OPINION: The All Blacks closed out both the Bledisloe Cup and the Rugby Championship in one fell swoop in Melbourne on Saturday, accelerating clear of the hosts with a late try-scoring blitz to record a 38-7 win and add to the Wallabies' woes.
Here's how the All Blacks rated.
1-Ethan de Groot 7
EdG was more like OMG at the MCG. The cornerstone of the NZ scrum, had the better of his vaunted opposite and wasn't shy getting his hands on the pill. The southern savage was a rock defensively, making 13 tackles as the gatekeeper around the edges of the rucks.
2-Codie Taylor 8.5
Another rambunctious performance from the cantankerous Cantabrian. Put the ball on the button all evening in the lineout and added one of his trademark rolling maul tries. Back to his vintage best and has - all of a sudden - usurped Samisoni Taukei'aho to reclaim his spot as the No. 1 hooker in the country.
3-Tyrel Lomax 7.5
The Mako marauder was deep in his bag at the 'G', almost as prominent with ball in hand as he was in the dark stuff, showcasing a slick set of hands and a nose for a gap. Unquestionably New Zealand's best No. 3.
4-Brodie Retallick 6.5
Brodie's beloved Kingswood would have been proud of the amount of horsepower 'Guzzler' produced on the defensive end, where he led the way with a team-high 15 tackles. Was immense at the breakdown but couldn't wind up his running game, while his second-row cohort took centre stage.
5-Scott Barrett 9
Within three minutes from kickoff, folded Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott like a rusty deckchair to set-up an outrageous opening try and establish the tone for an utterly unstoppable performance.
Terrifying on both sides of the ball, he played with a brand of power and guile that will cause Ian Foster some sleepless nights, as the coach ponders the previously unthinkable proposition that he might have to genuinely consider keeping Sam Whitelock on the bench.
6-Shannon Frizell 7
Not quite the prime Jerome Kaino he seemed in his breakout against the Boks, but nonetheless another industrious outing. A menace with ball in hand who seems to add to his power bar with every taste of contact.
7-Dalton Papali'i 7
Making his first start of the year due to Sam Cane's unavailability, Papali'i lacked his regular punch with ball in hand but was a workhorse defensively, making a team-high 20 tackles. But Mr Cane's jersey is under no threat.
8-Ardie Savea 7
Although not quite at his irresistible best, the All Blacks' fearless fill-in captain still put forth a skipper's knock, leading by example with his typically relentless energy and knee-pumping charges, leaving Wallabies sub Nic White with tyre marks on his forehead with one lambasting run. On the spot for one try-saving turnover, as per.
9-Aaron Smith 5.5
A handful of uncharacteristic mistakes and misread options. Seemed out of sorts by his sky-high standards.
10-Richie Mo'unga 6.5
The Ōtautahi conductor had his impact limited early by the All Blacks forward-focused gameplan but when the game opened up, contributed a couple of inimitable moments of skill, highlighted by his Nikola Jokic-esque try assist to Will Jordan. Played connector effectively but flew under the radar.
11-Mark Telea 9
The Telea Train remained at full steam in Melbourne. Embarrassed would-be defenders all night on his way to a team-high 104 running metres, including a try and an assist. Resolute as ever under the high ball and defensively. Always on the hunt for action and harder to put down than a Stephen King novel.
From injury replacement to owning a mortgage on the black No.11 jersey, Telea has become a strike force all of his own. Has he ever been taken by a first-up tackler?
12-Jordie Barrett 8
The midfielder erased some unwanted memories of his last visit to the MCG for a certain Boxing Day test match with a third straight clinic in the midfield, manipulating space to perfection for runners off both shoulders, and carrying the ball with zero regard for the advantage line. Quinn Tupaea's injury may prove to be one of the most remarkable 'Sliding Doors' moments in recent All Blacks history.
Jordie is a problem.
13-Rieko Ioane 6
Exposed defensively on a few occasions but bounced back to finish with a try. His most lacklustre test effort of an impressive 2023 to date.
14-Will Jordan 8
Air Jordan was in full flight picking his holes and timing his runs to perfection. As he was in his first two efforts in black this year, everywhere and everything he needed to be at all times. His magnetic sense for the chalk exemplified in his try finish in the corner.
Rose to another level after his shift to fullback, when he turned creator. More food for thought for Foster and co on where his positional future lies.
15-Beauden Barrett 6.5
Looked assured under aerial bombardment and had it on a string off his own boot, both tactically and offensively. Timed his injections deftly, with 78 running metres through his eight carries, but the All Blacks undeniably went up a gear when Jordan took his place.
Reserves:
16-Samisoni Taukei'aho 6
17-Ofa Tuungafasi 7
18-Nepo Laulala 6
19-Sam Whitelock 5
20-Luke Jacobson 5
21-Cam Roigard 6
22-Anton Lienert-Brown 6.5
23-Caleb Clarke 7
Stephen Foote is a Newshub online sports producer
