10 of the week’s top performers including ‘sensational’ All Black veteran, Ireland hero and a Wallaby with a ‘new lease of life’
Split with All Black Beauden Barrett and Ireland players celebrating.
Another outrageous weekend of Test rugby is in the books and once again we reveal the top performers from the action, according to our player ratings.
Since our ratings only covered All Blacks v England, Wallabies v Wales and Springboks v Ireland our top 10 will be derived from those series.
Beauden Barrett
One of the performances of the round. Anyone who thought the oldest Barrett was done and dusted was sorely mistaken as the veteran came on to change the game for the All Blacks. It just looked like everything he touched turned to gold, culminating in a scything run through the heart of England’s defence which led to him playing Mark Tele’a in for the decisive try. He was sensational.
Marcus Smith
The flair-filled playmaker was simply brilliant for his side and very nearly steered England to a famous win in Eden Park. His attacking kicks proved to be very challenging for the All Blacks to deal with. It was a sort of coming-of-age performance for Smith who is firmly the incumbent 10 after this tour. We think he shouldn’t have been taken off although he did have to return when Freddie Steward was injured. England lost their foothold in the game when Smith left the pitch.
Maro Itoje
Another player who had a colossal impact and one who single-handedly derailed the All Blacks line-out. It was one of Itoje’s best outings in England colours as he threw his body at the All Blacks on both sides of the ball and just seemed to make crucial intervention after crucial intervention, especially in the first half.
Rob Valetini
Planet Rugby writer David Skippers hit it on the head in the player’s ratings when he wrote, “Does this guy ever play poorly?” of Valetini’s performance after he once again put his hand up in a big way for the Wallabies. The big ball runner will always consistently carry and when it’s time to defend he likes to get stuck in. He will be firmly at the heart of Joe Schmidt’s plans going forward.
Wallabies player ratings: ‘Impressive’ Rob Valetini ‘takes no prisoners’ in victory over Wales
Ciaran Frawley
Two vital drop goals in a ridiculously good cameo off the bench. The versatile man was so composed and very accurate in his decision-making which ultimately put his side in a position to win the game and draw the series against the Springboks. Makes one wonder if he should be prioritised more in that Irish set-up.
Ireland player ratings: ‘Heroic’ bench snatch last-gasp victory over poor Springboks
Jordie Barrett
All the players above scored 9s in the ratings and another Barrett leads the 8s who round out the list. The centre made a boatload of tackles in a shift where he was everywhere and crucially so in one instance where he only just held onto a bobbling ball in the backfield. He appears inspired by his vice-captaincy role and consistently looks better in the 12 shirt.
Ardie Savea
The reigning Men’s 15s Player of the Year had another impactful game in the All Blacks shirt where he did everything in his power to stem the English tide in the first period. He had his say on both sides of the ball as well as in the line-out on one or two occasions. Savea is an ultra-reliable player even when he is not quite at his glittering best.
Fraser McReight
The flanker looks like he has a new lease of life now that he has been backed in the seven shirt. McReight played a crucial role in Filipo Daugunu’s try where he ran most of the field before setting the wing up. Outside of that he matched up well with Wales breakdown superstar Tommy Reffell and notched up the team high tackle count. He is a certain starter in Wallabies gold.
Wales player ratings: ‘Gritty’ back-row again impress as Wallabies claim series win
Dewi Lake
In the midst of a chaotic Welsh season, the skipper must be commended for the way in which he has stood up every time he pulls the jersey on. He scored a brace against the Wallabies and had his say at the breakdown and in the physical battle.
Tadhg Beirne
The move to blindside worked a charm and just shows how impressively good of a rugby player the Irishman is. He offered a good platform for the team to work in the set-piece and as he always does completely emptied the tank. One of the key elements in a memorable win.
