Opinion: All Blacks vs Wallabies first Bledisloe Cup test player ratings

OPINION: Newshub sports producer Brad Lewis breaks down the All Blacks' performance at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, where they beat Australia 38-13.

15. Ben Smith - 9

He proved why he is the best in the world last night. Made a crucial break that led to the All Blacks' first try, defended superbly and was often central to the brilliant counterattack we saw on Saturday night. Keep him there please. Mr Hansen.

14. Waisake Naholo - 8

Electrifying at times. The winger showed why pace can kill at this level. Made a few errors here and there and was lucky not to cop a yellow card after an early tip tackle on Israel Folau. Destroyed the Wallabies in the second half playing on the left wing.

13. Jack Goodhue - 9

Will have a mortgage on the All Blacks' 13 jersey for as long as he wants. Goodhue is a special player and proved that in spades last night. Unbelievable on defence he tackles like an openside flanker. Conrad Smith like as a decision-maker, also showed pace and power last night.

Jack Goodhue.
Jack Goodhue. Photo credit: AAP

12. Ryan Crotty - no rating

Left the field early after a brutal head clash with Goodhue. Questions now need to be asked about his long-term future. The best number 12 in the country, but his health is more important than his test career.

11. Rieko Ioane - 6

Played a big part in Goodhue's try, burning Michael Hooper. Play didn't really go his way much but did nothing wrong when it did, aside from a knock-on close to the Wallabies' line after 15 minutes.. Will potentially miss a couple of games with a hamstring injury.

10. Beauden Barrett - 8

Wasn't perfect last night - goal-kicking let him down, but he answered the questions with his general play. A few wayward passes shouldn't detract from an impressive performance behind a dominant pack. Defensively very good, which is an aspect of his game that gets ignored by critics. Is keeping the 10 jersey for some time to come.

9. Aaron Smith - 6

Was a standout for the All Blacks against France in June and put in a very professional performance last night. Solid but not spectacular, but that's all he needed to be.

8. Kieran Read - 8

Welcome back, skipper. Was brutal on defence, superb at the Wallabies lineout and led his team well. Makes a big difference to this side - Luke Whitelock just doesn't have the same ball carrying ability as Read.

Kieran Red played his first test match in nine months.
Kieran Red played his first test match in nine months. Photo credit: AAP

7. Sam Cane - 9

One of his best test matches. Outplayed Pocock and Hooper at the breakdown, winning multiple turnovers and penalties. Was bruising on defence and productive around the park.

6. Liam Squire - 7

Forms the All Blacks' defensive wall alongside his back row cohorts. He is slowly growing into the blindside role with ease. Intimidating tackler, but needs to work on his discipline.

5. Sam Whitelock - 6

Quiet in his 100th but didn't need to stand out. Did everything asked of him, but when has he ever not?

4. Brodie Retallick - 10

Wow. This was the Retallick of 2015. Watched the test a second time Sunday morning and he got even better when not influenced by a few beers. Stole multiple Australian lineouts while winning a fair share of All Blacks throws. His defence was immaculate, and with ball in hand, there is no lock in the world as good. Made Bernard Foley look foolish with the dummy.

3. Owen Franks - 7

Won two scrum penalties and statistically the best defender on the park last night, making seven from seven. Doesn't provide the impact he used to with ball in hand, but the All Blacks have moved away from pick 'n' go rugby the last few years.

2. Cody Taylor - 7

Lost a couple of lineout throws but was part of a dominant All Blacks scrum. Was the standout forward against the French, but a little quieter last night.

1. Joe Moody -7

Probably his best test of 2018. Won a couple of scrum penalties himself and, as with most of the pack, defended superbly well, which is a facet he struggled with in June.

Joe Moody makes a tackle.
Joe Moody makes a tackle. Photo credit: AAP

RESERVES

16. Nathan Harris - no rating

Only got 12 minutes, with one lineout throw lost.

17. Karl Tu'inukuafe - 6

Got 22 minutes, doing what was required. Scrum doesn't miss a beat when the big fellow comes on.

18. Tim Perry - 6

Would have enjoyed being in the park when the ABs were running rampant. Put in a solid 26-minute performance.

19. Scott Barrett - 6

Came on for Squire at blindside, which was interesting. That could be his future position. Nothing much went his way in a 22-minute stay.

20. Ardie Savea - no rating

Came on with 10 to go. Made a couple of significant runs however and looked to be back to full fitness, which is promising.

21. TJ Perenara - no rating

Just 12 minutes for the Hurricanes halfback. Was solid in a short stay.

22. Damian McKenzie - 7

Came on for Ioane after 46 minutes. Ended up playing a floating wing/fullback/first-five role, often at first receiver when the All Blacks had the ball. Dynamic attacking player who had a few moments of brilliance. Could prove to be the best bench player in world rugby by the end of the year.

23. Anton Lienert-Brown - 7

Got 70 minutes and as always, didn't let the jersey down. May get the nod next week with Crotty set for a stint on the sidelines. A superb link player.

Brad Lewis is a digital sport producer for Newshub.