Player ratings: Team effort
The All Blacks secured the Bledisloe Cup for the 11th successive season following their 27-16 win over the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday.
It was a solid team performance that saw New Zealand retain the silverware and claim back-to-back victories over Australia.
Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the All Black players.
15 Israel Dagg
A strong all-round game, his booming boot saw the All Blacks win the tactical-kicking battle and he skinned a number of would-be defenders on the counter attack.
7.5/10
14 Ben Smith
Such a lethal finisher, he just cannot stop scoring, adding a brace to last weekend’s hat-trick. Slipped a few tackles though.
7/10
13 Conrad Smith
Balanced on attack and once again impenetrable on defence.
7/10
12 Ma'a Nonu
Superb in keeping the ball alive with clever offloads. That offloading ability superseded Nonu crashing over the gainline as he does so consistency and had the Wallabies scrambling. Had a long pass intercepted but a strong outing nonetheless.
7.5/10
11 Julian Savea
Shaky on defence but made ground with little room to work with and would’ve enjoyed bumping off Tevita Kuridrani with authority.
6.5/10
10 Tom Taylor
Considering the sheer amount of pressure he was under, Taylor had a rather level headed performance. Didn’t take too much responsibility but his kicking out of hand was impressive and he did the basics well.
7.5/10
9 Aaron Smith
For a player who is still inexperienced at Test level himself, Smith looked like a seasoned veteran in the way he took the pressure off his debutant halfback partner. Very alert and made a brilliant try-saving tackle on Christian Lealiifano.
8/10
8 Kieran Read
Very hungry. Lifted his workrate significantly, won an excellent turnover on his try-line and snatched a line-out ball.
8/10
7 Richie McCaw (captain)
Kicked on and improved on last weekend’s performance with a typically tireless outing. Edged Michael Hooper and led the tackle stats with 16 hits.
8/10
6 Steven Luatua
Arguably his best Test to date. His workrate was exceptional, he made some big hits and had a key hand in both of Ben Smith’s tries.
8/10
5 Samuel Whitelock
Back with a vengeance after an average performance last weekend. With six takes and three steals, he dominated the line-outs.
8/10
4 Brodie Retallick
Exceptional work ethic on par with the loose trio, second only to McCaw in terms of tackles made (12). Carried the ball willingly and ably and like Whitelock, did good work in the line-out.
8/10
3 Owen Franks
Strong in the scrums and made some valuable hit-ups.
7/10
2 Andrew Hore
Was like a fourth loose forward at the breakdown, where he won a key turnover five metres from his try-line.
7.5/10
1 Tony Woodcock
The centurion turned in a dominant display at scrum time to celebrate his milestone.
7.5/10
Replacements:
16 Dane Coles (on for Hore, 47th minute)
Continued the momentum in the set pieces and was busy on defence.
7/10
17 Wyatt Crockett (on for Woodcock, 60th minute)
Conceded a scrum penalty right out of the gate.
6/10
18 Charlie Faumuina (on for Franks, 65th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
19 Jeremy Thrush
Not used.
20 Sam Cane
Not used.
21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow (on for A Smith, 70th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Colin Slade (on for Nonu, 76th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
23 Charles Piutau (on for B Smith, 73rd minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
