Player ratings: Record breakers
OPINION: Few would have expected the absolute drubbing that the Wallabies handed to the All Blacks in last night’s Bledisloe Cup match.
The Wallabies started with great impetus and looked more than up for the match. It was a late red card to Scott Barrett in the first half that will likely dominate the discussion in the coming days, but that undervalues just how good Australia was.
The six-try effort produced a record points haul for the Wallabies against their Trans-Tasman rivals, and the 47 points conceded by the All Blacks was the most in their history against any nation.
We rate the Wallaby players!
1. Scott Sio 6/10
Didn’t take a step back in the scrums and was busy in the breakdowns. Put in a good shift.
2. Tolu Latu – 7
Always willing to truck the ball up and was difficult to take down – kept the ball alive when necessary. No issues at the lineout or with discipline. Could this performance earn him the No.2 jersey moving forward?
3. Alan Alaalatoa – 7
Strong carries and reliable in the scrums, earning a penalty against Joe Moody. Made 9 tackles but one bad miss on Dane Coles led to Rieko Ioane’s try.
4. Izack Rodda – 6
The big man made good metres with ball in hand and was reliable in the lineouts. Didn’t assert his presence as much as he could have, especially once the All Blacks lost a man.
5. Rory Arnold – 5.5
Safe but underwhelming. Is this really the best that the Wallabies have?
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 5
Made way too many mistakes early on in the match but regularly trucked the ball up. Not the answer at 6 for the Wallabies.
7. Michael Hooper – 7
Didn’t stand out as much in the loose as you’d expect in a try-fest. Still managed to run for 48 metres with the ball. Made a clutch steal in the 67th minute to stall any building New Zealand momentum. Marshalled his troops well.
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Nic White – 8.5
Great speed and passion from the surprise selection. Commanded his forwards and made sure the Wallabies never stopped pushing the All Blacks. Played a big part in keeping the game high-octane. One of the players of the match.
10. Christian Lealiifano – 7
Showed more of a running game than we’re used to. Kicked when he needed to kick but was tidy when taking the ball to the line too. Missed few tough kicks at goal.
11. Marika Koroibete – 5
Scored a sneaky forwards’ try but otherwise failed to get himself involved in the game too much. Needed to go looking for work.
12. Samu Kerevi – 9
A hugely dominant display from the burly midfielder – came of age. Started the game strongly with a solid kick and chase then never let up. Bowled through a number of All Blacks. Skipped last Smith and wrecked Barrett for an excellent try assist. Did botch one try in the 25th minute, when he failed to pass the ball to an unmarked man on the wing. More than made up for it elsewhere.
13. James O’Connor – 6.5
Created the Wallabies’ first try with a fend on Goodhue and a sneaky offload. Threw the last pass for late Wallabies try. Looked composed – good enough to start again next week.
14. Reece Hodge – 7
The best winger on display, despite a few errors. Regularly hit the line with great intent, clocked up the second most metres run of any player on the field and useful under the high ball. Good distance from penalty kicks, too.
15. Kurtley Beale – 7
Botched a try in the same set of phases as Kerevi and had a fairly quiet first half. Came alive as the Wallabies got ascendancy and helped keep his team humming. Snaked his way through the All Blacks’ defence to score at the death. Top metre eater with 96 to his name.
16. Folau Fainga’a – 4.5
17. James Slipper – 4
18. Taniela Tupou – 7
19. Adam Coleman – 7
20. Luke Jones – N/A
21. Will Genia – 5
22. Matt To’omua – 6
23. Tom Banks – N/A
