How the All Blacks rated
Perhaps the most important man in this side, and played a big hand when needed, setting up the key Savea try on 54 minutes. Well-taken try in the first half and a solid defensive effort. Scored his try off some shocking Wallabies defence. Couple of defensive errors. Still looks the goods. Nothing spectacular about his game, but has become a reliable cog in midfield, at both ends of the field. Hard to get into the game with his side starved of the ball in the first spell, but made a great run to score on 54 mins, and took advantage of tiring Wallabies as the second half wore on. Touched the ball just six times, albeit in a first half where the All Blacks had little possession. Three missed kicks kept the Wallabies in the hunt, so he was hooked on 45 mins. Biggest start of his career so far, even if it was a dead rubber. Gap between him and Smith now very small after a polished effort. A bit sloppy at times, but hung in there and saw his side through to what was a comfortable win in the end. A menace at ruck time, especially early on, winning several turnovers. A leader of the big defensive effort. Did a lot of work, but not as big an impact as he would have wanted. Replaced with half an hour to play. Not as involved on attack as usual, but a huge defensive effort. Same as his fellow lock. Their ability to both go 80 mins without dropping off a big part of why this side is so good. Gave away a few penalties. Big part of a solid scrum in the first half. Off around 50 mins. Worked hard all night long and the passage of play where he won a turnover then eventually scored a try was testament to that. Big part of a solid scrum in the first half. Off around 50 mins. Played a handful of minutes at the end. Gave fresh legs off the bench. Gave fresh legs off the bench. Put in a lot of work coming on with half an hour to play, especially on the defensive end. Came on with 15 mins left, but wasn’t required to do a lot. No 7 situation intrigues as the team heads north. Asked to play 20 mins, and there was no noticeable drop off from Perenara. Called on with the Wallabies right in the contest very early in the second half. Nailed a big kick that put his side up by 15 and crushed Aussie hopes. Came on with 20 mins to go, didn’t make a huge impact, but wasn’t needed to.