NZ v SA: All Black Player ratings
Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:48
South Africa, after a thrilling 30-28 win over New Zealand in Dunedin on Saturday, are back at the top of the world rankings - the No.1 team.
However, a number of individuals also produced significantly improved performances from the previous week's loss - while some All Black stocks dropped significantly.
rugby365 editor Jan de Koning rates the All Black players!
15 - Mils Muliaina:
Safe under the high ball, dangerous on attack and all-round great game. 7/10
14 - Sitiveni Sivivatu:
He made no mistakes and looked solid under a Bok bombardment, but was subbed at half-time and probably too quiet. 5/10
13 - Conrad Smith:
He was steady without being spectacular. Had some good runs late in the game. 6/10
12 - Ma'a Nonu:
Powerful as
always with the ball in hand and strong on defence. but remains a limited player. 5/10
11 - Rudi Wulf:
Some really great runs after the half-time break, after a quiet first half hat included a penalty for a high tackle. 6/10
10 - Dan Carter:
No doubt he is the New Zealand kingpin and probably the best flyhalf the world has seen ... yes, even better than Jonny Wilkinson at his best. A couple of missed drop-goals at the end, but all round mater class. 9/10
9 - Andy Ellis:
Started of with a dodgy kick and some questionable options before settling down and producing an acceptable performance. 6/10
8 - Jerome Kaino:
One good line-out take, but not much else. Far too quiet and was subbed midway through the second half. 4/10
7 - Rodney So'oialo (captain):
Played his heart out as usual and put his body on the line, but still pushes the limits of laws. 6/10
6 - Adam Thomson:
The worst of the All Black forwards, giving away a number of penalties and rarely making a contribution otherwise. 3/10
5 - Ali Williams:
His early collision with Schalk Burger, which saw him dazed and eventually being replaced in the 29th minute meant he had no influence on the game. 4/10
4 - Anthony Boric:
Tried hard, but was no more than okay. 5/10
3 - John Afoa:
Some strong runs with ball in hand and tried, but his scrumming let him down. 5/10
2 - Andrew Hore:
As always a workhorse and strong with ball in hand. But he was quieter than usual. 6/10
1 - Tony Woodcock:
Not nearly
as effective as last week and no more than okay. 5/10
Replacements used:
16 - Keven Mealamu:
On for Hore in the 56th minute and had no real influence. 5/10
18 - Kevin O'Neill:
On for Williams in the 29th minute, but looked out of his depth against Victor Matfield. 5/10
19 - Sione Lauaki:
On for Kaino in the 54th minute. Looked good in scoring New Zealand's only try, a crucial score, but generally contained by the Boks. 6/10
22 - Leon MacDonald:
On for Sivivatu at half-time and looked full of running, but undid some good work with a shocking high tackle. 5/10
