All Blacks v Wallabies: How Australia rated in another heavy Bledisloe Cup defeat
How the Wallabies rated in their 43-21 defeat to the All Blacks in Sydney.
1. Aidan Ross – 4
Didn’t get much of a chance to show off his power at the scrum. Made six tackles, with most coming early on. Left the game at halftime.
2. Josh Nasser – 7
Made lots of tackles in the first half but had a few missed lineout throws just when the Wallabies needed to keep the ball out of the All Blacks’ hands.
3. Allan Alaalatoa – 4
Similar to Ross, was part of a Wallabies front row that had little chance to get the go-forward required with the All Blacks dominating so much of the first half. Pulled early in the second half.
4. Jeremy Williams – 7
Didn’t give up the fight and crossed over to score the Wallabies’ first try when they were down 22-0. Finished with 10 tackles and made 12 carries for a busy night.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 6
Solid in his 50th test but came up against an impressive duo in Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland.
6. Rob Valetini – 6
Made some early runs but didn’t offer much at the breakdown or on defence. Can’t just be there for his 13 carries.
7. Fraser McReight – 7
Topped the tackle count for the Wallabies with a strong effort in both halves to finish with 18 but wasn’t able to win a turnover as the All Blacks dominated at the breakdown.
8. Harry Wilson – 6
Back-to-back tests he’s had a “follow me” mentality but just hasn’t had the teammates to back him up. Got a bit frustrated with the referee as the game went on and the margin grew. Got four offloads away.
9. Ryan Lonergan – 5
Made an early steal inside his own half and started with some strong kicks but went compared to his opposite in Roigard – they were streets or even a Tasman Sea apart. Missed a game-high five tackles.
10. Declan Meredith – 7
Strong start to the test but poor kickoffs will stand out. Did win a turnover on Cam Roigard and showed he was happy to run with an equal team-high 16 carries.
11. Harry Potter – 5
Didn’t get many chances with the Wallabies on the back foot for so much of the first 50 minutes. Was barely seen. Not really main character energy. Real Gideon Crumb areas.
12. Isaac Henry – 6
Improved as the test went on against an All Blacks midfield that was going through it with Quinn Tupaea going off early. Missed three tackles.
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 4
Early offload created a break but that was his one highlight of the test. Missed a game-high five tackles. Rugby’s hard to learn.
14. Max Jorgensen – 7
Might be one Wallaby the All Blacks would have in their starting line-up, not in the 14 jersey though. Made some early line breaks with clever footwork and was strong throughout the entire test. A staggering five turnovers and three missed tackles, however.
15. Tom Wright – 7
Impressive efforts and powerful strength to first set up and finish his try in the second half. One of the few Wallabies who was strong throughout the entire test.
Reserves:
16. Billy Pollard – 5
17. Angus Bell – 6
18. Massimo De Lutiis – 5
19. Josh Canham – 7
20. Carlo Tizzano – 6
21. Kalani Thomas – 5
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – 5
23. Filipo Daugunu – 7