Overall team rating: 6.5
A much better second half. Once the All Blacks adopted the Tongans' approach up-front, the backs were able to open up.
But one wonders what might have happened had Tonga been awarded a fully deserved penalty try just before halftime, with the All Black bench a telling factor in the final scoreline.
Ben Smith: 6 - Looks like he's about ready to find his best form.
Nehe Milner-Skudder: 8 - Now the first wing picked. Great finishing.
Waisake Naholo: 5 - In head-to-head with Julian Savea. Continues to be hampered by injury.
Conrad Smith: 6 - Very interesting decision to sub him at 60th minute.
Ma'a Nonu: 6 - Game didn't go his way, but defended well. Nice try to cap 100th test.
Dan Carter: 7 - Some great defence. Kicked well. Gutsy as usual.
Aaron Smith: 6 - Annoying charge down, but only as good as the ball he gets delivered.
Kieran Read: 5 - Forgettable night for the Skipper. Those mistakes against better opposition would be punished.
Sam Cane: 6 - A mixed bag. But don't underestimate the work he and Kaino had to do early on.
Jerome Kaino: 7 - His best game of the RWCV2015. Bruising when it counted. Good carries.
Sam Whitelock: 8 - The workhorse.
Luke Romano: 5 - Subbed at half time pretty much summed up his night.
Owen Franks: 6 - But only just. Scrum under real pressure. Lucky not to concede penalty try.
Dane Coles: 5 - His worst game for a while. Silly kick. And too much time wide of where he was needed.
Tony Woodcock: 5 - Similar to his propping mate. Still like having him out there in big games.
Subs who made an impact:
Brodie Retallick: 7 - Good to have the big guy back throwing himself about with no respect for his own well being.
Sonny Bill Williams: 7 - More of the same. Finishing in tandem with Ma'a may well happen again.
Beauden Barrett: 6 - One nice kick to set up try. Can't wait for his running impact in play-offs.
3 News