This week’s Green and Gold Rugby Wallaby player ratings are much like that win over the All Blacks – long overdue. Before we get stuck into them, can I say how glad I’m not doing the All Black ratings? I struggle to remember a poorer All Black performance and it’s something the Wallabies (and their fans) need to be wary of as we draw closer to the return bout this weekend.
Anyway, here are my ratings:
Scott Sio 
A key part of a dominant Wallaby scrum but also providing some very impressive physicality and grunt up the middle of the field. It will be interesting to see whether James Skipper can regain his starting jersey. 7
Stephen Moore
I thought this was one of the poorer performances I’ve seen by Moore in the Wallaby jersey. Seemed to get himself in the wrong position far too often, particularly in the first half. A number of overthrown line-outs doesn’t help his cause. 4
Sekope Kepu
Obviously that try was a standout, and a lovely piece of work to take advantage of some tired All Black defense it was. Played his part in the scrum keeping the ‘human hinge’, Tony Woodcock in check. 7
Dean Mumm 
He was unimpressive for mine. Seemed to lumber around the field and may be adjusting to the faster paced game. Showed glimpses of this apparent newly developed physicality but was overall uninspiring. 5
James Horwill 
Best game in Green and Gold for a long time. He may not make the meters on attack he once did but he is a physical pest across the park. Just behind Hooper in the tackle count, despite being replaced with about 20 minutes to go. His aggressiveness at the ruck was significant. 8
Scott Fardy
Ahhh, I remember this. Fardy at his finest. He blew us away when he stormed onto the international scene a few years ago and this test reminded us of why. A fantastic work rate across the field and seems to complete the Pooper perfectly. The Pooperdy? 8
Michael Hooper
Such a dynamic little unit is Hooper. The modern day Mr Perpetual Motion. Made the most number of tackles among the pack, and didn’t miss one. The hit on Savea on half-time was phenomenal. 9
David Pocock 
There was only one man who could pull out a performance to beat Hooper to Player of the Match honors, and that man is Pocock. We anticipated his return would feature dominance at the breakdown and physicality in defense. What we didn’t expect was the bonus he’s bought around his running game. He’s as effective here as Palu, with so much more to his arsenal as well. G&GR Man of the Match. 9
Nick Phipps 
Hmmm. Having not watched the match live and reading all the reports, I expected Phipps to have basically rolled the ball to his back line all night long. I can’t excuse the Yellow Card, and there was a shocker to Foley in-goal, but I think any other loose passes were the result of poor support work from his team mates. I actually thought he played pretty well and would be my 9 again this weekend. A snipe here or there would help though. 6
Bernard Foley 
Now this was the one I was disappointed in. Again. This is the biggest problem area for coach Cheika heading into the RWC. Foley was largely ineffectual with a poor kicking game, and displayed none of the traits of a match winning 10. Many questions still remain with not much time to be answered. 4
Drew Mitchell 
A mixed night for Drewster the Rooster. With plenty of other options for the Wallabies, it was not the game he wished to have. Made a couple of strong runs, but looked seldom dangerous and contributed little. 5
Matt Giteau
I thought Gits played a very good game. Helped his team mates immensely with his calm head and excellent defense. I would like to see him challenge the line a bit more, but his maturity could prove vital for us outside a questionable flyhalf. 7
Tevita Kuridrani
A quiet game by TK, by all of our expectations at least. We want him bumping through tackles every week and it’s just not going to happen. He still made plenty of strong meters and topped the tackle count, albeit missing a few too. 6
Adam Ashley-Cooper
This man just loves playing the All Blacks. Finished a wonderful try superbly to go atop the list of all-time Wallaby try scorers against the kiwis. But was more significant in defense where he made some big clutch tackles to keep the pressure on the dangerous kiwi backline. 8
Israel Folau
Made a few too many mistakes with the ball in hand unfortunately but was as dangerous as always in attack. Such a vital component of the Wallaby attacking unit, you’d hate to think how we’d cope without him. 7
Tatafu Polota-Nau 
Minimal time on the field but keep the intensity up with a couple of physical involvements. 6
Greg Holmes
Part of a strong replacement scrum and snaffled a vital turn over. 7
James Slipper 
Sio’s form may see Slipper remain a ‘finisher’ which is not a bad thing as his work rate his first class. Made the most tackles of the ‘finishers’. 6
Will Skelton 
This is probably his spot, as an impact finisher. Contributed a few decent touches, and kept the aggression going. Some strong runs. 6
Ben McCalman 
Really didn’t get the chance to show his wares at all. No Rating
Nic
White
A wonderful impact by the back up scrummie. Probably the Man of the Bench, which has become a common theme this Wallaby season. Obviously scored the key try and kicked a monster penalty, but showed some much needed composure when it was most needed. 8
Matt Toomua 
Must be ready to reclaim his starting jersey. It’s just whether that jersey has a 10 or a 12 on it. That kick he put in for the Ashley-Cooper try was as deftly timed as they come. Wonderful vision. Such a strong runner and effective defender. Stands to be a vital part of our RWC challenge. 8
Kurtley Beale 
Barely got a chance. No Rating.
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?
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