Ire v NZ: NZ player ratings
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:24
New Zealand fielded an experienced side against Ireland at Croke Park which yielded a 22-3 win.
Ebrahim Moerat rates the All Black players.
15 Mils Muliaina:
He had a very good return to the All Blacks after a length lay off. He looked full of running and didn't show any rustiness at all
8/10
14 Joe Rokocoko:
He is starting to regain some of his form pitching up all over the pace on attack. Also faired well under the high ball
7/10
13 Conrad Smith:
He marshaled the midfield and read the lines and open spaces beautifully.
6/10
12 Ma'a Nonu:
Scored a great try after lopping around in support. One of the stars of the day
8/10
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu:
He had a quiet game. Also had a try disallowed
6/10
10 Dan Carter:
He showed his class when he almost set up an Ali Williams score. Struggled with the boot early on though, but nonetheless steady.
7/10
9 Jimmy Cowan:
He will be pleased with his performance, delivering good service, but failed to stake a claim on the number 9 jersey.
6/10
8 Rodney So'oialo:
Worked hard but failed to rise to any heights
5/10
7 Richie McCaw (captain):
Wasn't as influential at the breakdown as he usually is and was overshadowed by his opposite number
5/10
6 Jerome Kaino:
Had a very quiet game. Nothing special, nothing wrong.
5/10
5 Ali Williams:
Man of the match. He worked hard in the loose and his support play and lineout work was fantastic
9/10
4 Brad Thorn:
Ran in an impressive forwards try late in the game, while his line-out work was sound.
6/10
3 Neemia Tialata:
Held well in the scrums and was always looking for work
7/10
2 Keven Mealamu: (replaced by Flynn)
Had a solid all-round performance but his lineouts was not as steady
6/10
1 Tony Woodcock
He got sinbinned for a punch but otherwise had a steady game
7/10
Replacements: (20 minutes or more to be rated)
16 Corey Flynn: (on for Mealamu):
Got stuck in from the word go and had an impressive workrate.
7/10
17 John Afoa: (on for Woodcock)
He was physical in the contact areas, and gained some ground for the Kiwis with ball in hand.
6/10
18 Anthony Boric: (on for Thorn)
Not used
19 Kieran Read :(on for So'oialo)
Not enough time to be rated
20 Piri Weepu: (on for Cowan)
Had some decent runs and gave his backline sufficient ball, though nothing extraordinary.
7/10
21 Stephen Donald:
Not used
22 Isaia Toeava:
Not used
What do you think of Ebrahim's ratings? Harsh or fair?
