Aus v NZ: All Black player ratings
Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:03
New Zealand are the undisputed champions of Southern Hemisphere rugby. Yes, they don't have the World Cup, but they have the Tri-Nations trophy and Bledisloe Cup and they have held them since 2005 and 2003 respectively.
The World Cup is dominance once every four years. The Kiwis dominate every year and then conspire to lose at the World Cup.
But they have lots of other silverware after their hard-earned 28-24 win over Australia in a thrilling match at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.
Coming back from trailing 7-10 at half-time and then going further behind - 7-17 after 46 minutes - the All Blacks scored 21 points, 14 of those in a five-minute blitz, to leave the home side with a mountain to climb.
rugby365's Jan de Koning rates the New Zealand team's performances:
15 Mils Muliaina:
Some really good early cover, then a great step to beat
Ryan Cross. Unfortunately it wasn't all good, as that kick that went directly into touch can attest to. However, he was solid in the last line and had some great tactical kicks. 6/10
14 Richard Kahui:
Not much went his way and he generally had a quiet day, although he did nothing wrong the few times he was involved. 5/10
13 Conrad Smith:
Very poor defence to allow Adam Ashley-Cooper in for his try. He made good with a step-'n-go for Tony Woodcock's try and had a sound allround game. 6/10
12 Ma'a Nonu (replaced by Stephen Donald in the 50th minute):
He showed good hands for Mils Muliaina's try, but on a couple of occasions became isolated when carrying the ball and gave away at least one free kick. 5/10
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu:
He went quiet for a while after that tackle in the
air on Peter Hynes and not much went his way in the first half. But he became a lot more involved in second half, especially with his break and off-load for Piri Weepu's try. 6/10
10 Dan Carter:
Assured as always, with his creative play there for all to see - not to mention those sublime skills. Then there was a special bit of magic for his own try. 9/10
9 Jimmy Cowan (replaced by Piri Weepu in the 54th minute):
Showed good vision, especially that quick tap-'n-go for Muliaina try. But he went quiet in the second half and was duly replaced. 6/10
8 Rodney So'oialo:
Started the day with a great break off scrum, which came to nought when Jerome Kaino knocked on. But he continued to produce great runs - always very strong in the close exchanges. Then he showed good vision to put through a great grubber, as he displayed his full range of
skills. There was also a great steal late in second half. 8/10
7 Richie McCaw (captain):
Involved as always, but gave away a crucial penalty midway through the first half. There was another penalty early in second half and then a free kick. His was not as effective as normal. 5/10
6 Jerome Kaino:
Wasted a golden chance early when he knocked on. He made good later with a crucial turnover, and generally had a strong second half. Was very solid on defence. 7/10
5 Ali Williams:
Gave away an early penalty and then carried on with it. He also knocked the ball on with try-scoring chance just 10 metres out. Seemed distracted. 4/10
4 Brad Thorn (replaced by Anthony Boric in the 79th minute):
He said he would keep his temper in check, but looked like he also kept his game in check.
5/10
3 Greg Somerville (replaced byJohn Afoa in 50th minute):
Had a very quiet game allround, but solid in scrums. His contribution was minimal and not the way you wanted your last Test to be. 5/10
2 Andrew Hore (replaced by Kevin Mealamu in 50th minute):
He was simply too quiet, especially by the standards he has set this year and could have been replaced much earlier. 5/10
1 Tony Woodcock:
Gave away two free kicks for stepping around at the scrum, but made good for it with a great try on the wing. Had a better second half. 6/10
Replacements (20 minutes or more to be rated):
16 Keven Mealamu (on for Andrew Hore in 50th minute):
He was busy as usual and made his presence felt at a time when the Kiwis needed a spark in the tight forwards.
7/10
17 John Afoa (on for Greg Somerville 50th minute):
The All Black scrum was under pressure after he came on. New Zealand seem to be struggling for a tighthead prop of real quality. 4/10
18 Anthony Boric (on for Brad Thorn in the 79th minute):
Not long enough to be rated
19 Adam Thomson:
Not used
20 Piri Weepu (on for Jimmy Cowan 54th minute):
He was very energetic from the moment he stepped onto the field and did great to follow up for his try. He certainly asked questions of the Wallaby defence and really probed. Made a real impact. 7/10
21 Stephen Donald (on for Ma'a Nonu in 50th minute):
He made a huge impact with his creative play at a crucial stage in the game and had a big hand in setting up the two tries which took the Kiwis clear. He
showed you don't need brute force to be effective and that guile can also do the trick. 7/10
22 Isaia Toeava:
Not used
