The All Blacks

call. Who knows what may have e started? Had played solidly prior. as ball-carrier but stout defensive minutes against the Boks, Ireland de 32 of 34 tackles. Nailed all 18 eeds to refind his running game. 6.5 man (P2, S1), Atu Moli (P2, S1),

(P3, S3), Matt Todd (P4, S1).

tt Played 5, started 5 the semifinal defeat with decisiono was on a day the ABs were clearly prime attacking threat in that game runs, a pair of clean breaks, four and three offloads. Similar stats in . Missed a few tackles, but that’s the f the best ball-in-hand threats in the onder whether fullback’s his best pretty decent fist of it nonetheless. 8 yed 4, started 4 ered, a pretty decent World Cup for Did not let his coach down and even l a threat with ball he did get. Came -ball challenge well, was always gh he didn’t get amongst the tries as t have (two from four games), t. 7

Played 4, started 4 er who acquitted himself admirably and came through some testing occasions well, without setting the world on fire. There’s a lot to like about this guy – high workrate, positional play, safe on the tackle and appears to have a nice feel for the game. Quick too when called upon. Another who will bank that England defeat and be better for it. 7 Jordie Barrett Played 5, started 2

Should he have got the final bench spot ahead of Ben Smith? A lot of southern folk think not. But he did and certainly can’t be faulted for his efforts. Played well against the lesser lights and earned his spot. Still can’t help but think his best rugby is in front of him. And needs to figure out his best position. 6

Jack Goodhue Played 4, started 4

Came back well from the hammy that delayed his entry and earned centre spot for the big knockout games. More a link man against Ireland, but nailed all seven of his tackles, and was the best back in the first 40 against England when he found holes others couldn’t. Solid tournament. 6

Anton Lienert-Brown Played 5, started 4

The form ABs midfielder of the tournament – and season – did all that was asked of him. Bit muted against England on attack, but still tried hard (67m on 16 runs) and nailed 16 of his 17 tackles. Outstanding against the Boks, slippery against Ireland and deserved better than a night of back-foot ball in the semi. Emerges now as the senior figure as others dance off into the sunset. 8

Sonny Bill Williams Played 5, started 2

Played well in the bronze playoff, but nothing special mostly in the last hurrah. Won nod as third midfielder off bench for the big games. More on reputation than form. Did precious little with ball in hand, and minimal impact off the pine. Slightly muted end to a decent career, though at least finished with a flourish alongside his mate Crotty. Won’t go down as a great All Black in the final accounting. 5.5

Richie Mo’unga Played 5, started 5

Mostly positive tournament as he continued his development as team’s principal playmaker. Struggled to influence the game against England and was clearly rattled by that charging defence and so many big men running at him. Played well against Boks and Ireland and was slick against the Welsh. Still learning at this level. 7 Aaron Smith Played 5, started 5 Had a blinder against Ireland when he set the tone with those twin early strikes; not so good on a tough night in the semi when his forwards did him few favours. Does what he does well, which is clear quick ball. Still an important figure when this team is going forward. 6 TJ Perenara Played 5, started 1 Tried hard against England in 27 busy minutes, to no avail. Limited chances as the backup halfback, but played the role required. Important senior figure in this group and would have been crucial in restoring spirits for the dreaded bronze playoff. 6 Ben Smith Played 4, started 2 Either overlooked or bit-part roles until that final game against the Welsh when he got his chance to sign off in style. Did that with a wind-back-the-clock two-try effort and headed off into the sunset with a smile on the dial. 6 Also: Brad Weber (P3, S0), Ryan

Crotty (P3, S2), Rieko Ioane (P3, S2).