The Bledisloe Cup will remain on New Zealand shores for yet another year after the All Blacks inflicted a record 57-22 defeat on the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday.
Here’s how the Australian players rated as they lick their wounds ahead of an August 28 date with New Zealand in Perth.
1: James Slipper 5/10
Was around the ball often in broken play and caused repeated problems for his opposite number in the scrum.
2: Brandon Paenga-Amosa 4.5/10
Was vastly improved on lineout efforts from the previous game, but had one crucial throw not straight, which thwarted momentum early in the second half.
3: Allan Alaalatoa 5/10
Went about his work quietly and was subbed off in the 52nd minute.
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4: Darcy Swain 4/10
Failed to make much of an impact at any stage.
5: Matt Philip 7/10
Forced his way back into the starting side and put on an impressive display. Was a constant force at lineout time and forced a key maul turnover.
6: Lachlan Swinton 5.5/10
Brought in to add some aggression in the loose and somewhat succeeded, but a bad handling error led to a counter-attacking All Blacks try.
7: Michael Hooper 7/10
Kept turning up until the last minute, making a massive line break and producing a superb try saving tackle on Sevu Reece.
8: Rob Valetini 7/10
Moved to the back of the scrum for this clash and seemed to have an almost personal duel with his opposite Ardie Savea. Work rate was very good, including a number of his trademark strong charges.
9: Tate McDermott 8/10
Running game opened up the defence on a number of occasions including his well taken try, right before halftime.
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10: Noah Lolesio 5.5/10
Up and down sort of night for the young fly half, best illustrated by throwing an intercept pass to concede a try, but also a nice kick pass on Andrew Kellaway’s first try.
11: Marika Koroibete 7/10
Having missed the first Bledisloe Test due to disciplinary reasons, he quickly showed what he can offer with a number of tackle breaks and thunderous tackles that gave the opposition cause for pause.
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12: Matt To’omua 5.5/10
Elevated from the bench to provide some midfield stability and showed some for the most part, with smart kicking and link play. Threw an ill-advised pass which was intercepted for Reece’s try.
13: Hunter Paisami 6/10
Moved out one spot wider to try and regain some form and seemed to benefit with a bit more room to run. Showed some nice footwork and speed on a few half line breaks.
Kellaway continues dream Bledisloe start
14: Andrew Kellaway 8/10
After a highly impressive Bledisloe debut, the tearaway winger carried on that form, grabbing two more tries and defending exceptionally well in a near-flawless display.
15: Tom Banks 6/10
Two tries last week, but was unable to cross the line this time. Worked hard and put on a nice tip pass for Kellaway’s second try.
RESERVES
16: Jordan Uelese 4/10
Lineout and scrum work was good at times, but not consistent.
17: Scott Sio 4/10
Brought in to the squad and played about 25 minutes with little reward.
18: Taniela Tupou 5/10
Largely well contained again, but did manage to break the line on one occasion.
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19: Lukhan Salakai-Loto 5.5/10
Demoted from the starting lineup and worked particularly hard.
20: Harry Wilson 5/10
Used in an impact role this week and added some good angled runs without much return.
21: Nic White 5.5/10
The ace All Back agitator made a long-awaited return from injury and created problems for the defence down the short channels.
22: Len Ikitau N/A
23: Reece Hodge 5.5/10
Showed some classy touches in his short stint.
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