Planet Rugby's post-match ratings give Will Jordan (9) and Jordie Barrett (9) the lion's share of credit for the 33-16 win at Ellis Park. Jordan was clinical in both tries and devastating without the ball, while Barrett dictated the game from 12 — physical, accurate, and involved in everything that worked in attack. Cam Roigard (8) and Ardie Savea (8) also rated highly, with Savea's second-half surge directly producing Jacobson's try and the yellow cards that sealed it. The more interesting thread is Rennie's selection vindication: Fabian Holland, brought in after just two games since last November, was 'utterly superb' (8), and Luke Jacobson thoroughly justified his inclusion with a breakdown-dominant display that earned him a try. The scrum tells the other side of the story — Lomax and De Groot were rated 4 each after being repeatedly dominated — but the bench, particularly Bower and Newell, helped claw that battle back. Josh Lord's struggles at lock leave his spot under genuine pressure heading into the second Test.
All Blacks player ratings: Jordan and Jordie the difference-makers as Rennie's big calls pay off
Jordan and Jordie Barrett were the standout performers in the 33-16 win, but the ratings piece digs into Rennie's selection calls — Holland and Jacobson both justified their inclusions — while the scrum remains an area of concern despite a bench-driven recovery.
Jake White: Henry's All Blacks return is a 'masterстroke' — and he's no ordinary selector
White calls Henry's return a masterstroke — not because of his selector credentials, but because of the psychological and cultural weight he brings to a rebuilding All Blacks camp. White also makes a pointed broader argument about the game's failure to learn from history, using his own 2007 World Cup experience as a case study.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.
Barrett ruled out of South Africa tour with back injury requiring surgery
Scott Barrett faces back surgery and is ruled out for up to five months, missing the four-Test series against the Springboks in August and September as well as the July Nations Championship Tests — with his All Blacks captaincy already under question ahead of Dave Rennie's first squad announcement.
Junior Boks take World Cup confidence from NZ dogfight
Foote and Norton reflect on what a grinding draw against New Zealand reveals about where the Junior Boks are — and what still needs fixing — ahead of their World Cup title defence in Georgia.
Hooker targeting All Blacks opener after shoulder surgery, July Tests ruled out
Ethan Hooker is targeting the opening All Blacks Test in The Greatest Rivalry series after shoulder surgery, with the 23-year-old ruled out of all July Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.