Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against the All Blacks
The Wallabies never make life easy on themselves, and three early tries left them with a mountain to climb.
They trailed 28-14 at half-time but produced a determined comeback that ended up with the All Blacks happily kicking the ball away at full-time after hanging on for a 31-28 victory.
The Bledisloe Cup will stay in New Zealand for another year, but there is some hope after that second-half performance for the return fixture in Wellington.
Here’s how Australia’s players fared.
1. Angus Bell – 6
There is an unfair amount of expectation on this talented young loosehead’s shoulders given that he is gradually returning to international rugby after having his foot reshaped on the surgeon’s table. He went about his work without fuss, but his normal damaging carries were limited.
2. Matt Faessler – 6.5
A mixed bag of tricks, and the lineout looked shaky at times, but the Reds hooker scored a great try when he took responsibility to carry the ball at the back of the maul when the Wallabies desperately needed some points on the board. Made 20 tackles.
Nic White tackles the All Blacks Damian McKenzie.Credit: Getty Images
3. Taniela Tupou – 5.5
An early scrum penalty for pulling down Ethan de Groot and not much in the way of damaging carries. The Wallabies got 44 minutes out of him this week; they will be hoping for more in Wellington.
4. Nick Frost – 6
He goes about his business bravely, particularly at the breakdown, and his appetite for work can not be faulted, but he got smashed back in contact at times, missed five tackles and conceded two penalties.
5. Jeremy Williams – 6.5
Perhaps shouldn’t have opted to go alone with the tryline begging late in the second half when he found himself isolated, but physically resolute and stood up to the challenge. Made some big hits.
6. Rob Valetini – 5.5
Came on strong in the second half after a first half, like most of his teammates, to forget. Bad defensive read on the Will Jordan but did well to get back to scrag Damian McKenzie by the jersey when he was tearing up the field in the second half, and his pressure helped to force the forward pass that otherwise was a certain try.
Tom Wright makes a break for the Wallabies.Credit: Getty Images
7. Fraser McReight – 8
McReight had a point to prove after his replacement Carlo Tizzano had made a strong start to life in the No.7 jumper. He reminded everyone just how much he was missed, scoring a well-taken try, tackling hard and kicking a 50/22.
8. Harry Wilson – 7
His management of referees is strong, where he goes about his communications quietly and persuasively. The Wallabies top tackler with 22 on the night.
9. Nic White – 5.5
Got his opportunity to start ahead of the Waratahs’ Jake Gordon and it was a mixed performance. His abrasiveness is a plus in that it unsettles the opposition at times, but it can also infuriate the referee. His kicking and service didn’t fully convince, but he did brilliantly to get underneath the ball and hold it up to stop a try.
10. Noah Lolesio – 6
A solid performance. Looked to take on the line and unleash his runners outside him. Great off the tee as well.
11. Marika Koroibete – 4
It’s just not working for him at the moment and it’s probably time to look for alternatives after another difficult night with a crucial knock-on in the first half when a try was on.
12. Hunter Paisami – 6
Worked his way into the game after a quiet start and was rewarded with a try.
13. Len Ikitau – 6
Like his partner in the centres, definitely took a while to get going, but in the second half, he looked dangerous every time he got his hands on the ball.
14. Andrew Kellaway – 5
A difficult night for the talented winger, missing six tackles and fumbling the football.
Wallabies fullback Tom Wright.Credit: Getty Images
15. Tom Wright – 7.5
An excellent game for the Brumbies fullback. Scored a well-taken try and was dangerous with ball in hand. He will take huge confidence into Wellington off this performance.
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 6
After a long sojourn in French rugby, Paenga-Amosa provided a physical presence that the Wallabies desperately needed in the second half.
17: James Slipper – 5
A big occasion the record-breaking Wallaby, with George Gregan presenting him with a commemorative cap. It was noticeable that the All Blacks stayed to form a guard of honour for him.
18. Allan Alaalatoa – 5.5
After a disastrous outing in Santa Fe, a much stronger appearance off the bench for the tighthead.
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 7
Made a significant difference when he came on with a damaging carry on 64 minutes, pinballing defenders and reminding selectors of his physicality in the loose.
20. Langi Gleeson– 6
Came on and worked hard with some strong carries and turnover.
21. Tate McDermott – 7
A constant danger when he came on with his sniping and snappy service. Lolesio also looks that bit more comfortable on the back of his passing. Is it time to give the Reds halfback a shot at starting?
22. Tom Lynagh – N/A
Didn’t get on the field.
23. Dylan Pietsch – 6
Added another dimension to the backline and showed enough to keep himself in contention for Wellington.