It may not have been a win, but there’s a lot the Wallabies can take out of the third Bledisloe Cup match in Dunedin.
It was the best halves and midfield performance we’ve seen since, well, probably before Robbie Deans? You can actually see players and combinations developing across the backline. In the last two Tests the Wallabies have scored more tries than they did in Robbie Deans’ last ten – FACT.
It also puts paid to the argument that a backline can’t attack behind a pack going backwards, because unfortunately the Aussie forwards were severely outmuscled. While the lineout motored and the scrum held its own by and large, the breakdown and ball carrying was a mess.
So you won’t be surprised to see the scores vary between forwards and backs.
[one_third last=”no”]
James Slipper
Improved scrum performance, but still getting dominated, especially when ball carrying. 4
[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
Stephen Moore
Was the unfortunate target for Dagg’s try create, but otherwise worked himself into the ground carrying more than any other tight five in gold. 6 [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Ben Alexander
Some scrum highlights (and lowlights) but otherwise ineffectual around the park. He missed almost as many tackles as he made. 3 [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
James Horwill
Is he injured? Big Kev is just not up to the pace which is a real problem as captain. He looks like he needs a rest. 3 [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
Rob Simmons
Starting to show signs of maturing into the role, especially at lineout time. 5[/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Ben Mowen
Worked hard, but wasn’t able to impose himself with ball in hand or at the breakdown. Needed to work with Hooper more. 5[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
Michael Hooper
An energiser bunny but needed more support at the breakdown. 6 [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
Ben McCalman
Also worked his socks off, also struggled to impose himself. 5 [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Will Genia
Fantastic pace of service kept the game alive. Now to add in his running and he’ll be back to his best. 8 [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
Quade Cooper
Growing in a Wallabies jersey at last, which is great to see. Composed and accurate – answered the boos and haterz in the best way. 2+6 = 8 G&GR WoTM [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
Peter Betham
Great first start. Went looking for work and wasn’t out of place. An extra mark for his emotion during the anthem.. 7 [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Matt Toomua
Someone who could finally made the dual playmaker role work. Attacked the line and supported well. Great nudges to touch. 8 [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
Tevita Kuridrani
Better with each start, he was the Wallabies’ danger man of the second half. Find of the season. 8 [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
Adam Ashley-Cooper
In the right places at the right times, doing the right things (like stopping or scoring tries). 7 [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Israel Folau
Keeps bringing his magic touches but with them come the tackle misses and lapses in positioning. Swap with AAC? 7 [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
Saia Fainga’a
Another good effort from the bench, a penalty letting him down. 6 [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
Benn Robinson
When he comes on, the scrum keeps getting better. 6 [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Sekope Kepu
One run for 40 metres – not bad for a fat bloke! If only he could have linked up with support. Had a talking-to over the scrum. 6 [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
Sitaleki Timani
Made perhaps the only dominant tackle for the Wallabies in the whole match. N/A [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
Dave Dennis
What’s that you say – ‘too many Tahs’?. N/A [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
Bernard Foley
Not enough time to say for sure, but keeps taking every chance he’s given. N/A [/one_third]
The patented G&GR ratings guide:
10 – A legendary performance to go down in the history books
9 – Outstanding performance: Man of the match shoo-in
8 – Excellent all-round game
7 – Good game with a few sparkles
6 – Solid performance
5 – Average – ho hum
4 – Below par
3 – Had a bad game
2 – Tell your story walking pal
1 – A complete joke
So am I on the money?
