ABs player ratings

Damian McKenzie:

Started the scoring with fine second-minute finish in the corner. Changed tack early to put boot to ball, and sent off some beauties. Was always going to dazzle, but showed some quality touches as second playmaker. 8

Will Jordan:

First start in the black jersey and showcased all his class, becoming just the second player to score five tries in a test for the ABs. Strong under the high ball and sliced the Tongan defence to piece. 10

Rieko Ioane:

All of a sudden the senior midfield man, despite just his second test start there. Mostly played provider, before scoring a beaut on the hour-mark. 7

Quinn Tupaea:

Much, much tougher tests to come, but a strong debut nonetheless, with many trademark hard carries into contact, but also a sharp passing game in his 63 minutes. 8

George Bridge:

Scored four against Tonga in 2019, but didn’t look like getting one here. . . until after the siren. Put recent injury troubles behind him with a reminder of his pace and skill, apart from one bad knock-on in front of posts from a bad Jordan pass. 9

Richie Mo’unga:

Had first chance to impress in the No 10 jersey and enjoyed the easy ride in his 55 minutes. Slid a few conversions wide with 7/11 off the tee. 7

Brad Weber:

First start, some six years after his debut, and it was bittersweet, with a hat-trick of tries, but then a 55th minute exit thanks to injury. Showed off his trademark support lines and pace. Can he keep Perenara out of the No 2 halfback spot? 8

Luke Jacobson:

Showed all the hunger after missing out last year in what was his first start. Was an immediate presence with ball in hand, and showcased his outstanding link play. Well-deserved try early in second spell. 9

Dalton Papalii:

Backed up impressive Super form with a standout display. Easy fifthminute try, then brilliant 25-metre surge for his double. Replaced on 53 minutes. 8

Akira Ioane:

Allowed to be at his rangy best,

where he carved off real estate in wide channels. Kept working till the end, with ripped ball putting Tuipulotu away. 9

Sam Whitelock:

The stand-in skipper had two more test caps than the entire Tongan 23. Helped Jacobson barge over for his maiden try. Made nine tackles without a miss. 8

Scott Barrett:

Showed he was up for the physical stuff with many a hard carry, but then also a swift swoop on the pill to lead to Mo’unga’s try. Replaced in the 63rd minute. 7

Angus Ta’avao:

Will be satisfied with his showing on recall after a year out. Fine surge and offload for Weber’s second try, and eight tackles without a miss. 7

Dane Coles:

Enjoyed a chance to roam wide, and he was everywhere, showing off ALL his skills, aside from one slip-up with the hands near halftime. 9

Karl Tu’inukuafe:

Not many scrums for the big man to enjoy, but put on a huge win near own line, then a battering run a bit later. 6

RESERVES

Asafo Aumua:

A second test run for the exciting prospect. One tidy run and some solid defence. 6

George Bower:

Flew into his work on both sides of the ball in a fine 33-minute cameo on debut. Nice hands led to Weber’s hat-trick.

8 Tyrel Lomax:

Conceded two scrum penalties in a quiet stint. 5

Patrick Tuipulotu:

On the park for final quarter of an hour and cantered away for a try from 40 metres late on. 6

Ethan Blackadder:

Fine signs in half hour stint on debut. Nice burst and basketball pass in lead up to Jordan’s fifth try. Heavy defence as well. 7

Finlay Christie:

Got 25 minutes on debut and brought all his energy from the Blues’ campaign, making multiple good long runs. 7

Beauden Barrett:

First time on the ABs bench in five years. Introduced in 55th minute and provided some big plays, including a lovely chip kick for Rieko Ioane’s try. 8

Jordie Barrett:

Helped send Jordan away, but otherwise unseen.