All Black Player Ratings vs. Australia

Bledisloe Game 2

The All Blacks took a commanding lead against the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup with their dominant 27-7 win in front of almost 50,000 fans at Eden Park. Kicking off at the earlier time of 4pm NZT, this resulted in running rugby and great all-round conditions under a sunny Auckland afternoon. Sitting in the stadium, it was quite the spectacle to look around and see the stadium near capacity. It is very humbling to note many fans around the world have not had the opportunity to watch their national teams in person and have supported in a virtual setting for the majority of this year. With New Zealand borders shut to foreigners, the Australian rugby team had to seek special permission to enter the country for the two games, and now, the All Blacks head to Australia where they will begin their preparation period before playing tests in Australia. 

Let’s get into the All Black ratings.

All Black Player Ratings (out of 10)

Fullback: Beauden Barrett (9) 

The All Blacks sorely missed Barrett last weekend and his ability to put teams defense in total disarray. Carved up the middle way too much for Australia’s liking and always kept them guessing. Incredible tackling display as the last line of defense for the All Blacks. Great to have him back. 

Right Wing: Jordie Barrett (7.5) 

Still feels a bit misplaced on the right wing but needs to be on the field nonetheless. Matched up well defensively and attacked well with his limited ball in hand, which resulted in an easy try on the wing two minutes into the second half. 

Centre: Anton Lienert Brown (8)

Mr. Reliable in the All Blacks midfield with a few bone-crunching hits as well as a try-saving tackle or two. He was subbed briefly for head injury assessment but was all cleared and got straight back into work. Provided much needed stability after last week.

Second-Five: Jack Goodhue (7) 

Managed to slice through the Australian midfield on a few occasions and deliver a nice assist for Jordie Barrett to finish. However, poor passing scaled back his rating a little.

Left Wing: Caleb Clarke (9.5) 

WOW. His first test start was one to remember with an easy man of the match decision. Scintillating runs on the left wing, bowling Australian defenders off from any angle. The highlight of the game came in the 45^th minute, where he received the ball at halfway from a poor kick and charged into Australia’s red zone beating four tackles, which resulted in a Savea try back on the left. Replicated the late great Jonah Lomu, was amazing to watch.

First-Five: Richie Mo’unga (8)

Much improved from last week, kept the Australian defense guessing at first receiver and looked to feed his backline. Mo’unga wasn’t shy from taking it to the line here and there and was rewarded with the odd line break. Kicked 2 conversions and 2 penalties to provide reassurance.

Halfback:  Aaron Smith (8.5)

Smith scored another try to add onto his one from last weekend. Electrifying as always, he kept the play moving fast and guided the forwards round extremely well. Hard to fault this weekend. 

Number 8:  Ardie Savea (9)

Savea scored early in the second half off Clarke’s outstanding midfield run. Is a force to be reckoned with on both offense and defense. He made some key turnovers and was able to break at least one tackle on his storming runs. A critical piece in the All Black forward pack.  

Openside Flanker: Sam Cane (captain) (8.5)

Finding his feet in the All Blacks captaincy and led by example this week. Along with his guaranteed tackling effort, made deep runs in behind Australia and picked up a great try where he carved his way inside the Australians red zone. 

Blindside Flanker: Shannon Frizell (7)

Making the most of his opportunity at the blindside flank. Did his job well and had a few key steals for the All Blacks. Let Cane and Savea take the attack roles and focused on the fundamentals. A good blindside flanker all round. 

Lock: Tupou Vaa’I (6)

Big shoes to fill as Sam Whitelock was out with a head injury. Only his second test and first test start. He highlighted the incredible depth the All Blacks are blessed with. Can look to take confidence into next week and try imposing himself more on the game.

Lock: Patrick Tuipulotu (7)

Needed to be big as he was the All Blacks most experienced lock on the field. He assisted well with Canes’ try via a one-handed offload. Limited errors at lineout time and shows he is a reliable option. Gaining senior leadership quickly and seems to be embracing it. Needs to show up every week.

Tighthead Prop: Ofa Tu’ungafasi (7)

Did his job well, kept the scrum stable and allowed platforms for the All Blacks backline to attack from set pieces. Seems a mainstay as the All Blacks tighthead prop.

Hooker: Dane Coles (8)

The change at hooker this week paid off. Coles was excellent, especially on the offensive end. His speed always catches players off guard and is an asset to have as he gets in behind defensive lines. Provided a good scuffle early on to get the Australians rattled and kept the pressure on until he was subbed. Should be starting the next game, needs to tidy up his lineouts is all.

Loosehead Prop: Joe Moody (5)

An unfortunate and hopefully not serious head knock early in the game brings Moody’s rating down. Scrummed well early and made tackles in and around the ruck area. Hopefully the injury is not serious as he is a key force in the All Blacks set piece.

Reserves 

Reserve Hooker: Codie Taylor (6)

Replaced Coles in the 51^st minute, strong lineout and scrummaging. However, handling errors set him back a bit. Coles will most likely take the starting role again next test, leaving the opportunity for Taylor to show why he should be back in the starting 15.

Reserve Prop: Alex Hodgman (6.5)

Was probably not expecting to get on the field for his first All Black game so early. Replaced the injured Moody 30 minutes in and had a good showing. Wasn’t afraid to take the ball to the line in key attacking positions and kept the All Blacks scrum stable. Will see if he gets the start next game or if the coaching staff try something else.  

Reserve Prop: Nepo Laulala (5.5)

Replaced Tu’ungafasi around the 50-minute mark. Didn’t bring too much change to the game. Good scrummaging. 

Reserve Lock: Scott Barrett (4.5)

Subbed on in the 51^st minute. Always great to see Scott on the field with his two brothers, Jordie and Beauden. Coming off a significant injury back in June, he was focused on getting minutes under his belt again. Will see if the selectors look to give him more time next game. 

Reserve Loose Forward: Hoskins Sotutu (5.5)

Subbed on in the 65^th minute and focused on getting a few of his staple runs in tight. Another great young player and just needs to build confidence. Overshadowed by the other loose forwards. Hope to see him get more minutes in the future.

Reserve Halfback: TJ Perenara (7.5)

Replaced Smith in the 55^th minute and, as usual, put his mark on the game. A seamless fit with any backline and had a good bump off on the left wing. Kept Australia on their toes. 

Reserve Centre: Peter Umaga-Jensen (6.5)

Came on early for his debut as Lienert Brown had a head injury assessment. Found a gap in the midfield early to eat up some meters for his side and got the offload away. Unfortunately, he failed his head injury assessment later in the game. Selectors will look to go with someone else next match. A bright future for the midfielder though. 

Reserve Outside Back: Damian McKenzie (5)

Came on late and struggled to get touches. Made a nice run up the left late in the game but that was about all. Selectors have a challenge with so many talented outside backs.