Tasman loose forward Ethan Blackadder produced a man-of-the-match performance as the All Blacks just scraped home 41-35 over the Lions in Johannesburg today.
His flourishing moustache had been a talking point in the lead-up to the midweek match, but it was his momentum on the field that had fans bristling with excitement.
After coming off the bench in the first two provincial matches of the tour, the 31-year-old says he was fizzing to finally get a start.
Ethan went on to play the full 80 minutes, too.
“That was the first time in a while. And playing at 1700 metres (altitude above sea level at Ellis Park) was good fun too,” says Ethan, who was interviewed on the field straight after the match in a Lions jersey.
The 14-test loose forward produced the best stats in his All Blacks career, which began in 2021, but has been hampered by calf injuries.
Playing on the openside flank, he carried the ball 14 times for 79 metres, forced two goal line turnovers and scored his first and second ever tries for the All Blacks.
He also featured in the lead-up to his second try, in the 62nd minute, which gave the All Blacks the lead 36-35 for the first time in the match. They had trailed 35-17 early in the second half.
“We stayed calm and found a way back into the match. We focused on what we had to do and not what had happened. I love playing against South African sides,” declares inspirational Ethan.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie isn’t one to get too carried away but didn’t hold back.
“Ethan was phenomenal. He has a massive engine and was everywhere today,” enthuses Dave.
Ethan had played the last of his 14 tests against South Africa at Ellis Park two years ago, when the side lost 31-27.
His storming performance today must surely have him in the conversation for a bench spot for the second test in Cape Town on Sunday.
Meanwhile fellow Mako players halfback Noah Hotham and second five Timoci Tavatavanawai also featured for the All Blacks today.
A pass from Noah was picked off for the Lions to score their second try, but he responded to get the All Blacks’ first, after supporting wing Emoni Narawa when he broke away.
Timoci impressed with his turnovers and powerful running and gave Ethan the space to score his first try.
