Player ratings: Two costly moments that Wallabies' most improved man would want again
Updated . First published at
Going into the Bledisloe Cup this year, there was definite hope that Joe Schmidt could deliver the Wallabies the trophy they've desired for decades.
But ultimately it's ended in two defeats.
The conditions in Perth didn't help the Wallabies play much exciting rugby and errors cost them dearly.
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Will Skelton's HIA early in the match didn't help and a disallowed try for Allan Alaalatoa put the Wallabies on the back foot.
Here's how Wide World of Sports rated the performances of the Wallabies.
1. James Slipper - 5
Played 44 minutes in his final Test and was almost the man who scored when Alaalatoa crossed, but it was ruled out. Put his best foot forward like always but couldn't stop the All Blacks when it came to the set-piece.
James Slipper of the Wallabies walks off the field for his final game through a guard of honour. Getty
2. Billy Pollard - 4
Lineout of the Wallabies was seriously disappointing. Wet conditions didn't help. Left the field after 62 minutes.
3. Allan Alaalatoa - 6
Denied a try early but looked dangerous during his time on the pitch. However, he struggled at the set-piece too. Only played the first half after his back "locked up."
4. Nick Frost - 5
A crucial drop from the kickoff led to an All Blacks try, a major blemish. Outside of that he was solid in defence.
5. Will Skelton - 5
Presence was obvious early, but ill-discipline cost him when he managed to pilfer the ball but was penalised for starting a push and shove. Left the field in the 14th minute for an HIA and didn't return. A long trip from France to play such a short time.
Will Skelton of the Wallabies in action. Getty
6. Tom Hooper - 5
Was one of the top ball carriers but missed a really bad tackle for Quinn Tupaea's second try. Yellow carded for a dangerous cleanout which stopped Alaalatoa's try. Has improved out of sight in The Rugby Championship but would like those two moments again.
Tom Hooper. Getty
7. Fraser McReight - 8
A trademark performance from the flanker. Brilliant at the breakdown and covered the ground superbly. Nailed a notable pilfer in the 31st minute.
8. Harry Wilson - 8
Could hardly fault his performance again. Tackled his heart out and the red headgear never seemed to be too far from every breakdown.
9. Jake Gordon - 5
Played for 56 minutes and had a quiet night. Had some decent box kicks but nothing of note otherwise.
10. Tane Edmed - 4
Had a very mixed performance. Nailed his penalties off the boot early but had a kick off out on the full and other errors didn't help.
Tane Edmed. Getty
11. Filipo Daugunu - 8
Was very solid in contact with his defence and carried the ball hard. Linked up well with Max Jorgensen throughout the match.
12. Len Ikitau - 6
Scored a try with a simple put down from the back of the ruck. Was very solid in defence but yellow carded for high contact which hurt the Wallabies badly.
Len Ikitau of the Wallabies leaves the field after receiving a yellow card. Getty
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii - 6
A solid performance in defence for the big money man but his opposite number did score twice. Wasn't able to get much quality ball throughout the match.
14. Harry Potter - 5
The best of the attack came on the other wing with Daugunu. Just didn't seem like Potter could get going but had seven carries to his name.
15. Max Jorgensen - 6
Had some errors due to very slippery conditions but always looked dangerous with ball in hand.
16. Josh Nasser - 4
Came on for Pollard and tried to tidy things up but didn't have long enough to make inroads.
17. Tom Robertson - 6
Came on for Slipper but couldn't influence the set-piece, however he did top the tackle count.
18. Taniela Tupou - 6
Looked like he was trying hard to make his presence known in the breakdown .
19. Jeremy Williams - 6
Was injected into the game early due to Skelton's injury and tried hard in defence.
20. Rob Valetini - 6
His presence was obvious once out there and was physical in defence and at the breakdown.
21. Ryan Lonergan - 5
Came on for Jake Gordon but like Gordon, couldn't provide any real moments of inspiration.
22. James O'Connor - N/A
Came on in the 71st minute but the Wallabies were on the back foot. Couldn't influence the match.
23. Josh Flook - N/A
Only played nine minutes but was then taken off the field with injury.
