Julian Savea made a massive impact with ball in hand against Argentina in Hamilton, according to SARugbymag.co.za's Opta-powered stats.
The All Blacks worked hard for their 57-22 win against Argentina on Saturday. The Pumas were both physical and accurate in the first half, and did well to disrupt the All Blacks collective.
Argentina did not, however, manage to contain Savea. The hulking All Blacks winger provided the hosts with the go-forward they required in the first half. Savea bulldozed the last defender to score New Zealand's first try. He then bumped off several tacklers to set up Ben Smith for another important score.
Savea made 96m with ball in hand in the first half. He made three clean breaks and beat four defenders. If not for Savea's game-breaking efforts, the All Blacks may not have led at the break.
The No 11 produced another powerful run in the 57th minute, as well as an offload. Replacement prop Charlie Faumuina scored later in the movement to steer the All Blacks into a commanding 16-point lead.
The All Blacks moved up a gear in the final quarter to punish a tiring Pumas defence. The hosts scored three tries during that period.
More should be read, however, into the attacking impact of players like Savea in the first half. Savea provided the All Blacks with momentum at a point in the contest when the Pumas defence was at its strongest.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
