It’s hard to know what to make of the All Blacks end of year tour.

THE ALL BLACKS EMBARKED ON AN EPIC END OF YEAR TOUR THAT SAW THEM GAIN INVALUABLE EXPOSURE TO JAPAN WHERE THEY PLAYED TWO TESTS BEFORE TAKING ON THE TWO BEST TEAMS IN EUROPE AND ITALY.

Well, it’s not actually if you read what we made of it and then form your opinion from there.

FORWARD OF THE TOUR

ARDIE SAVEA This was the year Ardie Savea came of age as a test player and made his mark every time he played. He was in great form ahead of the tour and kept it going in Japan and Europe.

He pilfered critical turnovers in the three big games and was always available to carry the ball where his leg drive continues to be a source of amazement.

His work-rate was high, his tackling strong and he looked to be as good and as influential as the best No 7s in the world.

BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE TOUR

BRODIE RETALLICK – ENGLAND The bog man had got his engine started against Australia with a 30 minute o• the bench having not played for seven weeks.

He was blowing a bit in Yokohama but it got him ready at least to start at Twickenham where he produced a huge performance.

He stole nearly all England's lineout ball in the second half and helped himself to a couple of turnovers too. He carried hard and strong, knocked England back in the tackle and appeared to be everywhere.

He was easily the best player on the pitch.

BACK OF THE TOUR

BEN SMITH Taking four months o• in 2017 most definitely worked well for Ben Smith.

He returned to action faster, sharper and more dynamic and played superbly all year.

His contribution on the end of year tour was invaluable and he was always a handful. What made him so dangerous was his ability to always find a way to go forward and create space.

His footwork and awareness are remarkable and if it had been dry at Twickenham he may have caused them even more trouble than he did.

He was strong against Ireland, too, one of the few backs able to find space and open a few cracks in the Irish defence.