OPINION: Newshub sports producer Brad Lewis breaks down the All Blacks performance at Eden Park, man by man.
2. Codie Taylor - 10
Best player on the park. Had his best 65 minutes in an All Black jersey, with tremendous impact on the offensive side of the ball.
Lineout throwing was perfect, solid in the scrum and played a role in three tries, scoring one himself. Simply outstanding.
12. Ryan Crotty - 8
I’m a big SBW fan, but the Crusaders stalwart made the 12 jersey his own last night with a magnificent all-round performance. His defence goes unnoticed at times, but it's always on point, as was the case last night.
Played a part in several point-scoring moments for the ABs and showed his pace in Ben Smith's second half try. He is clearly a leader and an automatic selection, if fit.
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22. Damian McKenzie - 8
Want to give him more - he only played 20 minutes, but was simply dynamic in his short stint. Dragged his feet late to be denied a second try, but he could prove to be a headache for the opposition as a bench gamebreaker.
9. Aaron Smith - 8
Best halfback on the planet again. Had a poor first 10 minutes, but was brilliant for the remainder of his stay.
His passing and option-taking was all but perfect after his rough start and his defence is as good as any number nine the All Blacks have ever had.
8. Luke Whitelock - 7
Strong from the outset. Wasn't flash, but that's not his game.
Made a point to watch him closely on defence and he was a rock. Stole a couple of lineouts and was a great option for Taylor as well.
11. Rieko Ioane - 7
Mistake-free night on offence for Ioane, bagging two tries. Had a few moments of brilliance in the first half, showing off his ridiculous turn of pace and captalising well on a French mistake late to score a runaway.
Was found wanting on defence a few times, with the impressive Teddy Thomas creating moments of havoc for the All Blacks.
14. Ben Smith - 7
Quiet first half and his wayward pass lead to France's only try. Made a few uncharacteristic mistakes, but he came alive in the second 40, as the All Blacks ran riot with a man advantage.
Belongs at fullback - he's the best in the world.
10. Beauden Barrett - 7
Goal kicking was off. To be fair he had some tough ones, but with Mo'unga and McKenzie both breathing down his neck, he must improve, as that could cost the All Blacks in a big game.
Was a solid performance from Barrett, given a few rough recent outings with the Hurricanes. He will only get better in this series.
5. Scott Barrett - 7
Won the battle of the Barrett brothers for mine. Stole a couple French lineouts and was very active in general play.
Defended well and was very mobile. By no means is he at the Brodie Retallick level yet, but he is a very adequate replacement.
4. Sam Whitelock - 7
Brilliant at lineout time. Whitelock is a total workhorse, who never stops.
Is arguably the best lineout forward in the country and a superb leader. His calm demeanor helped keep his side level headed while the French were in front.
3. Owen Franks - 7
Absolute beast. He must give this side so much confidence now that he is back.
ABs scum was dominant, after a dodgy call cost them a penalty on the first of the night. Another outstanding defender and underrated ball carrier.
17. Karl Tu’inukuafe - 7
Have to say, I had goosebumps as the big fella shed tears during the anthem. How could you not be happy for this bloke?
Awesome moment for him when his first scrum decimated the French and he got pats on the back from his comrads. Thought the ABs scum improved when he came on.
23. Ngani Laumape - 7
Scored an awesome try. Max Medard will have nightmares the next week.
Wouldn’t look out of place in the starting XV, but with Crotty's form he will likely be a gamebreaker off the bench in 2018.
13. Anton Lienart-Brown - 6
Was a bit 'rocks and diamonds' throughout the 80 minutes. Three first-half handling errors and four missed tackles, but he did well playing makeshift halfback in Beauden Barrett's first half try.
Improved in the second, playing his part in a couple of stunning All Blacks tries, but not his best performance.
15. Jordie Barrett - 6
Did his job well, but it's noticable that McKenzie is playing with far more confidence at the moment. He might struggle to keep his place next week, as Ben Smith belongs in the number 15 jersey, with Waisake Naholo demanding an opportunity on the right wing.
7. Sam Cane - 6
Quiet night for Sam. As always, he was a rock on defence.
Suffered a head knock midway through the second half, but returned. Did nothing wrong by any means on a night when the All Black loosies defended brilliantly as a trio.
6. Liam Squire - 6
Was superb in the lineout, stealing a one on the French throw and proving a valuable option on the All Black throw. Was fairly quiet in general play, but is only two weeks back from a long injury layoff.
Is arguably the best defender in the side. Brutal.
1. Joe Moody - 6
Missed a few tackles in the first half and made four handling errors. Seemed to be dealing with a leg injury from midway through the first half, eventually leaving the field after 50 minutes.
Scrum improved when he was off the park.
16. Nathan Harris - 6
Came on with 14 minutes to go. Solid effort, but was it hard to fill the boots of Taylor, given the night he had.
20. Ardie Savea - 6
Scored a try, but the match lost structure during his time on the park. He will play a bigger role throughout the season as part of arguably the most dynamic bench New Zealand has ever had.
21. TJ Perenara - 6
Didn't get enough time to make an impression.
18. Ofa Tuungafasi - 5
Lucky not to be yellow carded midway through the second half in pretty much his first play of the game. Thought he was quiet when he came on, but outside that tackle, didn’t make a mistake.
19. Vaea Fifita - 5
Not much went his way in a short stint
Brad Lewis is a Newshub sports producer.
