PLAYER RATINGS: Top Kiwi scribe BRUTAL in handing out All Blacks marks

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The All Blacks produced arguably their worst display in living memory in a first-half performance that could see the curtain start to close on Ian Foster’s time in charge.

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They fought back in the second half to eventually succumb 32-22 in Wellington to an inspired Ireland, but their skill levels and tactical nous were absent for long patches on a grim night for New Zealand rugby.

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Top Stuff website scribe Paul Curry didn’t hold back in dishing out his All Blacks player ratings (out of 10).

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BACKLINE

Jordie Barrett. The Hurricanes fullback couldn’t shake the goalkicking issues his displayed during Super Rugby Pacific and missed a few shots he should have nailed. Outplayed by classy opposite Hugo Keenan. 3

Will Jordan. The Crusaders fullback wasn’t a threat with ball in hand during the first half and struggled defensively against James Lowe on the edge. However, he exploded into the test with a brilliant try in the 60th minute that left Johnny Sexton trailing in his wake. 5

Rieko Ioane. The All Blacks midfielders looked like rabbits in the headlights against the brilliant Ireland attack. Rarely knew when to push up or drift and saw few chances on attack. 4

David Havili. His 50-22 off his left foot in the first half was a rare highlight but there are still question marks about his ball-carrying at test level. 5

Sevu Reece. Showed some nice footwork in tight spaces but looked one-dimensional compared to Ireland’s multiskilled back-three players. Replaced after 62 minutes. 4

Beauden Barrett. Peppered the Ireland back three with high kicks in a change of tactics, but the return was minimal. Improved his running game in the second half but his tactical work off the boot remains a major concern. Firmly in Sexton’s shadow for past two tests. 3

Aaron Smith. His kicking was ineffective and the predictability of the All Blacks’ attack was evident as Ireland picked off an intercept from the No 9 in the second half. Replaced after 62 minutes. 4

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FORWARDS

Ardie Savea. The Hurricanes No 8 put in an admirable personal performance on his home turf. Carried the ball with huge determination and dragged the All Blacks back into the test with his try at the start of the second half. 7

Sam Cane. Has been second best to Ireland No 7 Josh van der Flier throughout the series. Replaced by Dalton Papalii with about 17 minutes to go and questions about his captaincy will only increase. 3

Akira Ioane. A replacement for Scott Barrett, who pulled out on match day due to an Achilles injury. Justified his selection with a barnstorming try and was one the few All Blacks who punched some holes in the excellent Ireland defence. 6

Sam Whitelock. Set-piece woes continued despite the veteran’s return, and the All Blacks locks were clearly outpointed around the field by Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne, who was arguably the man of the match. 4

Brodie Retallick. Replaced in the second half following an upright tackle from Andrew Porter that saw the Ireland prop yellow carded. Trying hard but not the dominant physical presence he was in his prime. 5

Nepo Laulala. Missed an early tackle as the All Blacks were slow out of the blocks again. Risky offload inside his own 22m backfired at the end of the first half, costing the All Blacks seven points as Ireland showed their ruthless streak. 2

Codie Taylor. The All Blacks’ lineout fell apart. They lost four first-half throws and also turned over possession when they tried to get their maul working. Taylor also copped a big fend from James Lowe to make his night even worse. 2

George Bower. Worked incredibly hard during his 71 minutes on the field and has not let himself down during this series. 5

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