All Blacks: Rugby World Cup progress report

All Blacks player Charlie Ngatai impressed in his brief time on the field against Samoa. Photo / Dean Purcell

One game down, four to go for the All Blacks before Rugby World Cup 2015. Chris Rattue tracks the winners and losers from the narrow victory over Manu Samoa.

Winners: Nepo Laulala and Charlie Ngatai made decent statements on short minutes. Laulala's scrummaging was superb although there are much tougher opponents in that area than Samoa. The All Blacks' B-team midfield completely misfired and Ngatai impressed with his decision making.

Falling stocks: The spotlight falls on protected-species Sonny Bill Williams who was out of sync and involved in repeated turnovers. World Cup certainty Ma'a Nonu had a top Super Rugby season but there aren't outstanding challengers for the No. 12 jersey. If SBW can't get out of this slump, the selectors need to go looking. Charlie Ngatai is a late contender and - significantly - is leading the Maori All Blacks from second five-eighths. George Moala is being positioned as the next Nonu. Leading backup Ryan Crotty is underwhelming compared to SBW and Nonu at their best.

The fullback debate...
...isn't one for now. Ben Smith is miles ahead. The injury-hit Israel Dagg is way off the pace. With so many good wing options, Smith should rule at No. 15 with Beauden Barrett the bench and backup option. Which could mean Dagg misses the World Cup altogether if a utility such as Charles Piutau is also in the World Cup party.

The hooker debate
Over to you, Codie Taylor. Hika Elliot's late-ish introduction for veteran Keven Mealamu in Apia supported the feeling that Steve Hansen still doesn't have enough faith in the rejuvenated Chiefs hooker.

The fall guy...
It was a tough night for halfbacks, but it often is in big World cup games. His pack didn't fire but Andy Ellis was pedestrian.

The big plus from Apia
Surviving World Cup-type turmoil.

The big negative from Apia
A failure to take a chaotic game by the scruff of the neck.

Are the All Blacks tracking well?
Not yet. Not by a long shot.

Starting side
If the All Blacks played Argentina in the World Cup opener tomorrow, this is our starting side:
Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett.