mens
international
The All black people comprehensively beat the Wallabies 43-21 in Sydney for the second week in a row.
In a game that foreshadowed the 2024 competition at the same venue, the All Blacks led 36-7 at half-time before Australia edges of the second half.
Here’s how the All Blacks rated in Sydney:
1. George Bower – 8
The first clash didn’t come until the 31st minute for the All Blacks front row, but the engine room was busy defensively, all racking up double-figure tackles in their 49 minutes. They were impressive in controlling the winning line and nullifying the Wallabies’ hurling.
2. Codie Taylor – 9
Busy afternoon for Taylor early with three line breaks in the first 15 minutes. Hooker continued his high work rate, making 12 tackles and maintaining a 100 percent set-piece while on the court.
3. Fletcher Newell – 8.5
A large number of transmissions from Newell. Great close defense. He scored 13 tries during his time on the field.
4. Scott Barrett – 8
Inappropriate play based on ball work, ruck clearing and tight defending from close range.
5. Fabian Holland – 8.5
Lineout option. He controlled the line of reinforcements in contact areas, with ball carriers unable to get through the high lock. He pinched a key Wallabies line which led to Ioane’s try.
6. Tupou Va’i –
No. 6 had a solid game with nine tricks. He played back his 10th more than he carried, kept a clean sheet and
7. Peter Lakai – 9.5
The two-headed monster Lakai & Sititi in the carry game proved hard to put down. Lakai had a world class performance. He had an early turnover inside his own 22 after a sustained Wallabies attack, killing off a key possession. He became a weapon for the All Blacks in attack, breaking the line numerous times in the first half. Powered from close range to try. He had 17 plays and 15 tackles.
8. Wallace Street – 9.5
Again, Sititi looks back to his best results at No.8 in the form that earned him Player of the Year two years ago. He looked dangerous in his early career, making a good offload for the halfway line. Throw in a silly shot that gets out of trouble. Big defensive play up close on the Wallabies ball carriers. Ran onto a beautiful flat pass for a break between the midfielders. Broke off the back of a five-metre scrum for an easy try.
9. Cam Roigard – 9
He became very influential around the rucks after a forward ball that had the Wallabies on the back foot. He produced a lovely double pump for Moorby to break through and offload the lead to Lakai’s try.
10. Damian McKenzie – 9
McKenzie put in a flawless display at the Accor Stadium, unleashing a deadly attack from the back of the pods. He had some wonderful midfield play to open up the Wallabies with a line break to Peter Lakai before Beauden Barrett finished the possession. He was involved in half a dozen line breaks and the Wallabies had no answer to limit his effectiveness. At one point Harry Wilson tried to shoot at him and tackle him early, but he bounced out.
11. Joshua Moorby – 8
Moorby was safe as a house under the high ball. Scored the first try with a dummy on Suaalii and slipped through Valetini’s attack wide on the left edge, had another dummy on Jorgensen for an inbound try.
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai – 8
The All Blacks’ unexpected starting number 12 showed great moves all day with quick hands and nice timing on the backswing. He always had a fist to lower when he carried. He broke into the middle early in the second half and had a big shot on Jorgensen. It was a neat display with no mistakes.
13. Quinn Tupea – N/A
A first touch down the right looked enterprising before a tackle took him over the touchline. He was forced off the field due to an HIA.
14. Will Jordan – 7
A short but impressive afternoon for Jordan. He was confident under the high ball and connected beautifully in the back play of his wing. He came on early in the second half for Chay Fihaki.
15. Beauden Barrett – 9
A vintage display of Barrett at fullback who has shown some great moments. He had a great 1-on-1 with Jorgensen at the break of the Wallabies front line. The next time he shot off the line, as Jorgensen went past him on a short ball. Before Moorby’s try he had a line break running a flat ball into the area. He collapsed on his 47th Test trying to hold the defense up with a passing threat before collapsing on Meredith. Picked out Jorgensen for an interception try right on the stroke of half-time, beating Tom Wright 70m out. Tried by Delcan Meredith with a superb backhand move that dislodged the ball as he looked for space to put it down.
Reserves
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho – great first save on Harry Wilson with Tosi putting the number 8 on his back. He was held over the line after a strong carry.
17. Xavier Numia
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Shannon Frizell – He went on but went off injured, leaving the All Blacks without a player for the final period.
20. Du’Plessis to Kirifi – Gave a penalty advantage for not turning. He had one tackle with Ioane that resulted in the Wallabies.
21. Cortez Ratima – All Black spent a large part of their time on the field in defense. Made a few shots from the box.
22. Fihaki – Had a great break on the line early on, booked five minutes from time for a tackle on Suaali.
23. Rieko Ioane – 8 – He came in the 2nd minute. The Wallabies have tested their outside channel quite successfully. Multiple lines cut through a well-executed game. He scored in his favorite corner at Accor with an effort on the left flank beyond Jordan.