OPINION: They took the best part of a full half to stamp their dominance on Namibia, but the All Blacks eventually overran their plucky opponents.
All eyes were on the return of towering lock Brodie Retallick from injury and the performance of rookie first-five Jordie Barrett, while three players managed try doubles in a stacked scorecard.
- The Cup 19: New Zealand v Namibia - As it happened
- All Blacks survive Namibia scare
- Five big things from the All Blacks' romp over Namibia
But one of those tryscorers stood out above the rest...
1. Joe Moody 7
Big outing from the prop, out-muscled the Namibians at scrum time and scored a nice try.
2. Codie Taylor 6
Threw the ball well, and ran with purpose and skill.
3. Nepo Laulala 4
Not the best run from the prop, missed a tackle and was sent to the bin in his 30 minutes.
4. Brodie Retallick 7
Great to see him back for 30 minutes. His presence was certainly felt - big tackles and nice offload play, before being subbed.
5. Samuel Whitelock 7
Another big performance from the lock - 10 tackles with none missed in a clinical defensive display.
6. Shannon Frizell 7
Massive defensive effort and ran the ball well, made a team-high 15 tackles.
7. Sam Cane 6
Wasn't his best game going forward, but he tackled well and was superb - as always - at the breakdown.
8. Ardie Savea 7
Another strong performance from the enforcer, with a nice offload for Lienert-Brown's first try, and as always strong defensive work.
9. Aaron Smith 4
Only played 50 minutes, but it was one of his worst for the national side. Average decision making and struggled with his kicking.
10. Jordie Barrett 8
One of his best games in black. Apart from the missed kicks early, his performance was nearly flawless, stayed composed, kicked well from the hand and made some nice breaks.
A big part of the attack in the second half.
11. George Bridge 7
No tries for the Cantabrian, but he made a game-high 125 metres and some good tackles on defence.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown 10
Man-of-the-match performance, he scored two tries and played a massive part in others.
His motor and ability to stay in the play is incredible, and his defence is world class.
13. Jack Goodhue 7
Struggled to get into the match throughout the first half, but once the defence stepped off him and gave him space, he was able to run the ball easier.
14. Sevu Reece 7
Scored two tries in a good finishing display from the winger. Seems to be his trademark - good signs moving forward.
15. Ben Smith 8
Ran with the ball and ran great lines without it, scored two tries. It was great to see him back starting.
Reserves:
16. Dane Coles 5
Did well, after coming off the bench. Hard to tell who will start at hooker in the knockout matches.
17. Ofa Tuungafasi 4
Came on after the break, did okay, then was sent off… the same way as Laulala - not the best outing from the 27-year-old.
18. Angus Ta'avao 7
Scored a nice try, when Laulala was in the bin and slotted into the tighthead well, when he came on.
19. Patrick Tuipulotu 5
Came on for Retallick and toiled strongly, without catching the eye for better or worse.
20. Matt Todd 6
Did well when he was subbed in Savea's place, looks like a lock as the back-up loose forward going forward.
21. Brad Weber 7
Only played 30 minutes, but he had a much bigger impact than Smith at halfback. Threw an outstanding offload in the build-up to Perenara's try.
22. TJ Perenara 6
Scored one of the best tries you will ever see. Definitely made an impact when he came on at first five.
23. Rieko Ioane 5
Only had 19 minutes, made a couple of runs.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub online sports producer.
