OPINION: On Saturday, the All Blacks turned in another comprehensive performance against Australia to round out a Bledisle Cup clean sweep in Japan.
So, how did the men in black fare individually?
15. Damian McKenzie - 6
Solid performance as a second playmaking option. Not spectacular, but has jumped ahead of Jordie Barrett as the primary option if Ben Smith plays on the wing.
14. Ben Smith - 8
Not for the first time in 2018, Smith was one of the best on show in Yokohama. A constant threat to the Wallabies.
13. Ryan Crotty - 6
Struggled to get involved in attack, but tackled himself to a standstill.
12. Sonny Bill Williams - 7
Great opening quarter - SBW faded in the final 30 minutes but his offload game throughout was at another level. Made good decisions on defence.
11. Rieko Ioane - 8
Lightning speed led to two ABs tries. Defence is still a little dicey, but he is truly world-class with ball in hand.
10. Beauden Barrett - 8
Couldn't find too many gaps with ball in hand, but kept his side on the front foot. Superb with the boot.
9. TJ Perenara - 5
Kind of gutted for Perenara after earning his spot ahead of Smith through form. Played in fast-forward and struggled with his pass. Got caught out on defence a couple of times.
8. Kieran Read - 8
Was a constant threat with ball in hand. Plenty of go-forward.
7. Ardie Savea - 9
Is in the form of his life. Outplayed Hooper and helped negate Pocock as a breakdown threat. Will be hard to leave out when Sam Cane comes back next season, at this rate.
6. Liam Squire - 7
Took his injury frustrations out on Australia. Bruising defender and was effective with the ball at times.
5. Scott Barrett - 6
Not at his best around the park but had a great test at set-piece.
4. Sam Whitelock - 6
Another test, another solid night for Whitelock. Never lets the jersey down.
3. Owen Franks - 6
Part of a dominant scrum that took 15 minutes to understand the referee's set-piece interpretation. Missed several tackles.
2. Codie Taylor - 7
Was a niggly test for Taylor. He got under the skin of the opposition pack. Played well but had a couple wonky throws.
1. Joe Moody - 8
Probably his best test of 2018. Defended well, got involved around the rucks and scrummed very well.
Reserves
16. Nathan Harris - 5
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe - 5
18. Nepo Laulala - 6
19. Brodie Retallick - 5
20. Matt Todd - 6
21. Aaron Smith - 7
22. Richie Mo'unga - 6
23. Anton Lienert-Brown 5
Brad Lewis is a digital sports producer.
