Following the All Blacks' win over France last night, ODT Online rugby contributor Jeff Cheshire looks at the performance of Steve Hansen's men in the first test of the season.
Israel Dagg 5/10: Was reasonably tidy and got quite a few touches, but did not exactly set the game alight either and never really threatened.
Ben Smith 7.5/10: Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and made the most of his chances. Beat Thierry Dusautoir to make the break to set up the first try and looked better at fullback than Dagg.
Conrad Smith 6.5/10: Looked to attack and run at the gaps while also proving safe as usual on defence.
Ma'a Nonu 6.5/10: Made a couple of strong runs, including the one that led to the second try. Was generally good on defence other than one mishap that was not entirely his fault. Looked more comfortable playing outside a first five-eighth who was putting him into gaps.
Julian Savea 6/10: What he did do he did well but there were too many mistakes inside him for him to really get much ball to work with. Took a few good high balls and made a good hit, but the backline needs to look to get him more involved.
Aaron Cruden 6/10: Was threatening on attack, taking the line on and putting Nonu into some gaps. Perhaps lacked the tactical nous of Dan Carter to steer the team around the field when the game got messy in the second half.
Aaron Smith 6.5/10: Provided quick service, doing what he did well last year. Was instrumental in both tries, staying in support well to score one and throw a great pass to set up the other.
Kieran Read 7/10: Was prominent all night on both attack and defence. Ran strongly with ball in hand and was physical on defence.
Sam Cane 6/10: Got better as the game went on, worked hard in the loose and perhaps was unlucky not to secure at least one turnover. Supported well for the second try, while linking well a few times in the second half.
Liam Messam 7/10: Defended exceptionally well, managing to tie the French ball up on multiple occasions and was very strong in tight close to the line.
Brodie Retallick 6.5/10: Worked hard in the tight and was part of a well functioning lineout.
Luke Romano 7/10: Was physical, running strongly a couple off the ruck and throwing himself into everything.
Owen Franks 6.5/10: Made plenty of tackles in close. Was part of a scrum that was messy for both teams, but got the better of his man overall.
Dane Coles 6/10: Seemed to go looking for the ball early and did so well, was quieter as the game progressed but was busy enough. Threw well into the lineout, with only one going astray.
Wyatt Crockett 5.5/10: Made a few mistakes around the field, including a missed tackle and a defensive lapse which nearly led to a try. Probably got the better of his man at scrum time, giving up a couple of penalties but winning back a few more himself.
Keven Mealamu 5.5/10: Came on at a stage where the game had become a complete mess so it was hard for him to make a real impact. Loses a mark for falling off a tackle that should have been made, which was lucky not to lead to a French try.
Ben Franks 6/10: Pretty solid performance, probably the most brutal of the All Blacks at contact, particularly when cleaning out. Missed a tackle at the end which led to a break.
Ben Afeaki (No Rating): Made his All Black debut, but saw limited game time.
Jeremy Thrush: Did Not Play.
Victor Vito: Did Not Play.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow 6/10: Fairly solid, generally just looking to distribute and doing so well. Sniped well once close to the French line.
Beauden Barrett (No Rating): Came on in the last five minutes to close the game out.
Rene Ranger 7/10: The best of the reserves, making an immediate impact with two strong runs where he broke multiple tackles. Should come into the starting line up next week for Dagg, with Ben Smith going to fullback.
