How did our All Blacks rate?

Ben Smith runs the ball up for the All Blacks against South Africa during their Rugby...
Ben Smith runs the ball up for the All Blacks against South Africa during their Rugby Championship match in Christchurch in September. Photo Getty
The All Blacks’ season has come to an end. And not before time for some. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at how the Highlanders’ All Blacks performed over the season.

Ben Smith

Best game: All of them, never played a bad one

Worst game: See above

Best attribute: Rarely makes a mistake

Work-on: Sign a new deal to stay in NZ

 

Waisake Naholo

Best game: First one against Wales

Worst game: Against Ireland in Chicago

Best attribute: Blinding speed and finishing ability

Work-on: Stay on the paddock

 

Malakai Fekitoa

Best game: Against Argentina in Hamilton

Worst game: Taking on the Boks in Christchurch

Best attribute: Rock solid defence

Work-on: Ball security and become the next big thing - again

 

Lima Sopoaga

Best game: Um, ah, hard to pick as he never started one

Worst game: See above

Best attribute: Goal-kicking

Work-on: Get Aaron Cruden to sign for French club rugby

 

Aaron Smith

Best game: On his home ground against Wales

Worst game: In Dublin against the Irish

Best attribute: The pass

Work-on: Staying on the back page not the front page

 

Liam Squire

Best game: Against Argentina in Buenos Aires

Worst game: Disappeared in the loss to Ireland Stateside

Best attribute: Athleticism

Work-on: Get starts for the Highlanders in Super rugby

 

Elliot Dixon

Best game: Against Italy in Rome

Worst game: Nervous debut against Wales under the roof

Best attribute: Roams well and makes plenty of tackles

Work-on: Save some energy for the second half of the season

 

Liam Coltman

Best game: Twenty minutes against Italy was his lot

Best attribute: Good all-round game, strong ball-carrier

Worst attribute: Seems he's not rated by those who matter

Work-on: Get the Hansen lawn-mowing contract off Codie Taylor

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