right in front of him.
