Beauden Barrett continued his excellent form last night in the All Blacks' 42-8 demolition of the Wallabies in Sydney. Photo / Photosport
Chris Rattue runs the rule over the standout players in the All Blacks' 42-8 win over Australia in Sydney last night.
ALL BLACKS
Israel Dagg 8
Did his bit in the blitz wth loads of runs - a couple of fumbles.
Ben Smith 7
The one player who didn't really join the attacking party. Defended strongly.
Malakai Fekitoa 8
Confidence boosting night behind rampant forwards. Highly involved. One poor kick.
Ryan Crotty 8
Strong half, starting with scoot down touchline for try. Maybe his best performance in the black jersey.
Waisake Naholo 7
Was looking the business before a hamstring injury struck while scoring. Injury issues starting to mount.
Beauden Barrett 9
A revelation...you name it and he did it. Speed and anticipation destroyed Australia. Goalkicking still an issue. Watershed game...No.. 10 jersey is his.
Aaron Smith 8
The energiser. The greatest All Black halfback ever.
Kieran Read 9
Giant. From lineouts, to smashing tackles, clever passes, leadership. Seemingly seamless transition from the McCaw era.
Sam Cane 8
Muscular work in the trenches helped lay foundation for New Zealand's sharp-passing game plan.
Jerome Kaino 9
The intimidator. Crunching runs, nice touches, and fine charge-down try. The World Cup star still in great form.
Sam Whitelock 9
Monster of a game. Ruled the air, launched himself around the field, and wonderful offload to set up try. Introduced the term front loading in halftime interview.
Brodie Retallick 9
The works burger, including great passes and two lineout steals. The All Black locks tormented Aussie and went the distance.
Owen Franks 8
Busy and aggressive. Made his finest run in a long time just before getting replaced.
Codie Taylor -
Concussed in the opening minutes tackling McCalman.
Wyatt Crockett 8
Good work rate and gave notice he wants to fend off the Joe Moody challenge.
RESERVES
Dane Coles (Taylor, 3m) 9
Rose from the injury ward for another fine game. Lineouts great. Sharp angled run for try.
Kane Hames (Crockett, 58m) 6
Immediately in try move, fumble ruled out another.
Charlie Faumuina (Franks, 46m) 6
The damage had been done - didn't make hay with the sun shining.
Liam Squire (Kaino, 58m) 6
He looks the part, although without setting the world on fire here.
Ardie Savea (Cane, 64m) 6
A couple of bruising runs.
TJ Perenara (A. Smith, 68m) 6
Efficient without inspiring much.
Aaron Cruden (Crotty, 40m) 7
Joined free flow attacking structure. Some good moments as he adjusts to super sub role.
Julian Savea (Naholo, 40m) 7
One top finish past Genia in the corner and looked to have his confidence back.
WALLABIES
Israel Folau 6
Glass half full or empty. The odd good run, but the Wallabies needed more from him. Not busy enough.
Adam Ashley-Cooper 5
The veteran grabbed a kick off and that was about it.
Tevita Kuridrani 6
Worked very hard on defence but horrible night attack-wise included lost ball.
Matt Giteau 4
Departed with ankle injury after 12 minutes.
Dane Haylett-Petty 6
Tried hard but exposed.
Bernard Foley 4
Static, especially in comparison to Barrett. Conceded charge down try. Aimless. Hopeless.
Will Genia 6
First game in seven months. Put the effort in but had no show behind that pack.
David Pocock 8
Involved in an amazing six turnover steals. Tackled away, but not much front loading.
Michael Hooper 6
The little bloke fought an ineffective rearguard battle. Seems to have lost his x-factor.
Ben McCalman 5
A fragile pack is desperate for a rampant loosie with the ball. No joy here. Bring back Fardy?
Rob Simmons 5
A club player compared to the locks he was up against.
Kane Douglas 6
Raced up to make some strong early tackles but disappeared into the dross.
Sekope Kepu 4
Huge disappointment. No grunt with the ball or in tackles.
Stephen Moore 4
A shocker, particularly lineout-wise. Even lost a tighthead. The brave-heart looked like he lost heart.
Scott Sio 5
At least he tried a few runs. Lost the ball on his last attempt,
RESERVES
Tatafu Polata-Nau (Moore, 63m) 4
Should he have been brought on earlier? Not on this showing.
James Slipper (Sio, 51m) 4
Barely adequate when fire was needed.
Allan Ala'alatoa (Kepu, 54m) 6
Some promising signs. Good hands, and a bit of fight.
Dean Mumm (Simmons, 50m) 6
Gave one stirring talk and got this hands on the ball, although without much impact.
Scott Fardy (McCalman, 62m) 4
Probably more of a starter type. Zero impact.
Nick Phipps (Horne, 39m) 7
The little halfback ended up on the wing, worked hard, and did okay. Brave skid for try.
Matt Toomua (Giteau, 12m) 3
Got an early call but quickly added to the injury crisis.
Rob Horne (Toomua, 30m) 3
Barely 10 fairly anonymous minutes before joining the casualty ward.
OPINION: There are three key reasons to believe that they can.