-
All Blacks celebrate - Source: Photosport -
Related
15-Israel Dagg (9/10)
A brilliant debut in a man of the match performance (at least as far as this hack is concerned). Dagg set up at least three tries and was in everything as he delivered the most commanding performance by an All Blacks fullback on debut since Christian Cullen ran rings around the Samoans in 1996. It will be interesting to see if Dagg is retained next week for the first Test against Wales instead of 82-Test veteran Mils Muliaina.
14-Cory Jane (8/10)
The Hurricanes have the Cory Jane and Hosea Gear show and as we all know - it's a pretty lethal partnership. Well last night Jane forged a new and arguably even more ruthless duo with new boy Dagg as the two combined with the understanding that only usually mothers and sons possess.
13-Conrad Smith (8/10)
Every time Conrad Smith scores a Test try (he scored two last night and now has 15 in total) it is a victory for academia. We all know the law graduate has the smarts but last night he showed an underrated quality: hunger for the cause.
12-Benson Stanley (7.5/10)
Sonny Bill who? Well now quite but Benson Stanley in first Test performance delivered a strong showing. His defence was mainly telling and his decision making sound. He may not have the explosive qualities of SBW or Ma'a Nonu but he didn't look out of place in Test rugby.
11-Joe Rokocoko (7/10)
In his comeback Test it was hardly vintage Joe Rokocoko as he was overshadowed by his younger team-mates but the 60-Test wing-man was solid enough. Strong with ball in hand but the real test of Rokocoko's mettle will only come when the Springbok's hit town, that's if he is selected.
10-Daniel Carter (8/10)
DC racked up 1000 points last night becoming just the fourth player in the history of the game to achieve this feat. He had a pretty handy game too as he broke the line often and was faultless with the boot (8/8). After an indifferent Super 14 season the best of Carter is still to come.
9-Jimmy Cowan (8.5/10)
For all his detractors, when it comes to Test rugby, Jimmy Cowan delivers. In just forty minutes of action the All Blacks halfback owned proceedings with a dominant display in both attack and defence.
8-Kerian Read (7.5/10)
As we all know, Kieran Read has been one of the standout All Blacks over the past year or so but until last night he has had one little monkey on his back. After 16 Tests he had failed to score a Test try which must be quite bemusing when you see Sam Whitelock go over for two on debut.
7-Richie McCaw (7/10)
Come on Richie - it's time you got back into that head-gear. Not only are you danger to yourself with your no-fear intent but now you have Irish knees knocking on your head.
6-Jerome Kaino (6/10)
Wasn't really a Jerome Kaino sort of Test. His damaging defence was barley needed as the All Blacks racked up the tries in the first forty minutes. Showed up with the ball in hand a few times but was subbed for Victor Vito in the 37th minute.
5-Anthony Boric (7/10)
He might not be Ali Williams but Anthony Boric still does his core jobs at this level rather well. He only fluffed one kick-off in the first half and encouragingly, he is becoming more prominent with ball in hand.
4-Brad Thorn (7.5/10)
He is the heart of the All Blacks' pack and if there are any concerns about his age ahead of the 2011 World Cup - stop it right now. Thorn is getting better if anything and last night he was strong, real strong.
3-Owen Franks (6/10)
Overshadowed by his brother around the park but Owen still lay a pretty good platform from the tight head side - albeit against a seven-man scrum. Will be a bit dirty that Ben got over for his first Test try before him but that is brotherly love for you.
2-Keven Mealamu (7/10)
Okay there is little question that the All Blacks will miss Andrew Hore throughout the season but in Keven Mealamu you have the second best thing. Last night he was usual self: bustling and busy - just the way we like it. Oh and perfect lineout delivery too - for your information.
1-Ben Franks (7/10)
It wasn't exactly an Israel Dagg debut but that's what you get for playing in the forwards. Franks was good though and Tony Woodcock might just start to be getting a little bit worried.
Reserves:
Aled de Malmanche: A late canter for the big Waikato man.
Neemia Tialata: Stretched his legs and went over for his second Test try.
Piri Weepu (6/10) Came on for the whole second half and looked short of a gallop, while compared to Cowan anyway.
Zac Guildford: Only saw 15 minutes, which wasn't quite enough to get a grade tonight.
Victor Vito (6.5/10) Played over a half of rugby in his Test debut and was damaging at times with ball in hand.
Sam Whitelock (7/10) Scored two tries and has bragging rights over his brother George who only managed one on his Test debut.
Aaron Cruden (6/10) Came on the field in the 54th minute for Carter and while he didn't control it like his apparent mentor, he did show some promise.
Agree with these player ratings? Feel free to comment below.
Add a Comment:
Post new comment