OPINION: The All Blacks began their 2021 test campaign with a thumping win over Tonga at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.
Ian Foster's side ran in 16 tries in a ruthless display against a severely understrength Tongan side.
Several players stood out in the romp, but who scored the perfect 10?
Karl Tu'inukuafe - 6
Guilty of a couple of turnovers in the first half, but formed part of a dominant All Blacks front row, until replaced in the 46th minute.
Dane Coles - 7
Typically dynamic showing from the veteran hooker. Perfect with his lineout throwing, and ended with an audacious kick-and-chase, before being subbed.
Angus Ta'avao - 6
Did his job well - one of the most improved rugby players in the country.
Scott Barrett - 6
Thumping on defence, wasn't too involved with ball in hand, but didn't need to be.
Sam Whitelock - 7
Big night for one of New Zealand's best ever. Was solid all around the park, but when is he ever not?
Luke Jacobson - 7
Great to see Jacobson back in black. Did all he needed to, combative at the breakdown and a very good link man on counterattack.
Dalton Papalii - 9
Played 51 magnificent minutes. Papalii has the potential to be one of the greats of New Zealand rugby.
Physical, athletic, highly skilled and deceptively quick. Scored two tries and was a menace on defence, when needed.
Akira Ioane - 8
One of the All Blacks' best. Powerful with ball in hand all night and showed some of the skills that has made him one of the most dynamic forwards in New Zealand rugby.
Still has a mistake or two in his game that he needs to remove.
Brad Weber - 8
Excellent showing from the Chiefs skipper. A great support player and while not quite Aaron Smith-like with his passing, his service was near-flawless.
Went off in the 54th minute with a worrying-looking injury.
Richie Mo'unga - 8
Does everything with time - like watching a cricket batsman with that little bit of extra time to decide his shot. There will be bigger tests this year for Mo'unga, but he showed why he deserves to be the starting 10.
Goal-kicking wasn't great.
George Bridge - 9
Several try assists and, like Mo'unga, always seems to have time. Should be the left winger for the bigger tests to come this season.
Quinn Tupaea - 8
Mistake-free debut for the Chiefs man. Had a couple of really nice touches and looks like a test-match rugby player.
Rieko Ioane - 7
Excellent first half and rewarded with a try in the second - his ball distribution is the biggest improvement in his game.
Will Jordan - 10
Five tries, enough said.
Damian McKenzie - 9
Electric with ball in hand and stood out on a night where everyone shone.
Reserves
Asofa Aumua - 6
George Bower - 7
Tyrel Lomax - 7
Patrick Tuipulotu - 7
Ethan Blackaddder - 8
Finlay Christie - 7
Beauden Barrett - 7
Jordie Barrett - 6
Brad Lewis is a Newshub online sports producer
