Everyone knew this was going to be an one-sided affair - but what was of particular interest here - is the presence in the All Black team of a number of younger players that could be of interest insofar as future development of the team is concerned.
My own assessment is as follows:-
Charles Piutau
This guy was tremendous in Super 15 and he showed top class today. Absolute star at both full back and wing.
Frank Halai
Good performance - but one wonders how he is going to do against stronger opposition - some way to go before definitive prognosis can be made.
Francis Saili
50-50 in performance against weakish opposition. Will have problems against stronger opposition.
Steven Luatua
This guy was tremendous in Super 15 and he showed top class today. Since the locks were not consistent in line - outs he took a lot of line-out balls, especially in the second half.
Jeremy Thrush
At best a Super 15 level player - not test material
Dominic Bird
Despite all the hype - he was dead average against weak opposition. Problem is he does not get enough game time at Super 15 level because of Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano - so he does not get enough game time against stronger opposition. Definitely not ready for test selection - will disappear against stronger opposition.
