Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against New Zealand
By Tom Decent
The Wallabies put themselves in the box seat to seal an upset win over New Zealand but once again came off second-best on the scoreboard.
Here’s how the Wallabies players rated in the 23-20 defeat in Dunedin on Saturday.
1. Angus Bell - 7.5
The young prop was one of Australia’s best in Melbourne last week and backed it up in Dunedin. Produced a barnstorming run in the 10th minute, beating three defenders before offloading to Nick Frost. Forced Nepo Laulala straight to ground to win the Wallabies an important early scrum penalty. The stats show Bell missed three tackles but it was another great performance, albeit in a losing side.
2. David Porecki - N/A
Solid involvements before coming off in the 15th minute with injury.
3. Pone Fa’amausili - 6.5
Helped win an early scrum penalty when Tamaiti Williams put a knee on the ground. Battled injury through the first half and was held up over the try line. Had scrum issues late in the game but considering how much pain Fa’amausili seemed to be in, coach Eddie Jones will be happy with his tight-head prop.
The Wallabies before Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand in Dunedin. Credit: Getty
4. Nick Frost - 7
Managed a great clean steal from a lineout in the 68th minute with the game on the line. Had a little break in the middle of the field and was clinical in all his focus areas. A great game where Frost did what was required of him.
5. Richie Arnold - 6
It’s not the first time Arnold has struggled to make a major impact on the game. That’s not a criticism, just the reality sometimes given the position he plays. Came off after 50 minutes.
6. Tom Hooper - 8.5
Scored a magnificent maiden Test try in the seventh minute before putting in a brilliant shift. Made 19 tackles - more than any other Wallabies player - and didn’t miss one. However, did concede a couple of turnovers. Hooper’s nine carries put him equal-second among Wallabies forwards. His turnover helped set up Cooper’s long-range penalty late in the second half. His best game in gold.
7. Fraser McReight - 7
Put his head in a dark place in the 34th minute to win a turnover, like he does so often at Super Rugby level. A solid game. Will be interesting to see if Michael Hooper slots straight back into No.7 for the France warm-up game on August 27.
8. Rob Valetini - 7.5
A great Test from the big Wallabies No.8. Valetini made 16 tackles and picked up a nice turnover in the 10th minute. Loves the physical contest and never takes a backwards step.
9. Tate McDermott - 7.5
Was sharp from the outset. Controlled the game well for the Wallabies and helped them get front-foot ball in the opening half. Spotted a gap in New Zealand’s defence but was held up in the 29th minute. As skipper, McDermott needed to be aware that referee Karl Dickson might blow a penalty against the Wallabies for getting to the lineout too slow. Dickson did just that and it was a critical moment before half-time.
10. Carter Gordon - 7
Nailed two clutch conversions from the sideline to get the confidence up. Wasn’t scared to take the line on and throw long passes. His 50-22 just before half-time was all class and showed excellent vision. Got isolated a handful of times while taking carries but that was more on the support runners. His penalty attempt in the 60th minute hit the post and could have made a difference come full-time. Looks more comfortable at No.10 each game.
11. Marika Koroibete - 7.5
Scored a fabulous try in the third minute and did well to stay in the field of play. Knocked-on trying to catch a long kick that, as Tim Horan rightly pointed out, Koroibete didn’t need to go for. Carried hard and tackled harder. Everything you’d expect from Koroibete, who never leaves anything in the tank.
Centre Samu Kerevi’s 12 carries was the most of any Wallabies player. Credit: Getty
12. Samu Kerevi - 7.5
Threw the final pass for Koroibete’s opening try and did the same for Tom Hooper a few minutes later. Got stepped by Will Jordan, which ultimately led to New Zealand’s first points. Appeared to get his hand in where it mattered to stop a certain Leicester Fainga’anuku try. Kerevi’s 12 carries was the most of any Wallabies player.
13. Jordan Petaia - 7
Looked dangerous when he had the ball, beating six defenders. Pulled off some promising kicks during play that showed he has another string to his bow. Did his job at No.13 with Len Ikitau still out injured.
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase - 7
Was excellent in the air and his break through the middle helped set up Hooper’s five-pointer down the left edge. Continues to impress on the international stage.
15. Andrew Kellaway - 7
Was the only Australian player to chalk up triple-figure run metres. As the last covering defender, tried to stop Shaun Stevenson for his try but to no avail. Does the basics well and is a safe hand at fullback.
16. Matt Faessler - 7.5
Thrust into the limelight of Test footy in the 15th minute when Porecki went off. Had a lineout picked off in the 31st minute but otherwise, was good with his throwing. What a debut it would have been had Australia pulled off a rare victory in New Zealand.
17. James Slipper - 4
Introduced in the 56th minute and penalised for not rolling away, almost immediately. Couldn’t stop Samipeni Finau close to the line before struggling with an injury late in the game.
18. Zane Nonggorr - 5
Steady in defence but had limited involvements.
19. Will Skelton - 7
A great cameo off the bench. Won a turnover with Australia camped on their own line when they desperately needed it. The Wallabies need him fit at the World Cup if they’re any chance of going deep in the tournament.
20. Rob Leota - 4
Only got 20 minutes at the end. Got his arm knocked while trying to give off a lineout, resulting in an All Blacks scrum feed. Was right in front of Finau when he scored New Zealand’s last try of the match.
21. Nic White - 6
Limited minutes and could only do so much right at the death.
22. Quade Cooper - 6.5
Came on with 15 minutes to go but will be remembered for his knock-on with three minutes remaining. It will be fascinating to see whether Jones sticks with Gordon for the World Cup opener or returns to a veteran in Cooper. Pulled off a great low tackle on Jordan that stopped the All Blacks scoring a potential match-winning try. His 50-metre penalty was impressive and kept the Wallabies in the contest at the death.
23) Izaia Perese - N/A
Didn’t take a carry and made only one tackle during his four minutes on the park.
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