New Zealand player ratings: Samisoni Taukei’aho shines again in two-try showing against Wallabies
Following their 39-37 win over Australia in their Rugby Championship Test in Melbourne on Saturday, here’s the player ratings for New Zealand.
15 Jordie Barrett: Missed a long range penalty attempt early on but was solid thereafter as he grew into the game when moved up to the centres. He also had a hand in setting up Richie Mo’unga’s well-taken try as he once again proved his worth to the All Blacks coaches. 7
14 Will Jordan Won a breakdown turnover early in the game and finally cut loose on 55 minutes, collecting a Beauden Barrett chip before showing his pace to score his 20th Test try. Won’t be happy about missing a late tackle on Pete Samu, who went on to score a match-levelling try on 75 minutes. Luckily for him the All Blacks hit back late on. 7
13 Rieko Ioane: Excellent tackle to stop Andrew Kellaway from scoring his second try in the first half and was solid in most areas, despite plenty of upheaval in the jersey next to him. 6
12 David Havili: Had to leave the field on 14 minutes following an accidental head clash with team-mate Sam Cane and did not reappear. N/A
11 Caleb Clarke: Grew into the game as it wore on and space opened up, once again showing his devastating ability with ball in hand. Very much at home at this level. 7
10 Richie Mo’unga: A successful touchline conversion provided a solid platform to build and he had a strong overall game. Helped Ioane with that Kellaway try-saver and then finished well for a try of his own on 51 minutes. 8
9 Aaron Smith: A tidy, if not spectacular performance from Smith as he did the nuts and bolts for the All Blacks. A decent 75 minutes. 6
All Blacks keep hold of Bledisloe Cup
8 Hoskins Sotutu: Made a bad call putting boot to ball when a third New Zealand try was on early in second half, but otherwise a decent showing as he filled the rather large shoes of Ardie Savea pretty well. 6
7 Sam Cane (c): Good, bold calls early on to go for the corner instead of the posts and was defensively excellent before coming off injured before half-time. 6
6 Scott Barrett: Did plenty of unseen work for the cause and made a team high 11 tackles as he played the full game in Melbourne. 6
5 Sam Whitelock: Nothing flashy from the experienced lock at the coalface but he led well when taking over from Cane. 6
4 Brodie Retallick: Busy early on with carries and was involved in Taukei’aho’s second try as he marked his return to the starting line-up with a classy performance. 8
3 Tyrel Lomax: Got one over James Slipper early on at scrum time but ran the risk of being carded later for his lift on Folau Fainga’a, but otherwise another solid game from the maturing tighthead. 6
2 Samisoni Taukei’aho: Gets better with every match at this level. His early pushover try was backed up by strong hits before he just missed out on a second score but for excellent defensive work from Jake Gordon. He wasn’t to be denied in the second period though as he looks the real deal. 9
1 Ethan de Groot: Showed intelligence to play his part in setting up Taukei’aho’s second try. Replaced on 50 minutes by George Bower after a decent shift. 6
Replacements: The bench certainly did its bit for New Zealand due to injury disruptions as Beauden Barrett in particular offered a welcome second playmaking option that paid dividends with Jordan’s score. 7