Tops
Aaron Smith, a return to the fore
A capital performance which sublimates an expected return during this large 53-23 victory for the All Blacks.
Absent during the first victorious test against Japan last weekend (38-31), Aaron Smith reminded rugby lovers how he was considered the best scrum half in the world alongside Antoine Dupont.
Orchestrator of the All-Blacks game, the native of Palmerston North printed a frantic pace throughout the meeting before making all his science speak to afford a double.
At the exit of a ruck zone, he first made the trunk all alone on the short side by taking speed from Alun Wyn Jones and mystifying with a Rees-Zammit inside hook to flatten in the promised land ( 46th).
A few minutes later, it aligns perfectly to the support of
Ardie Savea who serves it on a plate, with an after-contact pass.
The true boss of the New Zealand game.
Ardie Savea, the devastating asset of the All-Blacks
He is undoubtedly New Zealand's best player for two years.
Aligned in the center third-line position, Ardie Savea wreaked havoc in the Welsh defense with sharp runs (56 meters won with the ball in hand) and many beaten defenders.
A presence at all times which is also illustrated by two balls scratched on the ground.
Decisive passer on Aaron Smith's second try (52nd), he completed his work with a powerful try (64th).
Codie Taylor gets a double
What a game from the New Zealand hooker.
Symbol of the All-Blacks' dominance in closed scrum and on the balls carried, Codie Taylor scored two powerful tries (10th, 19th), at the end of two long streaks from the forwards near the goal line. Welsh goal.
Leaving with the feeling of accomplishment in the 58th minute, his replacement Samisoni Taukei'aho will imitate him by concluding a devastating maul from his partners (80th + 2).
flops
Rhys Priestland's Calvary
Called up at the last minute after Leigh Halfpenny's injury package, Rhys Priestland was started at the opening, pushing Gareth Anscombe back to the back.
Often under pressure, the Welsh opening half committed two forwards and never managed to create gaps for his partners in the back lines and in particular Rio Dyer, author of a test (24th), Louis Rees-Zammit or even Gareth Anscombe, much more prominent than him in the Welsh game.
Field trips, a scourge of the Welsh defense
This is one of the main black points that Wayne Pivac should point out to his players.
While the All-Blacks recited their game throws to the letter, they were well helped by the minimalist touches found by the Welsh fullback, who foolishly put themselves under pressure within their 22 yards on numerous occasions.
Mistakes from which New Zealand was able to take advantage by registering half of its tries after missed camp outings from the Leek XV.