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Tri Nations: Australia player ratings vs New Zealand
By Finn Morton
One week is a long time in test rugby. Nobody gave them a chance before the match, but the Wallabies have recorded a famous victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane. The Wallabies opened their account with a try just two minutes in, with debutant Tom Wright crossing. The All Blacks responded soon after – but chaos followed.
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By the 35 minute mark, both teams had had a player sent off with another debutant in Lachie Swinton catching Sam Whitelock’s head with his shoulder.
The boot of Reece Hodge and a try late to Taniela Tupou ended any chances of an All Blacks comeback, as the Wallabies extend their winnings streak at Suncorp to seven matches.
Here’s how RugbyPass rated the Wallabies.
1. James Slipper – 6/10
Didn’t get much of a chance to shine in his 100th test. Did his job at the scrum, and impressed in defence with nine tackles in the opening forty. Unfortunately he walked off just before the break injured, but was met with a round of applause from the Brisbane crowd.
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 7/10
Paenga-Amosa has well and truly made the Wallabies number two jersey his own. He only missed one throw at the lineout, and overall was solid around the field.
3. Allan Alaalatoa – 6/10
The Wallabies had a pretty strong scrum all night, and Alaalatoa can definitely claim some credit for that. He otherwise didn’t get much of a chance to shine, except for a half-break just after half-time. He had three carries and made seven tackles.
4. Rob Simmons – 7.5/10
In his first time starting for the Wallabies this year, Simmons was clinical at the lineout. When he was subbed off with just under half an hour to play, he’d made the most tackles of any player on the park with 12. Was also the go-to man for the Wallabies at the lineout.
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5. Matt Philip – 6.5/10
Philip was a reliable performer for the Wallabies, especially around the set-piece, but the 26-year-old struggled to make an impact. He had just eight runs and six tackles.
6. Lachie Swinton – 4/10
A red card on debut has certainly dented his rating, but aside from that, Swinton brought plenty of passion to the match. While it wasn’t as great as what he would’ve hoped, he showed in his 35 minutes on the field that he belongs in the Test arena.
7. Michael Hooper – 8.5/10
For me, Hooper was the best player on the park. The skipper made his mark at the breakdown – he was simply everywhere! He was constantly putting his body on the line to disrupt the All Blacks attack. Hooper finished with a game-high for tackles with 13, and had the second-most runs of any player with 11.
8. Harry Wilson – 8/10
Arguably the 20-year-olds best game in a gold jumper. Wilson was a headache for the All Blacks all night when he had the ball in hand, but also impressed both around the breakdown and in defence. He finished the contest with the most runs of any player with 13.
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9. Nic White – 7.5/10
White kicked efficiently and ordered his team around the park well. He got in a few scuffles but for the most part, made sure that his performance did the talking.
10. Reece Hodge 8.5/10
Australia’s Mr Fix It was up there with the best on Saturday night, guiding the Wallabies to a famous win at Suncorp. Hodge’s chip kick in-behind the All Blacks defence led to the opening try. Generally, he was impressive as a playmaker. Hodge was the difference in the end, kicking very well to finish with a 14-point haul. He must simply love playing the All Blacks in Brisbane – remember what he did in 2017?
11. Marika Koroibete – 8.5/10
Without a doubt, Koroibete was one of Australia’s best. He ran with purpose every time he got his hands on the ball, and had a few massive hits in defence. Another great try-saving tackle from the winger, this time on Sevu Reece with 30 minutes to play. Definitely had a case for being player of the match.
12. Hunter Paisami – 7/10
He didn’t have a line break tonight but every time Paisami got the ball, he looked dangerous. More than once, it took more than one All Black to take the rampaging inside centre down. He had 11 carries in his return to the starting side.
13. Jordan Petaia – 7/10
Petaia started the game by bumping off Anton Leinert-Brown in the first minute, which sent his home crowd into a frenzy. He was arguably the most threatening Wallaby in attack too, but only got the ball a few times.
14. Tom Wright – 8/10
You couldn’t have scripted it any better: two minutes into his test debut, Wright crossed for this first try in a Wallabies jersey. The former NRL player was one of Australia’s best tonight, running for 57 metres.
15. Tom Banks – 7/10
Banks made his return to the starting side and put in a solid shift from the back. The fullback was reliable under the high ball, and had a few decent runs. A much better Wallabies outfit with him in the side.
Reserves
16. Folau Fainga’a – 6/10
17. Angus Bell – 6.5/10
Got more minutes than he was probably expecting but Bell was a solid option for the men in gold. Definitely one to watch going forward.
18. Taniela Tupou – 7.5/10
The Wallabies scrum went up another gear with the Tongan Thor on the field. Ran well and scored the match seeling try late too.
19. Ned Hanigan – 5.5/10
20. Liam Wright – 5.5/10
21. Tate McDermott – 7/10
McDermott really is a special player. He came late but really made his mark on the game.
22. Noah Lolesio – 6.5/10
23. Filipo Daugunu – 6/10
