HOW THE ABs RATED
Lively as ever at fullback, including neat defensive work, and has grown stronger with every game in black since that initial omission from the Lions series squad.
Two outstanding first-half finishes that he made look easy and was a constant menace.
Left the field early in the 19th minute for a head injury assessment and didn’t return.
Not vintage Sonny Bill, but few second-fives carry as strongly as Williams. Made the odd loose pass and was caught out defensively for first Welsh try.
It’s now hard to imagine an All Blacks team without him. His electric running game carved Wales open in initial break for Naholo’s first try and then set up Lienert-Brown’s score. Punished awful Dan Biggar pass to score an intercept try and then galloped clear with tremendous pace to claim a double in the final minutes.
Was guilty of a defensive lapse for Wales’ first try, his kicking game was poor, and he dropped a few cherries under Welsh pressure. Shifted to fullback in the final 10 minutes.
Brilliantly calm work for Naholo’s first try after Ioane’s break. Superb distribution was epitomised by excellent pass out wide to Naholo for his second score.
Had big shoes to fill with captain Kieran Read battered and bruised on the sidelines, but didn’t look out of place in just his second test.
Was like a bull stomping around the turf, smashing anything that moved in Welsh red. Made try-saving tackle on Taulupe Faletau in the first half and one crucial bone-crunching hit that dislodged the ball when Wales were chasing a second-half lead. Finished with 21 tackles.
STarting to make No 6 jersey his own since replacing Jerome Kaino. Moved to No 8 when Luke Whitelock went off and made his presence felt with 14 tackles.
Captain’s innings in first test as skipper. Was on par with Cane for tackles made (16) until 68th minute yellow card when Wales were applying intense pressure.
Finishing a tumultuous year with a test start will be pleasing, but will be disappointed to have come off early in the second half after a quiet night.
Went off at halftime after taking a knock but scrum again held up against determined Welsh front row. Has not let the All Blacks down since becoming the starting tighthead prop.
All Blacks didn’t lose a lineout or scrum all match and Taylor again proved a more than capable deputy for Dane Coles.
What a year for this man. Still conceding a few too many penalties for the All Blacks coaches’ liking, but has stood up since regular loosehead Joe Moody was ruled out.
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(41st minute for Laulala). Like for like when Laulala went off and went about his work well.
(46th minute for Tuipulotu). Bit nervy when entering the fray with loose pass near the All Blacks’ line, but battled hard whenever Wales were forcing the issue.
(46th minute for L Whitelock) Made stunning try-saving tackle on Faletau when All Blacks were defending desperately. Can be pleased with how this tour has gone as he’s now ahead of Ardie Savea in that bench role.
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