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It was an all-too-familiar story for the Wallabies on home soil for the final round of The Rugby Championship. While never truly out of the fight, compunding penalties and errors saw the Wallabies give up any momnetum, with the All Blacks pouncing at the right moments either side of half-time to build an unassailable lead. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth for Joe Schmidt and his men, who were quietly building something through The Rugby Championship, only to run into an All Blacks side looking to restore some belief.
James Slipper – 4/10
A heroic farewell cap, but was outmuscled in the scrums and lost the collision. He helped the Wallabies over the advantage line by allowing quick recycle, but it was a disapointing send-off for a champion of Australian rugby.
Billy Pollard – 5
Lineout woes haunted him again after seemingly nailing his core role earlier in The Rugby Championship. While he made some energetic carries and breakdown hits, the throw errors killed Australia’s ineout potency in slippery conditions.
Allan Alaalatoa – 5
Had a disallowed try that would’ve shifted momentum. In general play, solid in defence and close quarters, but wasn’t able to bring his usual prowess to the set-peice.
Nick Frost – 5.5
He has a massive motor and is starting to become an enforcer around the park. He had an inconsistent night at the lineout. He had too many missed reads and passive moments when the Wallabies needed him to lift.
Will Skelton – N/A
He will be filithy that his round the world trip lasted only 15 minutes on the feild due to a HIA. His physical presence was missed once he departing. Had a penalty reversed afeter winning a turnover because of a bit of push and shove. Pretty tells you everything you need to know about the Wallabies night.
Tom Hooper – 4
A costly yellow card early cruelled Australia’s chances of an important try. When in the game, his lapses in defence and some errors at the breakdown affected the Wallabies ability to build rhythm.
Fraser McReight – 8
Probably Australia’s best in the middle. A menace at the breakdown, earned turnovers, kept the defence honest. Battled hard until he came off.
Harry Wilson (c) – 7
Gave everything. Carried strongly and defended bravely but perhaps lacks that physical edge that can open up defenses. His work was vital—but even captains can’t lift the whole team.
Jake Gordon – 5.5
Solid managing of territory and fairly sharp box kicks in some stages. Didn’t bring enough, he needed to take control of the game and couldn’t .
Tane Edmed – 3
This was a night to forget. Missed tackles, errant decisions and dropped balls at crucial times. Schmidt stuck perhaps a bit too long but Edmed needed some more leadership around him.
Filipo Daugunu – 6.5
Strong under the high ball, looked good with ball in hand and put on some big hits to shut down the Kiwis attack. Not enough penetration, but one of the more consistent backs on the night.
Len Ikitau – 7.5
A bright spark. Took opportunities, timed his lines well, and finished the team’s only real momentum try. Disciplined and direct.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 6
Had trouble getting space in the wet but defended solidly, coming out of the line to make some big stops. Some flashes of quick hands, but frustratingly little ball was put in his hands yet again.
Harry Potter – 5
A few loose moments under the high ball and one misread that turned into a New Zealand scoring chance. Not bad, but he can’t afford to wait for the attack to create something for him.
Max Jorgensen – 7
Strong aerial work and made the All Blacks back three think. Tactful running with some fancy feet to create attacking oppurtunities and good support play by providing some clever offloads. Easing into fullback still.
Replacements & Bench
Josh Nasser – N/A
Came on for Pollard in the second half but was hardly sighted besides at the bottom of a ruck.
Tom Robertson – 6
Came on for Slipper and shored up the scrum somewhat.
Taniela Tupou – 6
Was industrious at the breakdown and tried to bend the line on occasion but wasn’t at his effective best.
Jeremy Williams – 5
Came on for Skelton early and worked his backside off. Made tackles and hit rucks, but was part of a shaky lineout core.
Rob Valetini – 6
Came in with expected physicality. Had a few carries and demanded contact, but not enough time to truly shift the momentum.
Ryan Lonergan – 6
Came off the bench and kicked well under pressure to get out of danger. Offered tidy distribution in the late phases.
James O'Connor - N/A
Came on late to cover a hole in the backline but couldn't make any impact.
Josh Flook – N/A
Came on late and suffered a nasty-looking concussion. Hope he’s recovers well.