All Blacks show signs but didn’t send a warning to Boks - Gregor Paul
The All Blacks secured a victory against the Sharks in wet conditions, showing improved cohesion and skill. The performance suggests the team is building momentum ahead of their upcoming test against the Springboks.
Why it matters
Rugby is a major sport in New Zealand and South Africa, and performance analysis is critical for fans tracking team readiness for international rivalries.
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On a night that cast doubt on the level of public interest in the phoney war of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, the All Blacks did at least produce a performance against the Sharks that suggested they are ready for the real battle when that eventually breaks out in 10 days’ time.
In what were unseasonably cold and wet conditions, the All Blacks sploshed and splashed their way to a victory that ticked just about every box.
They didn’t look properly in command and bully-boy dominant until the final 20 minutes, but there was enough accuracy, intensity and energy about their performance across the 80 minutes to feel they are ready for what lies ahead .
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