How we rated

Steve Hansen’s men failed in their quest for a RWC threepeat. Here’s how Marc Hinton scored their individual efforts.

The All Blacks have wrapped up their Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan with a victory over Wales to secure third place and conclude the tournament with a 5-1 record. So how did the players fare in their crack at RWC history that was undone by that semifinal defeat to England in Yokohama last weekend? Here are our final tournament ratings at the conclusion of the ninth edition of the game’s global tournament:

Kieran Read Played 5, started 5

Until the ill-fated semifinal, had played well and looked to be building to a well-timed peak. But it all unravelled against England when the skipper was a not-so-prominent part of an outplayed loose trio.

Five tackle misses against England was high by his standards and when push came to shove he could not find the adjustments required as leader. A rare blip in a superb career and he at least finished in style with a strong showing against the Welsh. 7.5

Joe Moody Played 5, started 5

The big loosehead played the setup role well, strong at the scrum and solid in the tackle. Against England both starting props were outplayed by men who offered more around the park, highlighting Steve Hansen’s concerns in this area around his frontrowers. Did miss just two tackles over the quarter and semifinal, so in sync there and scored a brilliant try in the bronze clash. 6.5

Ofa Tu’ungafasi Played 5, started 0

Specialist loosehead backup and performed his role adequately. At 27 and with a test count now well into the 30s, might be time to explore the next step in his game. Becoming more of a factor with ball in hand might be a good starting point. 5

Nepo Laulala Played 6, started 5

The big tighthead never quite managed to capture the heights of his virtuoso Bledisloe display in Auckland. Against England he had two carries and made five of six tackles. In the free-flowing quarter he had zero runs and made just a single tackle. Those numbers were indicative of a mostly low-key tournament. Scrummed well. 5

Angus Ta’avao Played 6, started 1

Was largely muted in his role as impact prop off the bench. Never let the team down and was generally strong in the tackle (12 in 23 minutes against Wales). But the Kiwi props’ shortcomings were laid bare in the semifinal and he was just one of a quartet beaten to the punch throughout. 5.5

Codie Taylor Played 5, started 3

Managed to supplant Danes Coles as preferred starting hooker by the business end of the tournament. Mixed bag of a semi with two lineout misfires offset by a strong tackling display and four runs for 14m. Never quite found his rhythm as a force around the field as we’ve seen in past. 6

Dane Coles Played 5, started 2

A long way from the player he was before a run of injuries conspired to take away his top gear. But still a valuable squad member, even if he was handed the bench role for the knockout rounds. A rare tight forward to make some impact in the semi but had been relatively quiet hitherto. Wins the award hands-down as best media personality, labelling Jordie Barrett a ‘‘psycho’’ in a tell-all on the brothers and showing his emotions after the semi. 6

Sam Whitelock Played 5, started 4

By the time he was subbed in the semifinal, the big lock was a spent force. Though shaded by Courtney Lawes in that battle, still a strong World Cup for one of the workhorses of the All Blacks pack. In the three legit contests against South Africa, Ireland and England he made 35 of 37 tackles attempted and had 18 runs as well. Always plays with full commitment and a valuable All Black. 6

Brodie Retallick Played 4, started 4

It’s not often you say big Brodie wasn’t the best lock on the park, but in the England semi Maro Itoje was. By some distance. Still, given hasty return from dislocated shoulder, not a bad effort. Made one dazzling break against England (set up by Scott Barrett) but blew it with a poor pass. Carried strongly in both knockout games but wouldn’t have been happy with three tackle misses in the England defeat. Finished with a strong one against Wales (17 tackles, seven passes, 10 runs). Good. Just not great. 6.5

Patrick Tuipulotu Played 5, started 1

Minimal chance for major impact as fourth lock, but did not let anyone down in his 40 minutes in the opener against the Boks and the final 14 minutes against England. Would have learnt a lot from this experience after injury denied him the chance to be involved in 2015. 5

Scott Barrett Played 5, started 4

Coach did no favours by picking him at No 6 against England’s twin breakdown threat in a selection gamble that backfired. The Poms dominated at ruck and Barrett was powerless to stop them. But had a decent World Cup, especially when used at lock. Outside of the breakdown, had a good 40 against England, including a chasedown of Jonny May and a couple of nice touches, a busy 40 off the pine against Ireland and filled in well at lock against the Boks. Nice finish against Wales too. 6.5

Ardie Savea Played 5, started 4

New Zealand’s player of the year, surely. Outstanding RWC capped a brilliant year. Only thing he had trouble with in 2019 was the goggles he tried, but failed, to make work in Japan. At the peak of his powers, covered all three loosie spots and excelled wherever he played. Against SA, Ireland and England made 39 of 40 tackles attempted, had 26 runs, beat 14 defenders, etc etc. Even in a well beaten pack against England, topped the tackle count with a perfect 19 from 19 and carried nine times for 24m. 9 Sam Cane Played 5, started 4

Twice subbed at halftime and a mid-game introduction in the semi where he was benched in the big selection c transpired had he Minimal impact a presence. In 120 m and England mad against Wales. Ne Also: Liam Coltm Shannon Frizell (

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