All Blacks overwhelm Sharks 54-0 as player ratings highlight few Durban positives

The Sharks were beaten 54-0 by the All Blacks in Durban on Tuesday, with Dave Rennie’s side unable to build on a promising opening before being swept aside after half-time.

New Zealand led 14-0 at the interval and took complete control in the second half, turning a competitive start into a one-sided victory.

Here is how the Sharks players performed on the night.

Sharks player ratings

1. Nemo Roelofse – 6

Roelofse made an early contribution by winning a turnover and helping the Sharks earn a scrum penalty. He also covered plenty of ground in open play.

2. Eduan Swart – 7

One of the Sharks’ better performers. Swart worked tirelessly around the field and brushed aside All Blacks captain Luke Jacobson with ease (learn to wrap, Luke). His lineout throwing was dependable.

3. Vincent Koch – 6

Koch’s Springbok experience was evident in several scrum exchanges, particularly after a nervous beginning from the home pack. He delivered the solid performance expected of him.

4. Hendre Stassen – 5.5

The red scrum cap made Stassen easy to identify, while his early carries were a feature during the Sharks’ positive opening quarter of an hour. However, he failed to make a significant impression on the All Blacks and appeared slightly lightweight. He later went off injured.

5. Deon Slabbert – 5.5

Slabbert spilled a restart but produced a reasonable display given that he was brought into the team as a late replacement.

6. Phepsi Buthelezi – 5

Buthelezi struggled to influence the match. He showed plenty of effort, but his carries did not generate any meaningful momentum for the Sharks.

7. Emmanuel Tshituka – 6.5

Tshituka was prominent during the first 15 minutes, when the Sharks began with energy. He made several strong carries, although his impact diminished as the All Blacks increased their control.

8. Nick Hatton – 6

Hatton provided a reliable source of possession from the lineout. The Sharks captain worked hard throughout, but he could not prevent the home side from being overwhelmed.

9. Bradley Davids – 6.5

Davids’ kicking was accurate in the early stages and his passing service was sharp. He looked for opportunities to exploit space and gave the Sharks a composed performance.

10. Vusi Moyo – 6

Moyo had some good moments but was outshone by Ruben Love, who enjoyed considerably more involvement. Moyo used the ball well when opportunities came his way, although several contestable kicks went too far or lacked sufficient support from his chasers.

11. Litelihle Bester – 4.5

It was a difficult evening for the young wing. Bester was offered few chances to show his attacking pace.

12. Murray Koster – 5.5

Koster was courageous but spent much of the night trying to fight a losing battle. He looked to secure front-foot ball for the Sharks but was frequently stopped by the All Blacks defence.

13. Jurenzo Julius – 5.5

Julius produced one encouraging break late in the second half, but otherwise found few opportunities to attack. His defensive work was adequate.

14. Donovan Don – 7

Don was arguably the Sharks’ best back. He won several contestable kicks, chased with determination and continued to compete despite the visitors’ dominance.

15. Zekhethelo Siyaya – 4

The conditions were not ideal for an attacking full-back, but Siyaya continued to look for openings. His most costly moment came when a poorly judged dink inside his own 22 gifted possession back to the All Blacks. He should gain valuable experience from the match.

Replacements – 5.5

The Sharks’ substitutes were unable to alter the contest once the All Blacks had established control. Ma’a Nonu and Luan Giliomee worked hard after coming on, but the damage had already been done.

The defeat came on a night when attention also turned to an All Blacks coach’s thinly veiled criticism of the Boks over time-wasting. A separate report also looked at the Bulls’ new signings and the selection boost involving the All Blacks.