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The All Black survived a scare against Scotland at Murrayfield today, winning 22-17. Here’s how the players fared individually:
15. Damian McKenzie – 7
Chimed in well on attack this week and probably saved some embarrassment at the end by taking out Stuart Hogg on the way to the line.
14. Waisake Naholo – 5
Disappointing outing from a guy who was one of the best last week. Only really involved for a tackle that almost got him binned.
13. Ryan Crotty – 6
Did what was asked of him, but can’t have too many more anonymous games before people are going to start questioning why he’s there.
12. Sonny Bill Williams – 8
One of his best games in an All Black jersey. Made up for his brain explosion last week and showed that some league skills – grubbers into the ingoal – work well in union.
11. Rieko Ioane – 9
The All Blacks‘ best, setting up Taylor’s try by getting himself involved twice in the movement. A constant threat with the ball, and continuing his knack of being able to run the team out of trouble. Hard to believe he’s still only 20.
10. Beauden Barrett – 7
Amazing turn of speed for his try, and kicked some important goals.
9. Aaron Smith – 6
Kicked from the base of the scrum well, but didn’t do much else because the All Blacks basically didn’t have the ball for the first half.
8. Kieran Read – 6
Not really much to report, no big carries or offloads. A couple of decisions, like passing up a penalty shot for a failed 5m scrum, won’t be looked back on fondly.
7. Sam Cane – 6
Binned, but you have to somewhat expect that in Cane’s line of work. Not quite as busy as last week but he made his tackles.
6. Vaea Fifita – 6
Huge break in the first half had us wondering what he was going to do next – but it never happened. Still a work in progress.
5. Sam Whitelock – 6
It’s been a long year for one of the All Blacks’ workhorses and it’s really showing.
4. Luke Romano – 5
Embarrassingly stripped of possession in the first half, and didn’t kick on with the opportunity he’s been given on this tour.
3. Nepo Laulala – 6
Was put under pressure at set piece, but handled it well.
2. Codie Taylor – 7
Did his job well seagulling out on Dane Coles’ wing. A good try and lineout throwing was accurate.
1. Kane Hames – 8
His best game in an All Black jersey. Stuck to his job and scrummaged well, anchoring a seven-man scrum that won a crucial penalty late in the second half.
Bench
16. Nathan Harris –
Not on for long enough
17. Wyatt Crockett – 4
Again did even further to push his case as rugby’s most penalisable man, heading to the bin for the last 10.
18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – 7
Gets the rating for having to hold up a seven-man scrum for the whole time he was on.
19. Liam Squire – 6
Huge break near the end should’ve been the killer blow, but couldn’t link up with his support.
20. Matt Todd –
Not on for long enough
21. TJ Perenara – 6
Didn’t do anything wrong, but obvious as to why Smith starts and he’s on the bench.
22. Lima Sopoaga –
Not on for long enough.
23. Anton Lienert-Brown –
Not on for long enough.
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