New Zealand were relatively restrained in the opening 40 minutes in Durban, taking a 14-0 lead into the break. However, the floodgates opened after half-time as the visitors stepped up the intensity and ran rampant against a Sharks side that struggled to cope with the relentless pressure.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie opted for what was effectively a shadow Test side for the second match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, although scrumhalf Cam Roigard was withdrawn as a precaution.

Sharks assistant coach Ma’a Nonu, doing a Haka in response to the All Blacks. Photo: X/Steve Haag

The Sharks were dealt their own late blows before kick-off, with lock Emile van Heerden and Springbok flank Vincent Tshituka both ruled out through injury.

The build-up to the match produced one of the evening’s most memorable moments.

The traditional Ka Mate haka was followed by a one-man Kapa o Pango performed by former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu. The 44-year-old only arrived in Durban last week, but his surprise appearance immediately captured the attention of the crowd.

The Sharks then made an encouraging start, throwing themselves into the contest and even crossing the All Blacks’ tryline, only to be held up.

New Zealand eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when a slick passing move created space for winger Fehi Fineanganofo to dive over in the right-hand corner.

The All Blacks thought they had doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Damian McKenzie gathered a kick and appeared to slide over the line. However, the TMO spotted a knock-on by the fullback, and the try was overturned after the conversion had already been taken.

The Sharks were given another reprieve moments later, but they could not prevent New Zealand from extending their lead. Jordie Barrett floated a cross-kick towards Fineanganofo, who showed good awareness to put the ball inside to McKenzie. 

The TMO once again examined the grounding, with McKenzie eventually tackled into touch. With water splashing across the scene, there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the referee’s decision, and the try stood. 

Ruben Love added the conversion to give the All Blacks a 14-0 advantage at half-time. Whatever was said in the New Zealand dressing room at half-time clearly worked.

Jordie Barrett and Luan Giliomee. Photo: X

Caleb Clarke and Fineanganofo both crossed for converted tries soon after the restart, with the All Blacks beginning to tear holes in a tiring Sharks defence. Barrett then finished another flowing attack as the scoreboard continued to tick over.

The arrival of Ma’a Nonu from the Sharks bench produced the loudest roar and the veteran immediately made his presence felt, putting in a thunderous hit on Love, but even his arrival could not stem the black tide sweeping across Kings Park.

Kyle Preston, replacement centre Timoci Tavatavanawai and lock Sam Darry all added tries as the All Blacks completed a ruthless second-half demolition.

For the Sharks, it was a night in which promising moments were ultimately overwhelmed by New Zealand’s speed, physicality and clinical finishing.

The All Blacks will now head to Pretoria, where they will face the Bulls on Saturday. The Sharks, meanwhile, turn their attention back to their preparations for the upcoming United Rugby Championship campaign.

On Friday at 19:00, the Bulls will tackle the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

All Blacks: Tries - Fehi Fineanganofo 2, Damian McKenzie, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Sam Darry Conv. - Ruben Love 7

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh