Another ‘what could have been’ showing from the Wallabies against the All Blacks for the opening Bledisloe clash. Ultimately, it ended with New Zealand retaining the Bledisloe after a brutal night at Eden Park. The All Blacks got out early and Australia chased from behind, a recurring theme for the Wallabies in The Rugby Championship this year. The Wallabies showed typical grit and fight and looked like turning the game around in the second half, but simple errors in key moments and being on the wrong side of the whistle at seeminly every breakdown cost them. Heres how the Wallabies rated:
James Slipper – 6
On his 150th Test, Slipper was steady if unspectacular. He held the scrum together and defended well in tight phases, but wasn’t able to influence momentum much beyond grunt work.Billy Pollard – 7
Probably the best attacking force among the forwards. Broke the line, threw in strong carries, and even scored. A standout performance in a tough environment.Taniela Tupou – 5.5
His impact was limited. The scrums didn’t give him as many opportunities to dominate, and his carries were tightly contained. Not a night for the wrecking-ball front rower.Nick Frost – 7
Worked hard and tackled plenty. He is one of the most astute lineout operators in world rugby, and frequently disrupted the All Blacks throw but jsut didn’t get the pay out it.Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 6
On debut of sorts this year, LSL showed energy and physcically that the Wallabies needed. Carried with intent and got stuck in, stating his case as a full-time starter in Tests of this level.Tom Hooper – 6.5
Held the flank slot well after Valetini’s injury absence. Got involved in the breakdown and offered decent frontline support, though he lacked game-changing moments.Fraser McReight – 7
His engine kept him in the fight all night. Won a critical breakdown penalty early but was also on the end of a couple of ruck penalties at bad times that cost Australia dearly. His tackling was relentless when the Wallabies were under siege.Harry Wilson (capt) – 7
Always gives everything. His leadership shone, and he carried hard, bashing himself through the All Blacks line to gain metres. He embodied the fight that the Wallabies are showing, no more on shone when he made a brave stop to hold the All Blacks over the line in the second half.Tate McDermott – N/A
Forced off through injury in the first quarter, which threw a spanner in the works. Hard to rate when your game ends that early.James O’Connor – 4.5
This was an off night for the veteran coming off his round the world trip. Some kicks were wayward, decision-making was hesitant under pressure, and he failed to control tempos when it mattered most.Corey Toole – 4.5
Gutsy showing to try and contest in the air but was outclassed. Won a crucial contest early, gave Australia a spark, though he was quiet later as space shrank.Len Ikitau – 6.5
His defence was solid, and his linking in attack was . He tried to carry phase after phase, though the All Blacks clogged his channel well.Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 5
A rough night by his standards. Limited involvement, some misreads defensively, and with Australia under pressure he wasn’t able to tip momentum in their favour.Harry Potter – 5
A speculative yellow card in the 73rd minute undermined Australia’s comeback. Made some breaks the precious few times the Wallabies had ball in had but he was outmatched in the aerial game and he made some costly errors when backing up.Max Jorgensen – 6.5
Shifted to fullback for this Test, and handled the high ball reasonably. Didn’t have many attacking explosions, but stood up in pressure moments and looked comfortable.
Replacements / Bench
Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 4/10
Made on throw and helped with the rolling maul, but wasn’t given much time to contribute.Angus Bell – 7/10
Made some telling charges the All Blacks defence in the second half which opened up the play. Was reliable at scrum time as always.Allan Alaalatoa – 6/10
Added solidity up front in his time on. Not flashy, but did his job.Jeremy Williams – 4/10
His impact was hardly noticable given the time he had on the feild, but dug in with his team-mates in defense.
Carlo Tizzano – 5.5/10
Ideal player to bring on for impact, with his bulldog agressiveness and pilfering skill. Scored a try to get the Wallabies back to a one-score game
Ryan Lonergan – 6.5/10
Thrust into the action after McDermott’s exit to make his debut and looked comfortable at test level. Kicked well under pressure, had a few handling errors, but showed composure in tough circumstances.Tane Edmed – N/A
Didn’t get on the feild.Filipo Daugunu – 5/10
Had a couple of nice touches and threw his weight around defensively. But in a game of this scale, more was needed.