OPINION: With so many new or newish All Blacks on display, the 69-31 win over Japan was a chance for fringe candidates to put their hands up for future selection.
Some found it easier than others...
Jordie Barrett - 5
Hot on the heels of his forgettable Springboks test, his first kick of the game was charged down for a Japan try. Struggled to impose himself from there and desperately needed the bounce that went Ngani Laumape's way.
Waisake Naholo - 7
A constant threat whenever he touched the ball, he showed his improved kicking game, highlighted by the monster bounce that gifted Laumape his first try.
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Matt Proctor - 6
Solid on defence, threatening on attack and rewarded with a try. Plenty to like from his debut, playing alongside Hurricanes teammate Laumape.
Ngani Laumape - 9
Probably his best performance in black. Scored a hat-trick of tries, showing off kicking skills for his third, while also demonstrating vision to find Dane Coles for the All Blacks' opening try.
Nehe Milner-Skudder - 4
Slowed by injuries and now just a shadow of the player that rocketed to international stardom only three years ago. Picked a bad time to leave the field injured again, replaced by rising star George Bridge.
Richie Mo'unga - 9
Continued to show his class at this level, controlled the game expertly and kicked soundly. Moved closer to a full-time role in the top rotation.
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi - 7
Stepping out of the shadows for the first time, showed a crisp, long pass and pace. Has the ability to step up if something bad happens to Smith or Perenara.
Luke Whitelock - 6
Tackled and tackled and tackled and tackled… but rarely sighted in the loose.
Dalton Papali'I - 6
Barely mentioned and was up against very motivated Japanese at the breakdown. Held his own, without threatening to break loose.
Vaea Fifita - 6
Never got a chance to unleash his athleticism and forced into the second row late in the game.
Jackson Hemopo - 7
Excelled in the first half, whether with ball in hand, tackling or ripping possession. Less obvious later, as he also logged a full 80 minutes.
Patrick Tuipulotu - 6
Difficult night for tight forwards, struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of the game and without a set-piece battle to dominate.
Angus Ta'avao - 6
Ditto above.
Dane Coles - 7
Great to see this fella back on the park, rekindling fond memories with his opening try out on the wing. Should waste no time moving back into the top rotation, albeit as Codie Taylor's back-up initially.
Ofa Tuungafasi - 6
Ditto the other tight forwards.
Liam Coltman - 5
Small sample size, didn't drop the ball.
Tim Perry - 5
Ditto.
Tyrel Lomax - 6
One exciting element of 2018 All Blacks has been building depth among props. Not bad for our eighth cab off the rank.
Dillon Hunt - 5
Small sample size.
Gareth Evans - 7
Wasn't on long before he did the dirty work for Naholo's try. Also fired a long pass for Laumape's third.
Mitch Drummond - 5
Small sample size.
Brett Cameron - 5
Small sample size.
George Bridge - 9
Feels too generous to give a perfect score for a 40-minute performance - but Bridge took absolutely every opportunity afforded him. Scored with his first touch, and set up at least two other tries with speed and enthusiasm.
Seems to be on the opposite career trajectory to Milner-Skudder.
Grant Chapman is Newshub's online sports editor.
