All Blacks: How South African media reacted to victory over Sharks
The All Blacks secured a dominant 54-0 victory over the Sharks in a rugby match characterized by wet conditions and a significant disparity in team depth. South African media highlighted the All Blacks' clinical efficiency and the impact of their bench players compared to the Sharks.
Why it matters
The match underscores the competitive gap between top-tier international teams and club-level sides during exhibition tours.
How the South African media reacted to All Blacks 54-0 win over the Sharks.
“The second match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour will be remembered as much for the rain as the result, with target="_self" rel="" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/all-blacks-v-sharks-dave-rennies-side-claim-dominant-win-but-damian-mckenzie-injury-could-spark-concerns/52CVCOBTMVCI3DX3IVCTC7UJEU/">the All Blacks eventually turning a brave Sharks opening into a 54-0 demolition at a sodden Kings Park. The pre-match ceremony, however, belonged to Ma’a Nonu.
“The young Sharks appeared to feed off the Nonu moment and started with enormous enthusiasm. For the opening quarter they had the better of the contest, carrying with purpose and asking questions of the All Blacks defence.
“But New Zealand showed the difference between enthusiasm and test-class efficiency.
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