All Blacks player ratings: Playmaking trio rip Italians apart in Rugby World Cup demolition

Following a remarkable 96-17 victory over Italy in the Rugby World Cup clash at the OL Stadium on Friday, here are the player ratings for New Zealand.

15 Beauden Barrett: Their playmaking trio, which also included brother Jordie and Richie Mo’unga, worked beautifully in Lyon. It was so smooth between the three. 8

14 Will Jordan: Finished nicely to get the ball rolling for the All Blacks and then completed his brace late on, but he looked slightly… slow, at times, which was odd. Jordan tends to glide away from players but he was often caught when he seemed to be away. 7

13 Rieko Ioane: Part of a very fluid attack, albeit not as influential as some of his counterparts. He also won’t be happy with three missed tackles though. 7

12 Jordie Barrett: Magnificent from the younger Barrett, whose cross-field kick for Jordan’s try was perfectly judged. That set the tone for his display, which was outstanding. 9

11 Mark Telea: Such a good player and has cemented himself as the first choice wing on the left. Incredibly strong and obviously very quick, but it’s the way he picks his moments which is so impressive. Very intelligent. 9

10 Richie Mo’unga: Alongside the two backline Barretts, a joy to watch as the playmakers manipulated the Italian defence. Place-kicking was very solid too, which is a plus looking towards the knockout stages. 9

9 Aaron Smith: Helped himself to a hat-trick, but that wasn’t the standout; it was Smith’s speed of service and general control on the game. A fantastic display. 9

Pack dominance

8 Ardie Savea (c): Italy never got hold of him. His break for Telea’s try basically killed off the Italians’ spirit before he helped himself to a couple of scores. 9

7 Dalton Papali’i: It’s going to be a tough call for Ian Foster, with Papali’i always impressing in the number seven jersey. The All Blacks’ joint-top tackler, while he also did plenty with the ball. 8

6 Shannon Frizell: New Zealand have missed the physicality Frizell brings. Brutal on both sides of the ball and a useful lineout option too. 8

5 Scott Barrett: Didn’t carry a huge amount but was dominant in the set-piece and there were plenty of nice touches around the field. 7

4 Brodie Retallick: Superb from the All Blacks great, who looked at his best in Lyon. He was abrasive in contact and was the key man in taking Italy’s lineout apart. 9

3 Nepo Laulala: Lost his shape a couple of times in the scrum in the first half, but was otherwise on top in the set-piece. 7

2 Codie Taylor: Throwing was solid and he was a turnover threat at the breakdown, stopping any chance of the Azzurri finding any momentum. 8

1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi: See Laulala. Played well but it was the replacement props who really ramped up the intensity in the scrum. 7

Replacements: Full credit to the bench, who all made an impact. It’s easy to lose that intensity when so far ahead, but they never did. Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie and the two props, Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax, were particular standouts. 9

READ MORE: Italy player ratings: Shambolic showing as All Blacks hammer the Azzurri