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Sonny Bill Williams passed another exam in his Test rugby re-education, but some other backs earned the wrath of the All Blacks coach following the tense defeat of England.
Williams was a standout in attack and defence during the 24-21 comeback win at Twickenham.
The rugby league convert was the most penetrative runner in a Test that lacked the spectacular, while he also performed the basics well.
His front-on tackles regularly jolted English ball-runners as he took a step up from last week’s return to the All Blacks in the thrashing of the United States.
Assistant coach Ian Foster said Williams’ powerful 80 minutes provided further justification of his hasty recall so soon after he completed a two-year NRL tenure.
“It was a taste of the pressure that he’s gong to have to get used to and certainly England cut his time and space down,” Foster said.
“He was patient. He problem-solved his way through and I thought as the game went on, he made more and more of an impact.”
The Test wasn’t as memorable for midfield partner Conrad Smith, who was beaten for pace on the outside by Jonny May when the England wing scorched 55m to score in the third minute.
Coach Steve Hansen was critical of the defensive efforts of Smith and fullback Israel Dagg, who was also left grasping, when he assessed May’s first Test try.
“He’ll bank that one, he won’t get too many more softer ones.”
Smith, 33, was replaced in the 47th minute by Ryan Crotty, the earliest non-injury related exit for the veteran centre in any of the 80 Tests he has started.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.