OPINION: The All Blacks righted the wrongs from Perth on Saturday night, with a 36-0 thrashing of the Wallabies to secure the Bledisloe Cup for another year.
- Bledisloe Cup stays in New Zealand after All Blacks thrash Wallabies
- As it happened - All Blacks thrash Wallabies
The Wallabies were ruthless in the series opener, but a strong performance from the men in black at Eden Park made them look toothless.
Several players stood up just weeks ahead of the World Cup to give Steve Hansen some headaches ahead of his squad selection.
Here's how Newshub rated the All Blacks in their win over the Wallabies.
1. Joe Moody - 7
Was solid at scrum time, and for the most part - along with Laulala - dominated their opposition.
2. Dane Coles - 3
Not a good game from the number one hooker in the country. He struggled at lineout time and made a couple of loose carries, and was sin-binned after a brain fade.
3. Nepo Laulala - 8
Dominance at scrum time, carried the ball well and worked hard at the breakdown.
4. Patrick Tuipulotu - 6
A good game in place of Scott Barrett - didn't miss a tackle and made a huge try saver to deny Koroibete. Made some big tackles in the second half.
5. Sam Whitelock - 7
Superb try-saving tackle on Michael Hooper, and starred with a game-high 17 tackles. Gave away three first-half penalties.
6. Ardie Savea - 9
Another ridiculous performance from Savea - he made all 13 of his tackles, was a beast at the breakdown and made the turnover to help secure the George Bridge try. Beat four defenders and made 66 metres.
7. Sam Cane - 8
Another very good performance in the seven jersey. Made 11 tackles, and was a pest at the breakdown all game long.
8. Kieran Read - 8
A massive second half from the All Blacks captain. Eased his way into the game and became a factor defensively in the second 40.
9. Aaron Smith - 8
One of his best games when kicking the ball - putting Australia on the back foot throughout the first half with his pin-point box kicks, scored a good try and ran the cutter very well.
10. Richie Mo'unga - 7
Looking more and more assured in the dual playmaker role with Barrett - kicked well in-game and off the tee, apart from one bad miss. Made some good tackles and was a constant threat with ball in hand.
11. George Bridge - 7
A really good performance from the Crusaders winger. He was everywhere on defence and sparked a lot of attacks, and scored a well-deserved try at the end.
12. Sonny Bill Williams - 7
Looked comfortable back in black, made a couple of trademark offloads and scored a good try.
13. Anton Lienert-Brown - 7
Making metres easily once again - looks much better when wearing the number 12 jersey, but had by no means a bad game. Made a couple of good breaks and set up Bridge for his try.
14. Sevu Reece - 9
Excellent performance from the flying winger - but it was his defence where he stamped his mark on the game, a good try-saver on Koroibete and scored a superb try - mistake-free from the Crusader. What happens with Ben Smith now?
15. Beauden Barrett - 7
Attacked with intent in the first half and ignited the Aaron Smith try - was solid in defence and showed control with his kicking game.
Reserves
16. Codie Taylor - 6
Solid game from the backup hooker. Came on for lineouts when Coles was sent off and got some minutes in the end.
17. Ofa Tuungafasi - 6
Made five big tackles over the last 30 minutes.
18. Angus Ta'avao - No rating
19. Jackson Hemopo - No rating
20. Matt Todd - No rating
21. TJ Perenara - 7
Is there a better halfback at the breakdown? Made two big turnovers and ran the ball well.
22. Ngani Laumape - 6
Nothing great, nothing bad - a solid couple of runs when he came on.
23. Jordie Barrett - 7
Electric injection and linked well with his brother Beauden, did well with the minutes he was given.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub sports producer.
