Bledisloe Cup Winning Player Ratings
- 1920
1. Joe Moody
Played a huge role in the domination of the Wallabies at scrum-time. Steady all round performance. 7
2. Dane Coles
50 caps for Coles! Returned to the Test scene and wasted no time getting back into the flow of things. 7 tackles, 7 carries & 100% lineout success. 7
3. Nepo Laulala
Cornerstone of the immovable AB's scrum. Massive first Test start for the All Blacks. Physical in contact & carried with merit. Softened the blow of Franks absence. 8
4. Brodie Retallick
Arguably the best lock in wold rugby and has brought his form from the Lions series into The Rugby Championship. Immense in the air & chipped in with 13 carries. Unlucky to have a try ruled out close home. 7
5. Sam Whitelock
An absolute colossus in the set-piece for the All Blacks and shone at his core duties in the All Blacks tight-five. Impressed in defence with 6 tackles + 23m in attack showed his all-round capabilites. 7
6. Liam Squire
A much quieter performance from flanker today. Strong in the collisions and made his presence known in attack with 10 carries. 6
7. Sam Cane
Forced off the field after 12 minutes due to a head knock.
8. Kieran Read
The All Blacks skipper delivered a solid shift and made the difference at the death with his excellent work at the re-start and clean break that led to Barrett's game winner. Read was his usual dependable self with 14 carries in attack as he secured the Bledisloe for another year. 8
9. Aaron Smith
World-class distribution again and scored a pivotal try before half-time to get the AB's back into the game. 8
10. Beauden Barrett
Scored the game-clinching effort and added another try on the day. Performed admirably in defence with 8 tackles but his 100% kicking success & 62 metres gained in attack helped prove the difference. 9
11. Rieko Ioane
Routine try on the day for Ioane, the Blues flyer has taken to Test rugby like a duck to water. 6 tries in 6 Tests! Looked dangerous every time he got the ball in his hands. 8
12. SBW
Poor start to the game from Williams with multiple handling errors. Steadied his game in the second half with some nice touches. 6
13. Ryan Crotty
Twice left the pitch for HIA. Forced off after his second assessment - failed to make a considerable mark on the fixture.
14. Ben Smith
Deserves his well-earned four-month break after scoring try for to cap a fine performance. 3 clean breaks, 55m in attack and one defender beaten. He will be missed! 8
15. Damian McKenzie
Started slowly as he gifted Folau an early try but grew into the game and provided a try assist at a crucial time. 6
Honourable mentions from the bench:
Ardie Savea
The Canes' flanker is the real deal. Replaced Cane early in the first half and was outstanding in the 2nd half. Ended the game with 12 carries & 30 metres in attack. Super-sub. 8
TJ Perenara
Influential cameo off the bench. He brought urgency and direction to the All Blacks attack when introduced. Played his part in the game winning score with a lovely inside pass to Barrett. 8
