Player ratings from the ROAR by Adam JulianThe All Blacks have started the post McCaw era with a 3-0 series sweep of Wales. The first two Tests play ed out in a similar fashion with Wales challenging strongly in the first hour before fading. The third Test was a runaway victory for the hosts who have won 11 Tests in a row.
Despite the All Blacks appearing to be resounding favourites for the Rugby Championship there remains some unanswered questions. The selectors tried four centers in three Tests. Who is the best starting first-five and are all the established regulars necessarily doing enough to retain their places?
Out of ten how did the All Blacks fare?
Forwards
Joe Moody – 7: The All Black scrum was dominant for periods which has been unusual in recent times. Moody was a big part of this attacking platform. He has enhanced his reputation in this series.
Dane Coles – 7: A world-class player who didn’t disappoint. Accurate lineouts and trademark bursts of energy with ball in hand. Could have been subbed in the third Test to give Codie Taylor a decent run, because there is no obvious competition for Coles right now.
Owen Franks – 7: Dished out some punishment on defence and was steady in the scrums. A good series for the veteran.
Brodie Retallick – 7: A defensive workhorse and his subtle handling and rigorous charges are a big part of the All Blacks attack.
Sam Whitelock – 6: Returned from injury in Wellington and had an industrious series. Wasn’t as forceful as usual, but that will come.
Jerome Kaino – 7: His physical presence adds much string to the All Blacks defence. Not as dominant as he used to be with ball in hand, but effective enough.
Sam Cane – 4: The heir apparent to McCaw? Not on this series. Works hard, but conceded four penalties and a yellow card in Dunedin. The All Blacks lost nothing when he was off the field. Cane lacks McCaw’s shrewdness and Savea’s dynamism. Cane is a good openside, but is he really a world class openside on his showings in this series?
Kieran Read – 7: Dynamic start in Wellington. Was consistent without setting the world on fire in each Test.
Luke Romano – 6: Workman like 40 minutes in Auckland.
Wyatt Crockett – 6: Great skill to create a try in Auckland. Did his job, but no more.
Charlie Faumuina – 7: Strong and skillful with ball in hand and more than held his own in the scrums, a good series.
Patrick Tuipulotu – 7: A hulk of a man who bustled gamely in Auckland and added punch in Wellington.
Ardie Savea – 7: Provided genuine impact in both games. His try in Wellington was sensational. Coach Steve Hansen called him “special.” He must surely be pushing hard for a start.
Elliot Dixon – 6: A solid, but unspectacular Dunedin debut.
Liam Squire – 6: Strong carries against a tiring Welsh defence, an encouraging start.
Backs
Israel Dagg – 9: Recalled for the second Test and repaid the selectors faith with two brilliant performances.
Ben Smith – 8: Made a shaky start in Auckland dropping three high kicks, but shrugged those blemishes aside quickly and had a typically effective series. Produces at least one spectacular moment per match.
Malakai Fekitoa – 4: Exposed defensively in Auckland and failed to deliver on his attacking promise. A possible career setback.
Ryan Crotty – 6: Not a flashy player, but efficient enough. A steady presence in an uncertain midfield. A good guy to have in a phase of transition, but don’t expect him to be remembered as one of the greats.
Waisake Naholo – 5: Scored three tries and produced some breathtaking moments on attack, but that was mixed with some woeful handing and poor decision making. Strangely shifted to centre late in Dunedin.
Aaron Cruden – 6: After 19 months out of international rugby he grew in stature during the Auckland Test. Left the field injured in Wellington and faces a serious challenge from Beauden Barrett to retain his starting place.
Aaron Smith – 9: Auckland was very good, but his last two games were imperious. The best halfback in World rugby by a mile.
Beauden Barrett – 9: Had his best Test for the All Blacks in Dunedin and produced some mesmerizing moments on attack in all three games. Has perfected the art of the impact player, but would be a starter for any other team in World Rugby and on form should be for the All Blacks too. He even kicked his goals.
Seta Tamanivalu – 4: Showed fleeting glimpses of his attacking flair, but mostly underwhelmed. Fended off with disdain by Jonathan Davies late in Wellington.
Julian Savea – 3: Has gone from the world’s best winger to a fumbling plodder in less than a year. His decline in form has been almost inexplicable. He is surely living on borrowed time unless there is a dramatic improvement in form.
George Moala – 6: Easily the most exciting of the four centres the All Blacks tried.
Not Rated: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, TJ Perenara.
