Player ratings: Some consolation
The Wallabies showed signs of improvement despite failing in their bid to keep their Bledisloe Cup hopes alive in Wellington on Saturday.
While they were once again outclassed in the 16-27 defeat, it was a step in the right direction for the rookie Wallabies on New Zealand soil.
A selection shake-up is in order, though, with Brumbies duo Ben Mowen and Jesse Mogg in particular in danger of being axed as they are clearly struggling to make the step up to Test rugby.
Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the Wallaby players.
15 Jesse Mogg
Kept aimlessly putting up high balls when the situation asked him to take on the All Black defence.
5.5/10
14 Israel Folau
Made a try-saving tackle on Julian Savea in the first half and got the Wallabies back into the game with an intercept try. Again got too few opportunities on the wing.
6/10
13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
Absolutely anonymous. As the veteran in the backline, he had to inspire the rookies around him. Instead, he went through the motions.
3/10
12 Christian Lealiifano
At 80 percent, he did his primary goal-kicking duties in the notoriously swirling Wellington wind well and made a clean break. Can still improve on defence.
6.5/10
11 James O'Connor
Showed how dangerous he can be when given space with a scintillating break shortly after half-time but was again found wanting on defence.
6/10
10 Matt Toomua
A much more assured performance in his second Test as he attacked the line with confidence. A reliable option but doesn’t have the distribution game and flair of Quade Cooper.
7/10
9 Will Genia
A very quiet day for the Wallaby general who was charged down on a number of occasions and lacked his usual accuracy.
5.5/10
8 Ben Mowen
More involved this week but conceded a cynical penalty and made far too many mistakes.
5/10
7 Michael Hooper
Johnny on the spot. He was everywhere and saved a try with an intercept but also conceded four penalties.
6.5/10
6 Scott Fardy
Perhaps the positive from a Wallaby perspective was Fardy’s promising performance in his run-on debut. Made a strong contribution across the park.
7/10
5 James Horwill (captain)
Again showed no lack of commitment as he carried the ball more than any other Wallaby forward and won a line-out against the throw.
6.5/10
4 Rob Simmons
Outmuscled in the tight loose and lost the line-out battle.
5.5/10
3 Ben Alexander
Buckled at scrum time and consequently conceded two penalties.
5/10
2 Stephen Moore
An uncharacteristic off day for the veteran. Terrible start at line-out time, slipped a few tackles and conceded three penalties. Unfortunate not to be awarded a try early on.
4/10
1 James Slipper
Very prominent across the park before being forced off after being knocked unconscious.
6.5/10
Replacements:
16 Saia Faingaa (on for Moore, 76th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Scott Sio (on for Slipper, 35th minute)
Poor workrate and battled in the scrums.
4/10
18 Sekope Kepu (on for Alexander, 54th minute)
Received a free scrummaging lesson.
4/10
19 Kane Douglas (on for Simmons, 71st minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Liam Gill (on for Mowen, 64th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Nic White (on for Genia, 76th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Quade Cooper (on for Toomua, 57th minute)
A bit of hit and miss but the Wallabies certainly look more threatening with Cooper at flyhalf.
6/10
23 Tevita Kuridrani (on for Ashley-Cooper, 63rd minute)
Not enough time to be rated.