Player ratings: On the slide
OPINION: Australia showed just how vulnerable New Zealand is, as the World Cup looms large.
The All Blacks had to dig deep in the second half, with just 14 men on the field, but they weren’t able to match up to the Wallabies’ continued intensity.
Ultimately, the Wallabies prevailed 47-26 – equalling their previous biggest win over the All Blacks.
This match marked the most points that New Zealand have ever conceded in a match and the kiwis will be desperate to bounce back at Eden Park next weekend.
We rate the New Zealand players!
1. Joe Moody – 5
Penalised once at the scrum. Called upon to make a number of tackles and didn’t disappoint in that regard.
2. Dane Coles – 7.5
Bad miss early on Samu Kerevi – but not the only All Blacks to fail to bring the big man down. Made a brilliant run down the left flank to set up Rieko Ioane’s try.
3. Owen Franks – 5.5
Similar story to Moody. Solid on defence with 11 tackles to his name, but having one less defender on the field made it a difficult night for the less mobile props.
4. Scott Barrett – 1
Made 10 tackles in half a game of rugby, which isn’t a bad result. Perhaps the All Blacks would have lost regardless of Barrett’s red card, but that should be no consolation. Cost his team any chance at a victory.
5. Sam Whitelock – 6.5
Busy on defence with 18 tackles and safe in the lineouts. Didn’t make any of his trademark runs and was surprisingly subbed late in the match – probably because he was absolutely spent. Hit a lot of breakdowns.
6. Ardie Savea – 7
Conceded two early penalties though was probably unlucky with one. Played with six on his back, but was used in the lineouts and also packed down at 8 in the scrums. Stood up late in the game with some powerful runs. Loses points for his stupid push on the back of Hooper’s head – that’s the kind of stupid penalty that could decide a game decider.
7. Sam Cane – 5.5
Showed heart to attempt to chase Nic White down for his try. Subbed immediately afterwards – probably not dynamic enough to be on the field when his side’s a man down, but that’s true of most forwards. Tackled his heart out.
8. Kieran Read – 7.5
The everywhere man. Answered a lot of questions asked of him but still not back to his best. Had to lock down in the scrums after Barrett’s red card. Made a potential try-saving tackle on Hooper late in the piece. Bad decision late in the game to tap penalty instead of kicking for the lineout. Topped the tackle charts with 21 to his name.
9. Aaron Smith – 5
Rode the pine against South Africa and didn’t really do enough this week to cement his spot as the starting halfback. Not easy being a halfback when your team has no ball, however.
10. Richie Mo’unga – 7
Mixed up his game well and took the ball to the line with great efficiency in the second half. Looked far more assured this week. Also made a try-saving tackle on Kerevi.
11. Rieko Ioane – 4
Very nearly gifted the Wallabies a try, quiet game on attack otherwise. Worrying signs – that’s two poor weeks in a row.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown – 8
Tooks his chances – scored a good try because of it following through on Jack Goodhue’s kick. Always dangerous and such a reliable defender, making the most tackles of any back on the field. Got caught out running sideways one time too many.
13. Jack Goodhue – 4
Bad miss early almost cost the ABs points and wasn’t able to nail James O’Connor shortly after, which created the Wallabies’ first try. Moments later put in an excellent kick to create the All Blacks’ first. Injured early and may not be available for a few weeks.
14. Ben Smith – 6
Shut down Wallabies attack early in the second half when they had an overlap, otherwise fairly quiet. Doesn’t offer the same spark of old but still very reliable. Unfortunately, reliability doesn’t win matches when you’ve got one fewer man on the field. 9 tackles.
15. Beauden Barrett – 5.5
Spent most of the first half on defence. Absolutely destroyed by Samu Kerevi but then launched through the Wallabies line to score a try for the All Blacks.
16. Codie Taylor – 6
17. Atu Moli – 5
18. Angus Ta’avao – 4.5
19. Patrick Tuipulotu – 4.5
20. Matt Todd – 5
21. TJ Perenara – 5
22. Ngani Laumape – 6.5
Safe on defence, but a quiet game on attack until the 71st minute when he scored a miracle try.
23. George Bridge – 5.5
