The Wallabies were outclassed by the All Blacks at the MCG, but several players stood up to be counted. Who were Australia’s best performers?
1) Angus Bell – 8
A leading figure for the Wallabies in his first run-on game since picking up another serious foot injury in the opening game of Super Rugby. A powerhouse ball-runner who almost scored a long-range try when he found space running wide in the centres.
2) Dave Porecki – 5.5
Hit hard in defence and found lineout targets without fail; a consistent performance without being spectacular.
Nick Frost came off with a new scar.Credit: AP
3) Allan Alaalatoa – 6
Was muscling up nicely in defence and carrying with sting before his night – and season – came to an end with a nasty injury in the 36th minute.
4) Nick Frost – 6
Made plenty of tackles and covered lots of ground in a solid display. But the giant Brumbies lock doesn’t bend the line as much as Eddie Jones would hope for, and chose a wrong support line for a linebreak that could have seen him score.
5) Will Skelton – 6.5
Was in the thick of the action, and tried hard to make his giant frame felt with ball running and defensive shots. But the big man hasn’t managed to have an impact in the Wallabies’ maul – either in attack or defence – so far this season and it will be irking him.
Will Skelton runs with the ball.Credit: Getty
6) Jed Holloway – 5
A relatively quiet night for Holloway, who was one of four men subbed off early in the second half. Works hard off the ball but not getting his hands on it very much. Played his best rugby at lock last year.
7) Tom Hooper – 6
Tackled like a demon, making a game high 32 tackles, and was one of a handful who contributed to make the All Blacks breakdown a mess in the early stages. Jury is out whether he is a no.7.
8) Rob Valetini – 7.5
Yet again a standout for the Wallabies, making 20 tackles and charging hard with the ball all night. His strength in stopping defenders at the line and taking them backwards is immense.
Tate McDermott made several crucial tackles.Credit: AP
9) Tate McDermott – 6.5
McDermott’s energy and quick distribution saw the Wallabies ruck-speed dramatically increase, and produce the best-looking rugby they’ve played all year. The halfback also made several key cover tackles. But several wayward passes blotted the book.
10) Carter Gordon – 5
It’s easy to underestimate how much was on the shoulders of the young no.10, in his starting debut against the All Blacks, in front of 83,944 people. The experience will serve him well and Jones should start him again next week. But Gordon’s kicking was sub-par, and led to Australia putting themselves under pressure against a team that don’t need multiple invitations to hurt you.
Carter Gordon looks to pass.Credit: Getty
11) Marika Koroibete – 6
Looked to involve himself with some big hits and pick-and-drives. And that’s what you want. But a yellow card and a tired defensive error in the last All Blacks’ try took points away.
12) Samu Kerevi – 6.5
An extremely threatening ball-runner when his team is on the front foot, Kerevi was one of a number who turned in their best game of the year. But he looked banged up the end of the game, and Jones would be wise to give him a rest in the Dunedin Test.
13) Jordan Petaia – 7
A natural footballer. Coming back from a long-term wrist injury, Petaia was immediately threatening playing at outside centre, with his carrying and offloading. Defended soundly, too.
Jordan Petaia offloads for the Wallabies.Credit: Getty
14) Mark Nawaqanitawase 7.5
Keeps getting better. The Wallabies’ only try came after a break from the flying winger, and he looked the most – and at time only – threatening player in a gold jersey. Stood up defensively, too.
15) Andrew Kellaway – 6
Solid return after injury, also. Just about mistake free. Was well positioned all night for the All Blacks kicking game, linked well and ran well with the ball. Undoubtedly the best choice for no.15 for the World Cup.
Andrew Kellaway takes a high ball.Credit: Getty
Bench
16) Jordan Uelese 5
Had a good chunk of time in the second half and got through plenty of work, but didn’t make a major impact as the All Blacks took the game away.
17) James Slipper 6
Showed his value as a two-side prop when he was asked to switch mid-game to tighthead. Appears to be better suited to starting than off a bench, and with AAA injured, he and Angus Bell may both get run-on roles.
Taniela Tupou clutches at a sore rib.Credit: Getty
18) Taniela Tupou 6
Came on early to replace Allan Alaalatoa and tried to fire up with carries and defence. Busted ribs saw him leave the field though, but not before giving up a yellow card for not using arms in a tackle – as he tried to protect his ribs.
19) Richie Arnold 5
Is a superb lineout technician but, like Skelton, hasn’t had the impact the Wallabies are looking for at maul time. There’s an argument he and Skelton could do with a break after a long season.
20) Rob Leota 6.5
Brought energy and power from the bench for the second game in a row. And considering they’re his first two games back from an Achilles injury, that’s impressive.
21) Nic White 5
Wasn’t all his fault but the ruck speed slowed when White replaced McDermott, and the back of the scrum was a mess on the Wallabies’ feed.
Quade Cooper goes in for a tackle.Credit: Getty
22) Quade Cooper 5
Another to come on when the going got tough and while he was willing, Cooper’s defence was not strong. Short kicks are rarely a good idea inside your own half.
23) Izzy Perese n/a
Only got 12 minutes off the bench, so stays unrated. One thumping hit caught the eye.
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