All Blacks take control against Sharks with three tries in Durban

The All Blacks lead the Sharks 21-0 early in the second half of the second match of the Greatest Rivalry tour in Durban, after Caleb Clarke scored their third try shortly after the interval.

Clarke crossed in the 44th minute when New Zealand took a quick tap, switched the direction of play and released the winger with a long pass. Damian McKenzie converted to extend the visitors’ advantage.

The All Blacks had earlier gone 14-0 ahead through tries from Fehi Fineanganofo and McKenzie, although the Sharks have shown promising spells in difficult, wet conditions at Kings Park.

New Zealand opened the second half on the front foot, with Asafo Aumua appearing to force his way over the line three minutes after the restart. The try was referred to the TMO and was ruled out because the hooker had been held up. The All Blacks were awarded a penalty instead.

The Sharks then received some relief when New Zealand failed to release Luan Giliomee after the replacement was tackled inside his own 22-metre area.

New Zealand’s third try came after they moved quickly from a free kick in the 19th minute. The Sharks allowed the ball to bounce from a contestable kick, but the All Blacks recovered possession, built through several phases and found space on the right for Fineanganofo to score. McKenzie added the conversion.

The All Blacks thought they had doubled their lead in the 23rd minute, but a TMO review found McKenzie had lost the ball over the line. There was no try.

McKenzie did get on the scoresheet six minutes later. Fineanganofo collected a kick-pass on the right and fed the full-back inside. McKenzie went over, although the TMO checked whether he had stepped out before grounding the ball. There was no conclusive evidence to overturn the decision, and the try was awarded and converted.

The Sharks won their first scrum penalty in the 25th minute, giving them an opportunity to clear their lines after New Zealand had initially controlled the set piece. Earlier, New Zealand had also stopped a Sharks maul and earned a scrum penalty of their own.

The home side made a strong start, earning an early penalty and going close to scoring after retaining possession well. However, the All Blacks held them up over the line in the fourth minute.

New Zealand’s kicking game produced an early attacking opportunity when Ruben Love found a clever 50:22 kick after the first scrum. A contestable kick from Vusi Moyo then caused problems for the visitors, but the Sharks knocked on during the move and McKenzie appeared to pick up an injury.

The Sharks also defended impressively in the ninth minute, getting players over the ball and winning a penalty when the All Blacks failed to release.

The opening half became increasingly scrappy as rain made handling and kicking difficult. At half-time, the Sharks had enjoyed good periods but New Zealand remained in control.

The match is the second fixture of the Greatest Rivalry tour. Pre-match discussion had focused on the rain in Durban, the All Blacks’ selection problems and the limited playing time of their number nines. Ma’a Nonu has also been helping the Sharks’ younger players prepare for the contest.

Other build-up reports included “Rain and a potential All Blacks problem in Durban”, “242 minutes of rugby all year: All Blacks No 9 ready to make his chance count”, “How Ma’a Nonu is helping Sharks youngsters prepare for All Blacks”, “‘Let us play’: All Blacks coach takes aim at rugby time wasting”, “‘It’ll be a great battle’: Sharks youngsters ready for All Blacks, says coach JP”, “‘There’s been chats’: Sharks reveal Rassie link before All Blacks clash” and “Roigard out: All Blacks suffer fresh blow before Sharks clash”.

The Sharks started with Zekhethelo Siyaya, Donovan Don, Jurenzo Julius, Murray Koster, Litelihle Bester, Vusi Moyo, Bradley Davids, Nick Hatton, Emmanuel Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Deon Slabbert, Hendre Stassen, Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart and Nemo Roelofse. Their replacements were Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubekha, Simphiwe Ngobese, Corne Rahl, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Luan Giliomee and Ma’a Nonu.

New Zealand selected Damian McKenzie, Fehi Fineanganofo, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Ruben Love, Kyle Preston, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Fletcher Newell, Asafo Aumua and Ethan de Groot. Their replacements were Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Ethan Blackadder, Semisi Ta’eiloa, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa.