Player ratings: Digging deep
New Zealand put in a massive second half effort to overcome a plucky Welsh side 36-16 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The first half was riddled with basic errors but that was quickly turned around in the second half after they were forced to come-from-behind after they surrendered their lead midway through the second half.
The All Blacks managed to dig deep in the final quarter of the match to cruise to victory.
Tauriq Ebrahim rates the New Zealand players!
15 Ben Smith
Not many attacking opportunities but was a threat under the high ball.
6/10
14 Charles Piutau
Not many attacking chances but put in a strong defensive effort.
6/10
13 Conrad Smith
Mixed bag performance from the usually consistent Smith.
6/10
12 Sonny Bill Williams
Looked for work but was ineffective.
5/10
11 Julian Savea
Showed his strength and finishing prowess.
8/10
10 Beauden Barrett
Made numerous mistakes early in the match but came to life when he switched to fullback.
5/10
9 Aaron Smith
Controlled the pace of the game and was instrumental in raising the level of play.
7/10
8 Kieran Read
A typical Read performance.
8/10
7 Richie McCaw
Not up to his usual standard but a good performance nonetheless.
6/10
6 Jerome Kaino
Hard a tough day at the office but got a crucial try in the second half.
6/10
5 Samuel Whitelock
Another consistent warrior-like performance
6/10
4 Brodie Retallick
An average performance by his high standards.
6/10
3 Owen Franks
Good performance in the set-pieces and on defence.
6/10
2 Dane Coles
Looked strong in the scrums and on defence.
5/10
1 Wyatt Crockett
Big defensive effort and solid in the scrums.
4/10
Replacements:
16 Keven Mealamu (on for Coles, 66 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Joe Moody (on for Crockett, 41mins)
Made no real impact.
4/10
18 Charlie Faumuina (on for Franks, 47 mins)
Relatively quiet performance.
4/10
19 Patrick Tuipulotu (on for Whitelock, 66 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Liam Messam (on for Kaino, 66 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 TJ Perenara (on for Smith, 72 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Colin Slade (on for Piutau, 56 mins)
Proved to be deadly with accurate goal-kicking.
5/10
23 Ryan Crotty (on for Williams, 70 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
@Tagels03
