All Blacks: Reid outshines more-fancied opposite

Pierre Spies (left) and Kieran Read. Photos / Getty Images

Kieran Read probably played his finest test as an All Black on Saturday night. He tackled strongly, was a presence at the lineout and used instinct and strength to run a nice angle for a try.

Ironic, then, that the one highlight from this match that will keep getting wheeled out in the years to come will be of his exposing his backside to the world as a Springbok defender desperately tried to claw him back.

"To be honest, I didn't even know I had [bared his cheeks], but the boys let me know I definitely had after the game," Read said. "I've got a few pics coming through as well. I'm going to be reminded of that for a fair while, I think."

There was another No 8 in the opening Tri-Nations test who will have to carry the reminder of Read. Pierre Spies has claims to being the best in his position in the world, but Read didn't just eclipse him in this test, the All Black embarrassed him, charging through a laughably weak attempt at tackle to score the hosts' third try.

"I just saw a gap there. If you can change your angles it creates a bit of confusion in the [defence] and that's what happened there," Read said.

As a Cantabrian, via South Auckland, the 24-year-old would not be so bold to say it, but he's shunted his way into the top table of international No 8s alongside Spies, Sergio Parisse and Imanol Harinordoquy.

Read's industry could never be faulted, but even in this year's Super 14 he was still prone to games where his skills would let him down. Those handling failures have been non-existent so far this international season.

His performance caught the eye of his coach Graham Henry, who put his name out there for a mention in his post-game wrap-up, before reminding himself that he didn't want to single anybody out (incidentally, others he didn't single out included Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Brad Thorn, Tony Woodcock, Richie McCaw and Tom Donnelly).

Read, too, was happy to share the praise in what was a near complete forward performance, with the lineouts and the ability to win quick, clean ball at the breakdown two features.

"The forwards really stepped up as a unit," he said. "We put a lot of pressure on them at the set piece, in the scrums and lineouts.

"We did really well on our ball as well. It was a great effort from the forwards.

"In terms of our game plan, we don't want to spend time slowing the ruck ball down. If anyone's there, they can play halfback and get rid of it. The way the game's going, if you can speed up the ruck ball, it creates a few holes for you out wide."

Those are sentiments it is hard to give the bum's rush to.

KIERAN READ

Age: 24
Size: 1.93m, 105kg
Super 14 Achievements: First appeared in Crusaders colours in 2007 and was a fixture in the side for the title-winning campaign of 2008.
Tests: 20
Tries: 2
Debut: v Scotland, 2008 - 32-6 victory
International Achievements: Before Saturday, his strongest test came in 2009's end-of-year demolition of France in Marseilles.

PIERRE SPIES

Age: 25
Size: 1.94m, 108kg
Super 14 Achievements: Debuted for the Bulls in 2006 and has been a key figure in three title-winning teams (2007, 09, 10).
Tests: 32
Tries: 5
Debut: v Australia, 2006 - 49-0 defeat
International Achievements: Missed 2007 World Cup due to injury but featured in the Springbok team that beat the Lions 2-1 in 2009.