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All Blacks player ratings: ‘Special’ playmaker makes ‘huge difference’ as Jordie Barrett the ‘glue’ for under pressure New Zealand

Following a 33-24 victory over the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the All Blacks.

15 Will Jordan: Much better under the high ball this week and inserted himself nicely into the game from full-back which included setting up Caleb Clarke’s try. 7

14 Leroy Carter: Showed his try-scoring instincts by crossing the whitewash from close range and had a couple of other decent carries in a solid performance. 6

13 Billy Proctor: This was a game where he could have shone, particularly given the forward dominance the All Blacks had in the first half, but he once again failed to set it alight. 5

12 Jordie Barrett: Excellent once again as proved to be the glue in the backline. Whether it was carrying, kicking or passing, the youngest Barrett seemed to make the right decision. 8

Emotional return

11 Caleb Clarke: It was an emotional start as his father, Eroni, produced a stunning rendition of the anthem and he channelled it in the right way, touching down early on. Clarke continued to impressed before he was taken off with a concerning injury – hopefully it is not too serious. 7

10 Beauden Barrett: Found his rhythm alongside his half-back partner early on but would then have to go off injured, which seemed to disrupt the hosts as the wallabies hit back. 7

9 Cam Roigard: The returning scrum-half was certainly helped by the front-foot ball they had but his speed around the fringes made a huge difference to New Zealand. Roigard showed why he is special and considered one of the best in the world, dictating the game and scoring a brace. 9

8 Wallace Sititi: Still trying to recapture the form of last season with Sititi not quite managing to impact the game at number eight this season. 6

7 Ardie Savea (c): Just never lets his standards drop below a certain a standard, to the extent that you wonder what the All Blacks would do without him. So many important moments, including a massive turnover when the Wallabies appeared destined to score. 8

6 Simon Parker: Big defensive shift in a robust display but certainly quieter than he was against both the Springboks and Argentina. 6

Mammoth effort

5 Tupou Vaa’i: His actions did his talking this time around as he shut his mouth and produced an outstanding performance. Some super lineout work but his biggest impact was in defence and especially the breakdown. 8

4 Fabian Holland: The All Blacks were without their captain but Holland deputised nicely, putting in a mammoth effort in the set-piece to help give the hosts a fast start. 7

3 Tyrel Lomax: Scrum was solid without being much of a factor but he was much busier in the loose and made some effective carries as New Zealand dominated the gain line in the first half. 7

2 Codie Taylor: His return was significant as the experienced hooker steadied the All Blacks set-piece and enabled to keep their foot on the throat in the opening half-hour. 7

1 Ethan de Groot: Only lasted half-an-hour due to injury did his job in both set-piece and loose without being spectacular. 5

Replacements: Scott Robertson’s side certainly missed Beauden Barrett when he went off, while further injuries to De Groot and Clarke also disrupted them, before they regained their composure in the latter stages to relieve the pressure on both them and their head coach. Samisoni Taukei’aho was once again the pick of the bench, but the Wallabies always managed to stay in touch. 6

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