OPINION: The Wallabies have shown their intent ahead of the Rugby World Cup, posting a record 47-26 victory over the All Blacks in the first of two Bledisloe Cup tests Perth.
The All Blacks were forced to play the entire second half with 14 players after Scott Barrett was sent off for a shoulder charge on Wallabies captain Michael Hooper.
- Clinical Wallabies spank 14-man All Blacks
- As it happened - All Blacks humbled by Wallabies
- All Blacks refuse to panic after crushing loss to Wallabies
The Wallabies were ruthless in the series opener, running in six tries to four in a commanding display, as they look to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup - which they haven't held since 2002.
A win or a draw next Saturday at Eden Park would see Australia claim the trophy, while the All Blacks have to win to retain it for another year.
But Steve Hansen's men will have to improve if they want to keep the Cup for a 17th straight year.
Here's how Newshub rated the All Blacks in the defeat to the Wallabies.
1. Joe Moody - 7
Defended like a man possessed in the opening 30 minutes. Looks to be coming into the form we remember from four years ago, although he did give away a couple of scrum penalties.
2. Dane Coles - 7
Poor tackle attempt almost cost the All Blacks an early try. Came on strong though and was excellent around the park. Had a hand in Rieko Ioane's try.
3. Owen Franks - 6
First-half scrum wobbles are a concern, but not his defence. Formed a three-man try saver with his front-row buddies just before he left the park.
4. Scott Barrett - 0
Was poor before he got sent off for a brainless tackle. Debatable if it was a red card, but still - in the modern era - you are asking for trouble.
5. Sam Whitelock - 4
Probably the worst rugby performance of his life. Missed multiple tackles and was absent around the park for the duration. Made to look average by Kurtly Beale late in the second half.
6. Ardie Savea - 6
Way too excited to begin the test with poor hands and poor discipline. Got better as the game went on, but this may convince Hansen to play an out-and-out blindside.
7. Sam Cane - 8
An absolutely monumental defensive effort from the no 7. At one point he made four tackles in 30 seconds. The All Blacks were battered at the breakdown though, where Cane and his mates were ineffective.
8. Kieran Read - 9
Led from the front. Back to his aggressive best on his worst night as All Blacks skipper. Tackled his heart out and recovered a kick-off for Ngani Laumape's try.
9. Aaron Smith - 7
Kept calm for Rieko Ioane's try but was outplayed by Nic White. Rough night but wasn't terrible.
10. Richie Mo'unga - 9
As close to perfection as you can get. On a rough night for the All Blacks, Mo'unga was a standout on attack and defence. Three try-saving tackles, good option taking and looked to create at every opportunity.
11. Rieko Ioane - 5
Try saving tackle on Reece Hodge, but that's about where it ended for the left-winger.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown - 8
Looked dangerous with ball in hand and showed good hustle in scoring the All Blacks' first try. A superb defensive effort as well, although his bobbled intercept attempt led to a Wallabies try.
13. Jack Goodhue - 6
Gave away an early penalty, but showed his class in the lead-up to Lienert-Brown's try. Left the field after 17 minutes.
14. Ben Smith - 5
Unfortunately caught out on the Issac Rodda juggle, but was mistake-free in 64 minutes.
15. Beauden Barrett - 5
Great footwork on his second-half try, but was poor throughout. Terrible option-taking at times with mindless chip kicks, and was steamrolled by Kerevi on the Nic White try.
Reserves
16. Codie Taylor - 6
Got 22 minutes and tried to get involved.
17. Atu Moli - 6
Smashed James O'Connor deep inside All Blacks territory to win possession back for his side.
18. Angus Ta'avao - 6
Got plenty of touches and worked hard. Difficult to grade the front row's performance as they were a man short.
19.Patrick Tuipulotu - 6
Got 30 minutes but struggled to make an impact.
20. Matt Todd No rating
21. TJ Perenara - 5
Just a bit sloppy around the ruck, but tough to come on with your team chasing the game like that.
22.Ngani Laumape - 7
Showed serious gas to score his try and showed serious muscle when he smashed Kurtley Beale late on the first half with a try saver. Could get the start next week.
23.George Bridge - 5
Struggled to make an impact in 16 minutes.
Brad Lewis is a Newshub sports producer.
