OPINION: As expected, the All Blacks chalked up a dominant win against USA Eagles, running in 16 tries along the way.
But with ball movement front and centre, some fringe players made their case for a permanent starting spot more than others.
Here's how the All Blacks rated in the 104-14 romp at Washington DC:
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Ethan de Groot 8
Scored a first test try in the early stages and was busy with five ball carries. Made four tackles in defence.
Has made an encouraging start to his All Blacks career.
Asafo Aumua 7
Surprising he didn't feature more in such an open test. Was perfect with his lineout throwing and made 23 metres with ball in hand.
Angus Ta'avao 9
Industrious display from Ta'avao, who scored a pair of tries to honour his mate Sean Wainui. Really seemed to enjoy the loose nature of the test, making 70 metres on eight runs.
Sam Whitelock 8
Not the sort of game where Whitelock shines, yet he was still dominant. Six runs with ball in hand and 100 percent tackle rate, with seven from seven in an hour of work.
Tupou Vaa'i 8
Came out of the gate strong, providing a very physical presence in the middle of the park. Ended with 38 metres on eight ball carries, making eight tackles on defence.
A true athlete.
Luke Jacobson 8
Really stood out in the first half with his ball-handling and powerful running. Has always looked the part of an All Black and was to the fore again on a sunny afternoon in Washington.
Dalton Papalii 8
Another excellent display from the openside flanker, who arguably could keep Sam Cane out of the starting line-up with several standout performances in 2021.
Seventy-eight metres on just three runs and made his tackles when needed.
Hoskins Sotutu 7
74 metres on 12 runs and several classy first-half offloads for the Blues man. Provides something different from the back of the scrum with his speed and power.
Solid outing.
Finlay Christie 9
Excellent performance from the Blues halfback. His service was quick and he was decisive with ball in hand.
Provides the perfect compliment to Smith and Perenara, almost a mix between the two.
Richie Mo'unga 9
Masterful from the No.10. Hard to stand out when your team scores nine first half tries, but that's exactly what Mo'unga did.
Bigger tests to come up north, but the All Blacks are a better side when Mo'unga is in the 23.
George Bridge 6
Game didn't flow his way and it didn't look like Bridge went looking for it either. Did his job solidly enough, but after the horror show against the Springboks a few weeks back, he missed his chance to stand out.
Quinn Tupaea 9
With 150 metres with ball in hand, Tupaea continues to develop as an All Black. Needed this type of game to showcase his growing skillset.
Was prominent in several first-half tryscoring movements, finishing with two assists and a try.
Braydon Ennor 8
Played the full 80 minutes on return to the black jersey. Eighty metres in 11 runs for the Crusaders centre and made all five of his tackle attempts.
Will Jordan 10
Electric as always, Jordan continues to put his best foot forward everytime he wears black and must be close to automatic selection.
Arguably has the most tools of any outside back in the squad, with 166 metres on 14 runs, three tries and two assists.
Damian McKenzie 10
A McKenzie-type match for sure. He thrives on the ad lib and was central to several tryscoring moments.
Won't be enough to usurp Joride Barrett from the No.15 jersey at this point, but he was excellent.
Reserves
Dane Coles 7
George Bower 7
Tyrel Lomax 7
Josh Lord 7
What a giant of a human Lord is. Seventeen metres on two runs and three tackles form three attempts. Nice debut.
Sam Cane 7
Great to see the now-former skipper back in black. Seven tackles on defence, but was quiet with ball in hand.
TJ Perenara 7
Sixty-three metres in a 30-minute display for the Hurricanes halfback and put a cherry on the test with the final try.
Beauden Barrett 8
Drew level with the great Jonah Lomu on 37 tires.
Anton Lienert-Brown 8
Brad Lewis is a Newshub online sports producer.
