All Blacks v Scotland player ratings

Chris Matthews opinion

By tvnz.co.nz's Chris Matthews tvnz.co.nz Writer

Published: 12:12PM Sunday November 14, 2010 Source: ONE Sport

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The standout performers from the All Blacks emphatic 49-3 win over Scotland this morning.  

15-Mils Muliaina - 7.5/10

Mils capped of his record equalling 92 Test cap with a solid, all-round performance. His support play was well rewarded with his 30th and 31st Test tries.

14-Isaia Toeava - 7/10

A victim of his versatility, 'the special project' played in what is his probably his fourth best position but came through well enough. He made a number of incisive runs, one of which set up a classic Daniel Carter try.

13-Conrad Smith - 8/10

Conrad Smith stamped his class all over this Test in both offence and defence. Produced some massive hits, executed turnovers and formed an impressive midfield partnership with man of the match Sonny Bill Williams.

12-Sonny Bill Williams - 9/10

At 108kg, he must be the biggest playmaker world rugby has ever seen at Test level and after all the hype, SBW emphatically stepped up to his lofty billing by producing a dazzling display. Set-up three tries, with his trademark offloads, and unlike last week, kept busy for the full 80 minutes.

11-Hosea Gear - 8/10

For the past 12 months he has been the form winger in New Zealand rugby and this morning he translated that on to the Test stage to devastating effect. Always a threat with ball in hand and collected two well taken tries for his troubles.

10-Dan Carter - 8/10 (Goal kicking 5/5)

When Daniel Carter is running strongly you know the All Blacks are going well. This morning he galloped freely, showing no signs of his recent ankle injury, and was rewarded with an outstanding first half try. Replaced by Stephen Donald in the 52 minute.

9-Jimmy Cowan - 7/10

It was another industrious day for the All Blacks halfback. Again showed his strength in cover defence and sniped to good effect in his 60 minute outing before being place by Andy Ellis.

8-Kieran Read - 8.5/10

Yet again a huge Test from the All Blacks most consistent performer of the 2010 season. Tackled ferociously, ran strongly and never took a backward step away from the tough stuff.

7-Richie McCaw - 6/10

Tackled all night long but his impact in other areas was down in comparison to his usual high standard. The All Black captain also conceded two penalties for pushing the boundaries of the tackle ball law. Replaced by Daniel Braid in the 59th minute.

6-Liam Messam - 8/10

It's been a long time coming, but Messam finally made a statement on the international stage in what was his sixth Test. Ran strongly and was a key component of two of the All Blacks' try movements. Now needs to back-up this up against either Ireland or Wales.

5-Sam Whitelock - 7/10

Not quite the same impact as last week's powerhouse display but Whitelock can still be happy enough. His work rate is exceptional and he delivered the final pass for Mils' second try. Kickoff reception was good but lineout work not his best work. Replaced by Anthony Boric in the 59th minute.

4-Brad Thorn - 7.5/10

Heavy involvement from the 37-year-old veteran. His impact at the collision area was instrumental on the All Blacks' getting on the front foot.

3-Owen Franks - 7/10

Popped up time and time again with the ball in hand and took a couple of heavy hits for his troubles. Scrum work was tidy without being dominant. Subbed for John Afoa in the 55th minute.

2-Hikawera Elliot - 6.5/10

Elliot bounced back from a horror first up handling mistake to have a solid first Test outing. Strong in the collision zone and had a couple of bulldozing runs. Lineout delivery needs improvement. Replaced by Andrew Hore in the 62 minute.

1-Tony Woodcock - 7/10

Good enough showing from the All Blacks' loosehead. Led a competent scrum and got into the tough stuff like how any good prop forward should.

Reserves

16-Andrew Hore (62 min) - Long awaited comeback was cut short by premature ending to Test. Needs more minutes.
17-John Afoa 5/10 (55 min) - Yet to prove much on this tour. Needs a Test start so he can show his worth.
18-Anthony Boric 5/10 (59 min) - Okay but not really an impact player.
19-Daniel Braid 6/10 (59 min) - First Test outing in over two years and was solid. Should get a start against either Ireland or Wales.
20-Andy Ellis - 6/10 (60 min) - Nice little cameo. Rewarded with his third Test try.
21-Stephen Donald - 7/10 (52 min) (Goal kicking 2/2) - May have bounced back from Hong Kong nightmare with a display of high impact (which included setting up Ellis' try) but he won't have shut the naysayers up quite yet.
22-Ma'a Nonu - N/A

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