The Rugby Championship: Performers of the day

The Rugby Championship: Performers of the day

Rieko Ioane

The winger continued his scintillating form in the black jersey today, bagging a brace in his side’s utterly dominant first half performance. The Auckland Blues player was a threat each time he got the ball in his hands and seemed to effortlessly get over the gainline out wide. He finished his first try superbly, catching Folau flat-footed with a stutter step before scoring in the corner. He bagged another minutes later when he got the ball in open field and showed his pace to race away to the line untouched.

Liam Squire

Started New Zealand off to a flyer, showing great pace to beat the cover defence and score in the corner. He continued to get on the ball as often as possible throughout the game and made many dominant carries in the loose. He went on a rampaging run through the middle of the field, bouncing off defenders to set front foot-ball for Ben Smith’s try.


Damien McKenzie


The fullback showed why so many were calling for his introduction to the All Blacks squad during their disappointing Lions series. He definitely has the X factor and despite his size, manages to beat the first defender every time he gains possession. His keenness to counter-attack suited the NZ gameplan perfectly today as they exploited the poor Aussie kick-chase. He went over for his first try in the black jersey off yet another turnover and it looks like he will be a fixture in their starting XV for a long time to come.

Elton Jantjies

Jantjies looked seriously slick today with an all round brilliant performance. Jantjies had an impressive 100% kicking success, not an easy task given some of the angles he had to kick from, he kicked a total of 17 points and had a 100% tackle success rate. Jantijies was illusive with ball in hand and although he didn't score a try he managed to get himself an assist.

Siya Kolisi

Kolisi was just one of three beasts in the back row for South Africa today. Kolisi's physicality was unmatched around the park and he was rewarded for his efforts with a try in the 66th minute which helped his side secure the victory. Kolisi carried well and played a full 80, working hard up until the final whistle.

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