THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

August 16, Sydney

AUSTRALIA 12- 12 NEW ZEALAND

ALL BLACK RATING: 3/ 10

They were fairly awful. Didn’t dominate the set piece or collisions. Didn’t play with accuracy or confidence and pretty much sat back and thought it would all happen. Ref had a shocker which didn’t help – but the All Blacks did at least show enormous courage to scramble the draw when they played 60 minutes with 14 men.

August 23, Auckland

NEW ZEALAND 51- 20 AUSTRALIA

ALL BLACK RATING: 8.5/ 10

If the All Blacks hadn’t had a 15- minute lull in the second half, they would have won by a record margin. They were brilliant at Eden Park. Dominant, ruthless, accurate and just way too good for the Wallabies. They scored from everywhere – including two driving mauls. But again – they picked up two yellow cards.

September 6, Napier

NEW ZEALAND 28- 9 ARGENTINA

ALL BLACK RATING: 7/ 10

The Pumas are still waiting their first Rugby Championship but they are a good side. The All Blacks would have been happy with their scrum, mostly, their lineout went well and Beauden Barrett was confident and bold making his first start at No 10. There were some super accurate patches and enough quality rugby to be sure the All Blacks were progressing.

September 13, Wellington

NEW ZEALAND 14- 10 SOUTH AFRICA

ALL BLACK RATING: 6.5/ 10

A typical encounter with the Springboks. This was physical, tough and tense. It came down to the last play of the game and if South Africa had sneaked the win – no one would have said they didn’t deserve it. The All Blacks gave this test everything but were a little sloppy – especially with their kicking which they did too much and not well enough. Their defence late in the game was superb, though.