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Player ratings: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii goes missing at Eden Park as All Blacks retain the Bledisloe Cup
Updated . First published at
Another year, another loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park.
The Wallabies again made a slow start before giving New Zealand a fright in their eventual 33-24 win that means the Bledisloe Cup will remain across the ditch.
Here's how ex-Test star Cameron Shepherd rated the Australian performances in Auckland.
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Will Jordan of New Zealand collects the ball next to Max Jorgensen of Australia. Getty
15: Max Jorgensen (5/10)
Played hard but couldn't create much impact in his first Bledisloe Cup Test. Fullback is a critical position and it's very rare a youngster nails it on day one. He needed to take pressure off James O'Connor at first receiver, needed to look for opportunities on the blindside and needs to add tactical kicking to his game.
14: Harry Potter (7)
Under pressure early as Beauden Barrett took aim with a variety of tactical kicks. To his credit, Potter absorbed the pressure and fed off it while constantly looking for work. His first half try was a result of consistently hunting for opportunities. A yellow card in the final 10 minutes may have been harsh.
AS IT HAPPENED: Wallabies vs All Blacks, first Bledisloe Test
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13: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (4)
I refuse to believe Joseph was overawed by the occasion but it was not the performance I was expecting. At times it looked like he preferred to watch the All Blacks rather than take it to them. Needed to take a page out of the book of Potter and Len Ikitau and go looking for it.
12: Len Ikitau (7)
Like the T-Rex when it gets loose in San Diego during The Lost World. Ikitau was into everything and bodies were sent flying as a result. His carry in the lead up to the Billy Pollard try was a perfect example. Needed to help his centre partner get in the game though! The connection wasn't there and I wonder if Len needs to start thinking about how he makes others around him better and not just look for his next meal.
11: Corey Toole (5)
Arguably the quickest player on the field but was never given the chance to show it. The Wallabies must find a way to put him in space or he's wasted. Had a solid game all things considered. Will we see him in Perth?
10: James O'Connor (5)
Part of me thinks JOC might have left his good boots in London as his punt and drop kicking was not working. With every shake of his head you could see it was on his mind and distracting him from the job at hand. In general play the Wallabies had good periods but equally as many bad. Not the performance fans were hoping for from James.
Tate McDermott is injured. Stan
9: Tate McDermott (5)
Returning to the No.9 jersey and celebrating his 50th Test, it was sad to see Tate's afternoon finish early after a nasty cleanout and awkward fall. A couple of trademark touches but frustratingly the Wallabies spent most of the opening 19 minutes on defence anyway.
8: Harry Wilson (6)
Two poor no arms tackles in the opening 20 minutes put the Wallabies under pressure. Got over the gainline consistently and fought like a warrior. This one would have hurt Harry as effort wasn't the problem. This young leader will remember this one. He'll get another chance.
Referee Andrea Piardi talks with Harry Wilson of Australia. Getty
7: Fraser McReight (5)
McReight made 23 of 25 tackle attempts as he bounced around Eden Park like a pinball. But the All Blacks did a fantastic job closing the door on him at the breakdown and restricting his attacks on the ball. The speed and intensity of this battle left little in the tank for McReight in attack.
6: Tom Hooper (7)
One of his best performances against the All Blacks. Hooper's growth and maturity continues to impress me. Fearless in defence and finding creative way to carry in attack. A consistent 80 minute shift and one of the Wallabies' best.
5: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (7)
As the new front man in the cavalry, Lukhan took the reins from Rob Valetini and threw everything he had into the Eden Park battle. Strong and tactical when he carried and aggressive in defence. The Wallabies can thank big LSL for multiple try savers. Needed more support from teammates.
4: Nick Frost (6)
Punched in at minute one, left blood, sweat and tears on the park and punched out at minute 80. No frills, job done and set piece effective. So why am I left wanting more then?
3: Taniela Tupou (4)
Struggled to keep pace with Australia's rapid phase play attack and the width and movement of the All Blacks. Had a couple of runs late in the first half but otherwise had minimal impact on the game.
Billy Pollard of Australia dives towards the tryline to score. Getty
2: Billy Pollard (7)
His best attacking performance in gold. Consistent gainline advantage, line breaks and an impressive try in the first half when the Wallabies were struggling. A couple of throws he'd like to have again but a very good performance.
1: James Slipper (6)
An outstanding opening 40 minutes from Slipper. Now in rare company with Sam Whitelock and Alun Wynn Jones in the 150 Test club. Does it all end for this legend of the game in Perth next week?
Reserves
16: Brandon Paenga-Amosa (5)
With little time to make an impact, BPA arrived with energy and passion. Showed his value as the Wallabies' go-to No.16 and understudy to Pollard.
17: Angus Bell (5)
Needed to get himself in the game. Didn't hear his name enough and the Wallabies needed more.
18: Allan Alaalatoa (6)
Took it on his shoulders to shovel coal into the boiler and do the hard yards for the Wallabies in the second 40 minutes. Nothing flashy as usual from the former captain but his fingerprints will be all across this one once forensics finish their work.
19: Jeremy Williams (5)
Brought voice and a lot of energy. The Wallabies can use Williams more effectively in my opinion. Good leader with a lot to prove.
20: Carlo Tizzano (7)
Roared to life like a 1986 Holden SS as he ran onto Eden Park. Western Force faithful must have rocked forward onto the edge of their seats when Tizzano arrived. Tizzano has proven he belongs at this level. His try gave the Wallabies a chance. Sadly, a chance it remained.
21: Ryan Lonergan (6)
First Test match, first Bledisloe and an uncharacteristic knock on showed the early nerves being felt. From that moment though the Brumbies No.9 never looked back. The attacking phase play and breakdown instantly shifted a gear.
22: Tame Edmed: N/A
23: Filipo Daugunu (5)
I think it was a mistake leaving him out of the starting side. All due respect to Toole and Potter but Daugunu immediately brought the power and ferocity the Wallabies needed. My pick is his jersey number next week starts with a 1 not a 2.