15-Israel Dagg - 8/10
Dagg's form and impact has increased with each and every game, finding his timing for Savea's try and proving himself another attacking threat when he entered the line. Tackling when it mattered was also a strong point.
14-Charles Piutau - 7.5/10
Not given too many chances on attack but he was given a stern test on defence, snuffing out most of the danger including a game buster on Folau who was the only potent Aussie threat. Wasn't overawed and gained himself valuable reliability points. A brace of tries down his wing.
13-Ben Smith - 5.5/10
Was beaten on the outside a few times which could be construed as inexperience on his part. Couldn't provide the spark and was generally a passenger with his senior comrades stepping up.
12-Ma'a Nonu - 8/10
Most likely told to mentor his new centre and he did just that, taking on a mountain of work and effective as he did so. Strong running, huge workload and stood up to the task of senior professional.
11-Julian Savea - 7.5/10
Scored a try and bruised in the tackle; another typical Savea evening. With each game he shows his knack of setting up tries with common sense and also showed his knack for bumping off all comers, including prop Benn Robinson.
10-Aaron Cruden - 7/10
After his howler, Cruden didn't miss a beat, landing easy and challenging goals. Is playing a circumspect role at present but did his role as goal kicker and distributor well. Crucial tackles made.
9-Aaron Smith - 7/10
Did his core roles well but was lacking the emotional impact he has had of late. Didn't back himself as normal but provided the slick ball the AB's need. A long way ahead of his internal competition.
8-Kieran Read - 8/10
New Captains knock. Imposed himself at the breakdown and as the game wore on, roamed free to score his try. Plays tighter when Captain Richie isn't there but makes an impact - if not so obvious on the camera.
7-Sam Cane - 8.5/10
Won crucial turnovers, was the next man to the ball most times including his try and had some definite impact, bumping off pretenders to make yards and some positive tackling. Our Man of the Match.
6-Liam Messam - 7/10
Couldn't impose on the match like last week but was a crucial link man, getting his hands dirty and popping up the right time, his offload for Cruden's try well done.
5-Sam Whitelock - 7.5/10
Quietly went about his work with another solid display. He doesn't have a poor game in him.
4-Jeremy Thrush - 5.5/10
The poor guy has to live up to Whitelock's and Retalick's standards and couldn't quite match their output. Subbed just after half time.
3-Charlie Faumuina- 7.5/10
Best Test to date for the Aucklander. Some dominating tackles in close and eventually had his opposite's number in the scrum.
2-Keven Mealamu- 7/10
Lineout ticked along nicely. Solid return for the veteran who doesn't get to do his burrowing best in a dry stadium. Some big hits early in combination with his props.
1-Tony Woodcock - 7.5/10
Like Mealamu, looks like he is never going to retire, showing energy around the fringes and correcting an early scrum hiccup to regain the advantage there. A fantastic game.
Reserves:
16-Dane Coles - 6/10
Still hasn't provided firm evidence he is the man to replace the old boys, not able to show his ball running ability. Needs a few more starts.
17-Wyatt Crockett - 7/10
Part of the double change with 15 minutes left on the clock. Didn't put a foot wrong and has the knack of lifting the pack around him to keep the pace of play up.
18-Ben Franks - 6.5/10
On for last quarter of an hour. Kept the scrum momentum going and kept his discipline. Could find himself in the stands when younger brother Owen returns from injury.
19-Brodie Retalick - 7.5/10
The difference was noticeable when he came on for Thrush after 43 minutes, winning turnovers and a lineout steal, making a great deal of impact. His second man play in setting up the fourth try was typical of the overall skill level of this side.
20-Steven Luatua - n/a
Last six minutes for Messam.
21-Tawera Kerr-Barlow - 6/10
Last quarter of an hour for Smith. Cleared the ball well.
22-Beauden Barrett - 6/10
No Superman effort this week but a steady hand in finishing the match off. With Dan Carter returning soon, he may have the place on the bench secured over Cruden.
23-Tom Taylor - n/a
Last six minutes for Ben Smith.
