Sāmoan duo sends strong selection message as All Blacks eyes turn to Springboks

Sa'u Patrick Tuipulotu and Asafo Aumua have strengthened their case for bigger roles in the All Blacks after standout performances in Saturday night's 40-21 win over Ireland in the Nations Championship at a packed Eden Park in Auckland.

The two Sāmoan forwards were among the All Blacks' best, delivering the physical edge and impac head coach Dave Rennie wants as his side turns their attention to next month's Rugby Championship and a daunting challenge against world champions South Africa.

Rennie was also pleased with the progress his side made across the three-Test series, saying the All Blacks are continuing to build the style of rugby they want to play.

While there is still work to do before facing the Springboks, Rennie said the team had taken another step forward with a performance that showed greater confidence and continuity.

That progress was reflected in the performances of Tuipulotu and Aumua, who both made the most of their opportunities.

Tuipulotu marked his return to the starting side with a commanding display, scoring the All Blacks' opening try and making his presence felt on both sides of the ground.

Sa'u Patrick Tuipulotu of the All Blacks scoring the opening try. Photo/Brett Phibbs/Photosport

Rennie said the experienced lock had justified the decision to give him an extra week before bringing the 1.98-metre Blues' captain back into the team.

“I thought Patrick was excellent,” Rennie told journalists after the match. “He hasn’t had a lot of footy in him. I’m really rapt that we made a call last week not to play him, just to give him one more week.

“His ability to carry, and get through, two shoulders through, and he’s really physical defensively, he gives our scrum a real edge too.”

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea and head coach Dave Rennie address the media following their side's 40-21 victory over Ireland at Eden Park. Photo/PMN News

Tuipulotu later reflected on his return in a post on Instagram, admitting the only disappointment was being replaced earlier than he would have liked.

"Probably didn’t want to get taken off… wasn’t keen on that but happy with the performance I had. Stoked we got the win… all week was probably one of the harder weeks of prep I’ve had so pretty proud of that and pretty proud of the boys' effort.

"First try, even at home as well against Ireland, I’d never get that animated so I was pretty happy."

Tuipulotu's return helped anchor an All Blacks pack that laid the platform for victory and gave selectors another reminder of his value heading into a tougher stretch of the international season.

Aumua also made the most of his chance after replacing Codie Taylor earlier than expected when the veteran hooker left the field with a strained calf.

The Hurricanes hooker made an immediate impact, crashing over for a try before continuing to trouble the Irish defence with his powerful running.

Asafo Aumua of the All Blacks scoring a try. Photo/Brett Phibbs/Photosport

After the match, Aumua said the All Blacks were beginning to find the style of rugby they want to play.

“It's more just trying to keep everyone moving. Trying to bring that flair back into the black jersey… I feel like we're slowly making some good margins on this,” Asafo told journalists.

He said captain Ardie Savea's message to the team had been clear. "Keep it alive, try not to give opposition a rest."

Rennie was equally pleased with Aumua's contribution.

"I thought Asafo was excellent, he's such an athlete and such a beast …I thought Asafo had a big impact on the game."

The performances of Tuipulotu and Aumua were another reminder of the influence Pacific players continue to have at the highest level of the game.

With the Ireland series complete, attention now turns to South Africa where the All Blacks will need their forwards at their best.

On Saturday night's evidence Tuipulotu and Aumua have given the selectors every reason to keep backing them.

In other Nations Championship results, the Springboks claimed a dominant 43-0 victory over Wales, Wallabies defeated Italy 57-10 in Perth, France proved too strong for Japan 42-15, Scotland beat Fiji 33-17, and England survived a frantic finish to edge Argentina 31-24 in Santiago del Estero.

For more information on the All Blacks upcoming fixtures, click here.

*This article has been updated to include Patrick Tuipulotu's chiefly title.