Player ratings: Ten out of 10
OPINION: The All Blacks capped their series against France with a 49-14 victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Sam Warlow rate the New Zealand players!
15. Ben Smith
Capped an excellent series with another try. Always in the right place at the right time. Gets himself involved on attack and is solid in defence. Overall an excellent performance by the All Black back three.
8/10
14. Waisake Naholo
Made good on his opportunities. Made great metres with every touch. Had a tough night defensively and fell off a few tackles. Racked up 98 run metres but missed half of his eight tackle attempts.
7/10
13. Jack Goodhue
Another handy debut. Let in Wesley Fofana’s try but looked comfortable on both ends throughout.
6.5/10
12. Sonny Bill Williams
Managed close to an hour, which is more than anyone expected after he was ‘ruled out’ before the series began. Ended up being a nice cameo for the dynamic Williams. Excellent taking on the line and finding his teammates.
7.5/10
11. Rieko Ioane
Outstanding as per usual. The type of performance we have come to expect from the incredible 21-year-old. Once again dangerous with every touch, joins elite company after bagging a hat-trick.
9.5/10
10. Damian McKenzie
Scored a pair of tries, one more dubious than the other. Picked his moments to run, had an excellent night off the tee. Think he has done enough to stay ahead of Richie Mo’unga in the pecking order.
8.5/10
9. Aaron Smith
Definitely an improved performance after last week. Kept busy, delivered quick ball.
6.5/10
8. Luke Whitelock
Capped a good series with another solid effort. Nothing outstanding. Converted on all ten of his tackle attempts.
7/10
7. Ardie Savea
Unfortunately had rare start ended early. Performed well when he was on the park.
7/10
6. Shannon Frizell
Kept himself busy. Had a try rubbed out, made twelve tackles, shows plenty of promise moving forward. He can definitely be happy with his first effort in the black jersey.
6.5/10
5. Scott Barrett
Scott Barrett was simply immense. I’ve never given a ten before, and if I could give an eleven I would. Filling in for Brodie Retallick, Barrett was all over the park. Led the match in tackles with 17, had a handful of strong carries and showed excellent hands to offload in the tackle. Caused problems for the French lineout all night long. Had the most influence across the ground.
10/10
4. Sam Whitelock
Also whiffed on Fickou. Great at lineout time, led from the front and made all the right calls as captain.
7.5/10
3. Owen Franks
Sound defensively with identical defensive statistics to Moody. Scrummaged well.
7/10
2. Codie Taylor
Effective over the ball and at lineout time, save for one overthrow. Racked up two turnovers and had a few handy carries.
7/10
1. Joe Moody
Letting Gael Fickou bust through him was the only black mark on a tidy test for the loosehead. Ten made tackles with just two misses, one more glaring than the other.
6.5/10
Replacements:
As above, Matt Todd had instant impact early after coming in for Ardie Savea. Jackson Hempo was solid on debut, got the call earlier than he would have expected after Frizell left for blood. Made the most of his opportunity and seemed to pop up everywhere. Jordie Barrett slotted in nicely for Sonny Bill around the hour mark. Richie Mo’unga played sparingly but had a great touch finder as his first act in the black jersey.
By Sam Warlow, RugbyPass
