ENG v NZL: NZL Player ratings
Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:41
The All Black machine continued in their dominating ways this weekend with a 32-6 win over the England side at Twickenham - therefore securing a Grand Slam success in the UK. Check all their individual player rating right here!
Having been made to work hard for the first 50 minutes of the match New Zealand eventually turned on the power and cruised to a comfortable win on Saturday.
Pete Murison rates all the players performances…
New Zealand:
15 Mils Muliaina:
So strong in contact Muliaina scored two tries on the day but also remained a dangerous runner throughout and also, as always, hugely safe at the back for the Kiwi’s. rugby365 Man-of-the Match. 9/10
14 Joe Rokocoko:
A couple dangerous runs and nice angles from the powerful winger. Will have more influential days though.
7/10
13
Conrad Smith:
Quiet day for the Wellington superstar. Returning from injury he didn’t really get the opportunities. Never going to let his side down.
6/10
12 Ma'a Nonu:
Voted as the official Man-of-the-Match Nonu capped his powerful performance with a well deserved try late in the game. Overpowering his former teammate Riki Flutey Nonu was relentless on attack and determined in defence.
8/10
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu:
Like his fellow wing Rokocoko he had a quiet day but a couple moments of good skill showed all that he remains a hugely dangerous weapon for the All Black backline.
7/10
10 Dan Carter:
A couple moments of brilliance with ball in hand but an un-characteristically poor day with the boot. Not his best but still comfortably good enough.
6/10
9 Jimmy
Cowan: (Replaced by Piri Weepu on 70 minutes)
One of his better days in the All Black jumper. Alive to opportunities to attack he had a couple good breaks on the day. Still to easily rattled he can lose focus but a good day for the No.9
7/10
8 Rodney So'oialo:
Always powerful with ball in hand he had a workman-like day for the All Blacks.
6/10
7 Richie McCaw (captain):
A very quiet day by his standards. With many of the breakdown situations being blown up quickly he never really has the chance to dominate the area. His workrate though, and tackle count, remain fantastic but certainly a frustrating day for the Kiwi captain.
6/10
6 Jerome Kaino:
Ineffectual and unnoticed. Big drop in performance from last weekend.
4/10
5 Ali Williams:
Also one not at his
commanding best but never one to take a backward step. A little more self control that his lock partner Williams still helps provide quality possession for his side.
6/10
4 Brad Thorn:
Will one day very soon prove to be a liability for his side. Continually looking for a fight and seemingly unable to control his emotions Thorn in his side he certainly it! Knock on with an open line also added to his frustrating day.
3/10
3 Neemia Tialata: (replaced by John Afoa on 55 minutes)
Battled hard against a strong Tim Payne on the day. Replaced early in the second half it was a satisfactory day for Tialata.
6/10
2 Keven Mealamu:
Moment of magic skill meant that, for the second week in a row, he created a try for Nonu. Another successful showing for the powerful hooker. Andrew Hore has a struggle on his hands to regain his starting spot.
7/10
1 Tony Woodcock:
Dominated of both Vickery and Stevens, Woodcock is also very capable in the loose. One of the world’s top tight five he had another good showing in the All Black jumper.
7/10
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.
17 John Afoa:
Solid replacement came on with the English dwindling.
6/10
19 Kieran Read:
One great run and some good work when the New Zealanders were enjoying lots of possession.
7/10
