OPINION: Despite a myriad of challenges - the absence of veteran stars, a red card and further injuries to team leaders - the All Blacks had more than enough talent to handle Australia in the Bledisloe Cup closer.
One common trend over the international scheduled so far has been the emergence of a player that has promised so much for so long and has finally begun to deliver...
Here are our All Blacks player ratings at Perth:
George Bower 7
Just the four carries for four metres, but his scrum work looks to be his strength. Great game off the ball, winning a turnover and not missing a tackle.
Codie Taylor 7
Went off late in the first and didn't return, but was very good while he lasted. Seven tackles from seven attempts and helped form a dominant-looking scrum.
Nepo Laulala 8
Six carries for 10 metres and won two penalties at scrum time. Won a turnover and made all seven of his tackle attempts.
Needs to work on discipline though, after conceding three penalties.
Brodie Retallick 7
Not as effective as he has been and gave away a couple of breakdown turnovers, but as usual, he was an absolute rock on defence, making all 11 of his tackle attempts.
Scott Barrett 6
Quiet game, outside of a lineout win against the throw. Missed a couple of tackles and only had three ball carries.
Akira Ioane 10
A monumental second half from the big fella, who has added so many new facets to his game and is fast becoming the complete rugby player.
Forty-eight run metres on eight carries, two try assists, two linebreaks and 11 tackles. Take a bow.
Dalton Papalii 7
Another tremendous game off the ball for Papalii, who made nine tackles from nine attempts and won a ruck turnover.
Ardie Savea 6
Left very late in the first with a head injury and didn't return, but was very busy before that.
Brad Weber 7
Looked at home in the No.9 jersey and his back-up play was prominent in Jordie Barrett's try. Missed four tackles of 10 attempted, so he has work-ons before next week.
Beauden Barrett 7
Was excellent in the first half with his precise open-field kicking leading to points for the All Blacks. Poor from the tee, but the side didn't miss a beat in Richie Mo'unga's absence.
Rieko Ioane 9
'The Ioane Show' at Perth for the All Blacks. Rieko's broken-field running was outstanding and his option taking was even better.
Great try-saving tackle early in the second half added to a near-complete performance from the left winger.
David Havili 9
Arguably his best test performance as an All Black, Ryan Crotty-esque in terms of dependability and defensive nous. Sixteen tackles from 18 attempts show how much he works off the ball.
Match-best 77 metres with ball in hand to boot. Excellent test match.
Anton Lienert-Brown 8
Great to see Lienert-Brown back to his best and the direction of the backline looks better when he is there. Combined with Havili to present a very tough midfield wall that the Wallabies struggled to break.
Will Jordan 8
Just gets better and better. Jordan is becoming a must-select option in the back three, with his game-breaking ability and raw pace. Was excellent again in Perth.
Jordie Barrett 5
Red-carded with 12 minutes to go in the first half, but before that, he was superb. Solid at the back when he needed to be and in the right place for the All Blacks' first try.
Reserves
Samisoni Taukei'aho 7
Karl Tu'unikuafe 6
Angus Ta'avao 7
Tupou Vaa'i 6
Ethan Blackadder 8
TJ Perenara 7
Damian McKenzie 7
George Bridge 7
Brad Lewis is a Newshub online sports producer
