15. Ben Smith: 8
Majestic under the high ball, often reclaiming his own kicks in dire conditions for it. One skewed kick early on aside, he barely put a foot wrong in atrocious conditions to be a fullback.
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder: 7
The most dangerous player on the field in terms of running in open play, he showed glimpses of how dangerous he can be without ever truly breaking free before having to depart through injury.
13. Conrad Smith: 6
There was one glorious give and take under immense pressure from the Springbok defence, but other than that it was a quiet day at the office for Snakehips.
12. Ma’a Nonu: 7.5
Lovely arcing run turned a two on two into a two on one and allowed Beauden Barrett to stroll over untouched for his try. Carried over the gainline on seven separate occasions, providing a focal point for the All Black attack.
11. Julian Savea: 5.5
Not the conditions that he loved, and one handling error typified a frustrating outing for a man who is much, much better than this performance.
10. Dan Carter: 8
His drop goal was brilliantly opportunistic, and to hit it so sweetly off the cuff like that is up there with the most difficult skills in a kicker’s repertoire. Distributed well in tough conditions and was the man to rip the ball from Schalk Burger in the build up to the Barrett try. Played the conditions perfectly.
9. Aaron Smith: 6
Kept the tempo as high as ever, but one badly skewed kick in the second half heaped unnecessary pressure on the set piece. Also sent the ball back to Carter too early at the death, meaning he had to keep it in play rather than go for a drop goal with last play of the game.
1. Joe Moody: 4
A belated baptism of fire on his 10th international appearance. He was destroyed at the set piece by Malherbe and this seemed to impact his confidence elsewhere, where he was far less conspicuous than the week previously.
2. Dane Coles: 6.5
Strong in the tackle and accurate with his darts. Not the day for his all action running game to shine in the loose.
3. Owen Franks: 5
Didn’t seem to be in quite as much trouble as Moody at the set piece, but still couldn’t gain any sort of dominance over the Beast. Did little elsewhere before being substituted on 50 minutes.
4. Brodie Retallick: 7.5
Didn’t really have a chance to showcase his basketball-like handling skills given the conditions, but the other side of his game – power – shone through in the tight, carrying over the gainline well and winning ball both at the lineout and breakdown.
5. Sam Whitelock: 7
Another to put relentless pressure on the Springbok lineout, while as the man in charge of the All Black calls, ensured no such fate befell his own side. Poached the crucial lineout late on at the Boks looked for the win.
6. Jerome Kaino: 7
He is docked a full point for one of the stupidest yellow cards you’ll see this tournament (although it was probably a harsh yellow, why give the penalty away anyway?). Other than that he was immense, finishing a lovely move with raw power in the corner and generally smashing over the gainline.
7. Richie McCaw: 7
Won a couple of turnovers but was also pinged a fair few times around the park. Carried reasonably well but will have to step it up in the face of Pocock and Hooper next week.
8. Kieran Read: 6
Another to pinch a lineout, but Read’s afternoon was characterised by his indiscipline. Not the conditions for his all-court running and handling style, either.
Replacements: 7
Eyebrows were raised when Sonny Bill Williams was brought on for Nonu with the game still very much in the balance, but he showed how he has matured as a player by reigning it in and playing the kind of solid, smart rugby that was needed. Barrett did likewise when brought on at the back, while the front five replacements did shore up the scrum.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images