Player ratings: ABs drop in again

Some players just have BMT (big match temperament) and Dan Carter has that in bucket loads.


He remained calm throughout the fiery Irish onslaught and even after missing one drop-goal, he had the temperament to have another go and get the winner in a 22-19 victory.


The All Blacks will have muted celebrations, they know they dogged a big bullet.


Jan de Koning rates the All Black players!


15 Israel Dagg:

He was always dangerous with ball in hand - a very balanced player. However, he messed it up it up by conceding a yellow card seven minutes from time for a shoulder charge on Rob Kearney. Could have cost his team.

6/10


14 Zac Guildford:

He had a couple of ineffective first-half runs and got away with some off the ball stuff. He did make up for it with a crucial second-half turnover.

6/10


13 Conrad Smith:

He was, as always, brilliant with ball in hand. His best attribute - apart from keeping the opposing defenders guessing - is giving his fellow backs options.

7/10


12 Sonny Bill Williams:

Started with an early knock, but then made amends with a strong run from the subsequent scrum. Even though he was well watched, produced a great break in the second half and some good carries.

6/10


11 Julian Savea:

He found out very quickly that Test rugby is not a walk in the park. After last week's hat-trick it was back down to earth with a bang. His handling was not as secure this week and his positional play also not up to par. He also let a ball bounce.

4/10


10 Daniel Carter:

He was running hard at the line and testing Irish defensive lines. Also made his tackles. He kicked just once and then produced a very good probing run midway through the second half which caused problems for the Irish. While two of his drop-kicks were a very ordinary efforts, he slotted the match-winning drop-goal.

8/10


9 Aaron Smith:

Gave crisp service and broke just a few times - very effectively. Score a crucial try early in the second half.

7/10


8 Kieran Read:

Produced strong carries in the close exchanges, but did not come back after the break due to a head knock - which he carried into the game from last week.

6/10


7 Richie McCaw (captain):

Not good by his usual standards. He worked really hard at the breakdown, but was worked over by the Irish and conceded a few silly penalties and also several knock-ons. Still managed his usual quota of turnovers.

6/10


6 Adam Thomson:

Great support play and strong carries - just what you expect from the big southern man. He was immense with ball in hand and put his body on the line - bleeding for the cause.

7/10


5 Samuel Whitelock:

Virtually anonymous - very few carries, made little ground and his tackle count was poor.

4/10


4 Brodie Retallick:

He produced a crucial line-out steal in first half and a number of great tackles. Won his own line-outs and produced a crucial; steal. He is a great young talent.

7/10


3 Owen Franks:

There was an offside penalty in first quarter, which cost his team three points . He made a few tackles, but also missed some.

5/10


2 Andrew Hore:

This was classic Hore - nothing flash, but a high workrate in the close exchanges.

6/10


1 Tony Woodcock:

There was strong scrumming in the first half and had the occasional carry, but his workrate could be better.

5/10


Replacements:


16 Hikawera Elliot:

Not used.


17 Ben Franks (on for brother Owen in the 57th min):

Conceded a scrum penalty soon after coming on and the All Black scrum went to pot after he came on.

4/10


18 Ali Williams (on for Retallick, 64th min):

His contribution was only negative. Made a short run and then conceded a penalty in front of his posts - lost his mind and started shoving the Irish around, costing his team 10 metres and three points.

2/10


19 Sam Cane (on for Read, half-time):

Conceded two early penalties after coming on , but had a few strong carries and made his tackles. Not bad for a debut performance.

6/10


20 Piri Weepu (on for Aaron Smith, 64th min):

Shocking pass to Carter just before the match-winning drop-goal - otherwise just a link.

4/10


21 Aaron Cruden:    

Not used


22 Ben Smith (on for Savea, 73rd min):

Not enough time to be rated accurately.