Player ratings: Wallabies outclassed

So, there you have it... the Wallabies went down 6-20 to the All Blacks in Sunday's Rugby World Cup semifinal in Auckland - meaning history would repeat itself in next weekend's RWC Final at the same venue.

The Wallabies were under the cosh from the get-go and despite the efforts from some players they were quite simply not good enough as they missed 17 tackles on the night.

They definitely missed Kurtley Beale's influence from fullback - especially on the counter-attack - and their midfield was not sharp enough on attack against a well-organised and fired-up Kiwi defence.

Openside ace David Pocock led their muted charge with his tremendous defence - with another huge tackle count - but there was little that could be done against their far superior opponents.

We rate the Australian players:

15 Adam Ashley-Cooper:
Looked a bit rusty at fullback initially, but did little wrong on the night. He was sorely missed at outside centre, however - especially on defence.
6/10

14 James O'Connor:
Kicked his one goal but had little opportunity on attack. Was almost penalised for throwing the ball away once in touch... and tried to run himself out of trouble early on - only to get caught behind his goalline.
6/10

13 Anthony Fainga'a:
A late replacement for Ashley-Cooper at centre - in light of Beale pulling out - he never looked comfortable against the hard-running and -hitting All Blacks midfield. Made eight tackles; missing none. No line breaks or off-loads on the night.
5/10

12 Pat McCabe:
Ineffective throughout and eventually left the field with a bloodied face. Made four tackles.
4/10

11 Digby Ioane:
Beautiful first run - when he came within inches of scoring - and always looked dangerous with ball in hand. Did not have enough opportunities, however. Made three tackles, one line break, two off-loads and one handling error.
7/10

10 Quade Cooper:
A nightmare start as his kick-off - to start the match - went out on the full. He then did well dealing with an All Blacks kick ahead and rushed out of his defensive line to put Aaron Cruden off after a good break. There was that first-half drop-goal, but he also missed a high ball earlier on and put a punt out on the full in the 26th minute. To his credit, he did not stop trying things... especially with ball in hand... but, ultimately, it was yet another jittery and unconvincing performance from NZ's (self-confessed) Public Enemy No.1.
4/10

9 Will Genia:
A try-saving tackle on Cruden early on but had a difficult night thanks to some sloppy ball coming his way. There also a poor box kick - which went straight up into the air and handed possession straight back to NZ - but, all in all, he cannot be blamed for the loss.
5/10

8 Radike Samo:
Nine tackles, one off-load and one handling error. Not his best night on attack, however (where he normally shines), and found the Kiwi physicality a bit too much when he left the field with a head knock.
5/10

7 David Pocock:
Conceded two penalties in the opening exchanges - a far cry from last week. A staggering tackle count - of 24 - yet again (more than double of Australia's next highest tackler) and gave McCaw and co. a tough time on the ground.
7/10

6 Rocky Elsom:
Missed the crucial tackle on Israel Dagg in the lead-up to Ma'a Nonu's try. Made ten tackles in all and took some line-out ball that came his way. Was overshadowed by his opposite number, however.
5/10

5 James Horwill (captain):
Led from the front and tried to take the game to New Zealand. He did not, however, have enough support. Made ten tackles and one handling error.
6/10

4 Dan Vickerman:
Took a smack to his face early on and was rushed off to the blood bin. Came back on, and soldiered on bravely, but the line-out wasn't much better than last week. Made 11 tackles.
5/10

3 Ben Alexander:
A miserable night for the Aussies up front - Alexander did not show up well at scrum time but made 12 tackles.
5/10

2 Stephen Moore:
Like his captain he tried hard and never took a backwards step. It was not enough, however. Made nine tackles.
6/10

1 Sekope Kepu:
Was replaced early on after taking an accidental finger in the eye. Not enough time/opportunities for a fair rating.

Replacements:

16 Tatafu Polota Nau (On for Stephen Moore, 65th min):
Not enough time/opportunities for a fair rating.

17 James Slipper (On for Sekope Kepu, 21st min):
Replaced Kepu midway through the first half. The Australian scrum was under pressure for most of the night. Made five tackles.
4/10

18 Rob Simmons (On for Dan Vickerman, 60th min):
Was picked ahead of veteran Nathan Sharpe for his impact off the bench and did provide some energy in the final quarter when he replaced Vickerman. It was all too little too late, however.
5/10

19 Ben McCalman (On for Radike Samo, 60th min):
Came on for a groggy Samo but didn't have many opportunities.
5/10

20 Luke Burgess:
Not used.

21 Berrick Barnes (On for Pat McCabe, 47th min):
Tried to take the pressure off Cooper when he came on with his educated right boot... at times, he kicked too much.
5/10

22 Rob Horne (On for Anthony Fainga'a, 62nd min):
Not enough time/opportunities for a fair rating.