Bledisloe Cup 2020: Player ratings from tied Wallabies-All Blacks Test

Australia came within inches of scoring a hoodoo-breaking win in New Zealand. JULIAN LINDEN rates every Wallaby from one of the great modern Bledisloe Cup Tests.

Filipo Daugunu had a debut to remember. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty

Australia came within inches of scoring a hoodoo-breaking win in New Zealand. JULIAN LINDEN rates every Wallaby from one of the great modern Bledisloe Cup Tests.

See the studs and duds from the first match under new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.

7 – Tom Banks (fullback). Was safe under the high ball and ran strongly, making 14 carries. Only mistake was a missed clearance kick in the first half which led to a New Zealand try.

9 – Filipo Daugunu (right winger). Brilliant performance on debut. Scored a try and troubled the All Blacks with his runs – chalking up 130 metres. Looks a star in the making.

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Filipo Daugunu had a debut to remember. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty

7 – Hunter Paisami (outside centre). Another first timer in the gold jersey who looked right at home. Apart from one loose carry on one of his early touches, he had a strong game before being replaced 11 minutes from the end.

7 – Matt Toomua (inside centre). His experience shone through. Switched in and out of the playmaking role with O’Connor throughout the match. Pulled off a couple of big tackles and some really important kicks over the New Zealander’s heads to keep Australia in their territory.

Nic White had a strong game at the scrum base. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty

8- Marika Koroibete (left winger). Hardly touched the ball in the first half as the Kiwis kept kicking over his head and over the sideline but seized his opportunity when it came in the second half with a brilliant try in the corner.

7 – James O’Connor (five-eighth). One of his best defensive efforts after the All Blacks directed a lot of their attack at him. Struggled with his goal kicks out wide but landed two critical penalties in difficult conditions.

8 – Nic White (halfback). Gave up two penalties earlier on but grew in confidence as the match progressed with some cheeky little darts, reliable passing and his kicking from the back of the ruck was pin point.

James O’Connor put in a composed shift. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty

7 – Pete Samu (No. 8). Encouraging display on his overdue return to the test area. Won two turnovers and tackled his heart out all day.

8 – Michael Hooper (openside flanker). In his 100th test, he played like he always does – just giving it everything he has. Was at the heart of everything the Wallabies did both in defence and at the breakdown.

8 – Harry Wilson (blindside flanker). Forget all the talk about him being a star of the future because he’s arrived. Just 20, and on debut, Wilson did a mountain of work, linking up out wide with the backs. Will be along time Wallaby.

7 – Matt Philip (lock). The lineouts were a shambles in the first half but Philip’s work at the scrums and around the park were solid. He almost scored a try, pulled up just short of the tryline after a strong burst.

7- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (lock). Started at lock then moved to his usual spot at blindside and put in a big shift, with 11 carries. The lineouts were problematic though.

6 – Taniela Tupou (tighthead prop). Didn’t have the same impact he had in Super Rugby this season. Was solid in the scrums without being destructive and made some telling runs but gave up two penalties and was replaced after 50 minutes.

6 – Folau Fainga’a (hooker). His lineout throws were a real concern. One was pinched, another was called back for being crooked and he dropped the ball off the back of a lineout on the stroke of halftime which would have cost Australia a try if Rieko Ioane didn’t drop it.

7 – James Slipper (loosehead prop). Surprise choice as starting loosehead prop, Slipper showed why he got the nod with a really strong performance before being replaced by Scott Sio.

Reece Hodge hit the post from 55 out. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty

REPLACEMENTS

7 – Jordan Uelese (hooker). Played the last 24 minutes and tidied up the lineout problems.

6 – Scott Sio (loosehead prop). Came on with less than half an hour to go. Gave up a penalty but was otherwise rock solid.

7 – Allan Alaalatoa (tighthead prop). The first change in the frontrow, his experience was critical in the frantic ending. Stayed composed and chipped in with eight carries in a short but busy cameo.

5 – Rob Simmons (lock). Helped secure the lineouts when he came on late but gave up the penalty that enabled the All Blacks to pinch the draw.

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No rating – Rob Valetini. Played the last 10 minutes.

7 – Jake Gordon (halfback). Was only on the field 15 minutes but touched the ball 28 times, which showed just how wild that finish was.

Noah Lolesio – did not play

No rating – Reece Hodge (outside centre). Was only on the field 12 minutes and only handled the ball once but would have got a perfect 10 rating if his 60-metre penalty shot had gone over to win the match instead of crashing into the posts.

Originally published as Bledisloe Cup 2020: Player ratings from tied Wallabies-All Blacks Test