All Blacks player ratings: Mark Telea proves a point while half-backs shine in dominant Rugby World Cup win

Following a convincing 44-6 victory over Argentina in the Rugby World Cup semi-final at the Stade de France on Friday, here are the player ratings for New Zealand.

15 Beauden Barrett: Has really settled into the full-back role and is combining well with Richie Mo’unga. His kicking game is excellent and decision-making on point. 8

14 Will Jordan: Added another three tries to his collection. The first two were relatively simple as he benefited from the work inside him, but the third was genuinely jaw-dropping. 8

13 Rieko Ioane: Made one excellent break and when in space was a lethal runner. His combination with Jordie Barrett is working nicely. 7

12 Jordie Barrett: Provides that power and ball-carrying option in midfield, but his overall skill set is just magnificent. He kicks well and has a lovely passing game, while his aerial work can also come in handy from ‘up and unders’. 8

Outstanding response

11 Mark Telea: Had a point to prove after his misdemeanour last week and this was some response. Remarkable work rate and his strength at close quarters is insane. Telea is some player. 9

10 Richie Mo’unga: Such a wonderful rugby player who the All Blacks will miss when he heads off to Japan after the World Cup. Controlled the game brilliantly and his silky smooth running game cut open the Argentine defence. 9

9 Aaron Smith: Antoine Dupont is now seen as the benchmark for scrum-half play, and rightly so, but Smith is not far off. If it was possible, the 34-year-old has elevated his game to even higher standards in this tournament. 9

8 Ardie Savea: Irrepressible once again from the number eight. Has an incredible engine in both attack and defence, and Los Pumas couldn’t handle him. 8

Captain fantastic once again

7 Sam Cane (c): One poor drop aside, it was another excellent display from the skipper. Absolutely dominated the breakdown and continually disrupted opposition ball. 8

6 Shannon Frizell: Plays a crucial role in providing balance to that back-row. Offered real physicality in the tight to allow Cane and Savea to thrive. 7

5 Scott Barrett: Was having an excellent game until a cynical infringement saw him yellow carded. Has a tendency to do needless acts like that, so will need to cut it out for the final. 7

4 Sam Whitelock: Has rolled back the years in this World Cup. Whitelock’s handling in attack was exemplary, but it was his tight and set-piece work which put Argentina under real pressure. 8

Scrum dominance

3 Tyrel Lomax: Had Thomas Gallo in all sorts of trouble at the scrum, while Lomax was also a real workhorse in the loose. 8

2 Codie Taylor: A good performance from the hooker, even if a couple of lineouts did go awry. Some good work in the loose and he is a nuisance at the breakdown. 7

1 Ethan de Groot: Like Lomax, De Groot is a powerhouse in the scrum. With those two in tandem, they have a real shot at winning this World Cup as they provide that platform up front. 8

Replacements: The front-row continued the fine work of the starters, while Damian McKenzie was lively. The match did start to become a bit too loose in the latter stages, however. 7

READ MORE: All Blacks thump Argentina as Will Jordan hat-trick fires them to Rugby World Cup Final