OPINION: A powerful showcase from a bruising All Blacks pack has laid the platform for a dominant 41-12 win over Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener at Mendoza.
With Scott Barrett leading the charge, brothers Jordie and Beauden feasted on the open field to run the Los Pumas defence ragged.
With the World Cup just two months away, All Blacks coach Ian Foster will undoubtedly be pleased with what he saw from his side.
Debutant Emoni Narawa impressed, while lock Josh Lord showed no signs of rust. Shannon Frizell also went a long way to sewing up the No.6 jersey.
Here's how the All Blacks rated:
1-Ethan de Groot 9
The loosehead prop was an immovable force at the scrum, winning a couple of penalties, and absolutely terrorising his opposite in a dominant performance.
2-Dane Coles 7.5
A vintage showcase, turning back the clock with superb support lines and crossing for the game's first try. Found his jumpers regularly, but for one overthrow.
3-Tyrel Lomax 8
An integral part of a dominant All Blacks front row, laying the platform to attack from. Also made a trysaving tackle to force an Argentine error.
4-Scott Barrett 8.5
The engine of an unwavering All Blacks machine. Was a menace at the lineout, recording a steal, before showing his athleticism to link up with Coles for the opening try.
Found himself on the wrong end of referee Angus Gardner's whistle as the test went on, but a terrific outing.
5-Josh Lord 8
A simply outstanding performance and even more so considering how little rugby he's played. Showed no signs of rust and, like Barrett, terrorised Argentina's lineout.
An extremely encouraging performance from the young lock.
6-Shannon Frizell 8
Carried with bad intention, committing several Argentine defenders in a performance All Blacks great Jerome Kaino would've been proud of. If the No.6 jersey is still up for debate, Frizell went a long way to solidifying his spot, also showing his credentials as a lineout jumper.
7-Sam Cane 7
Shrugged off an early penalty for a tackle off the ball, with a predictably solid performance on defence, but showed his worth on attack too. Made one crunching tackle to stifle an Argentine threat and carried effectively.
8-Ardie Savea 8
A trademark performance from the powerful No.8. Burrowed his way over for a five-pointer and was a nuisance at the breakdown, winning a penalty to clear the danger.
9-Aaron Smith 7.5
Marshalled the troops expertly and capitalised on suspect defence close to the tryline to go over for another All Blacks try.
10-Damian McKenzie 6.5
Grew into the test, after being given a surprising start ahead of Richie Mo'unga. Had a kick charged down that almost resulted in Los Pumas scoring in the opening minute.
Was guilty of running across the field early on, before finding his direction with a hand in several tries. Looked more comfortable in moving back to fullback, once Mo'unga came on.
11-Caleb Clarke 5.5
A quiet outing for the All Blacks winger. Struggled to impose himself on attack and was largely shut down as a genuine threat.
Was solid under the barrage of Arengtine up-and-unders.
12-Jordie Barrett 10
Named Man of the Match for very good reason in an all-round masterclass. Was potent on attack, scoring a try, and dominant on defence to keep Matias Moroni out, with only the white line ahead of him.
Even won a couple of crucial breakdown turnovers.
13-Rieko Ioane 8
One of several All Blacks weapons to fire, with his linebreak instrumental in the team's first try. Was rewarded with a five-pointer of his own, showing great strength to burst through a couple of would-be tacklers.
14-Emoni Narawa 8
Handed a debut start and didn't disappoint. Showed glimpses early on, with a couple of dancing runs down the right wing.
While an obvious threat in possession, his defence was equally as impressive, with a couple of gutsy tackles. Capped off a fine performance with a late try.
15-Beauden Barrett 8
Played the role of his team's second playmaker perfectly. Put brother Jordie away for his try, after a brilliant run down the left wing, and also ran a great support line off McKenzie to dot down.
Reserves:
16-Codie Taylor 5
17-Ofa Tu'ungagasi 7
18-Nepo Laulala 6
19-Tupou Vaa'i 6
20-Dalton Papali'i 6
21-Finlay Christie 6
22-Richie Mo'unga 5
23-Braydon Ennor 6
Reece Labuschagne is a Newshub online sports producer
