Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against New Zealand

The Wallabies failed in their quest to break the 39-year Eden Park curse, but still came desperately close to a rare win in New Zealand, losing 33-24.

After a trademark slow start, the Wallabies pushed the All Blacks to their limits before running out of steam in the final minutes, setting up a revenge mission in Perth next Saturday at a sold-out Optus Stadium perfectly.

Here’s how the Wallabies rated.

1. James Slipper: The evergreen prop came in, did his job with the minimum of fuss and had a very solid performance on his 150th Test. Executed flawless chop tackles and provided a very solid scrum platform. 6/10

2. Billy Pollard: A great all-around performance from the hooker, getting a try, and was relentless in his carries. His otherwise excellent copybook was blotted by a missed throw on 42 minutes with the Wallabies in a perfect attacking position. Second-highest tackler for his side with 20. 7.5/10

3. Taniela Tupou: Rock solid at the scrum and there was a noticeable difference at the set piece when he left at half-time; also made a turnover at the ruck. Back into good form. 6/10

4. Nick Frost: The Wallabies’ lineout king did his job not only at the set piece but also carried tirelessly. 7/10

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto: He was brought in to add muscle alongside the more athletic Frost and was abrasive in his carries against a tough All Blacks defence. Waited a long time for his chance and didn’t let anybody down. 6.5/10

6. Tom Hooper: An outstanding footballer who continues to impress. Carried the most out of any forward with 37 metres and was brave in defence. Made a crucial ruck turnover. Blindside breakaway definitely suits him more than the second-row. 7.5/10

7. Fraser McReight: Had one of the toughest jobs in world rugby, trying to go head-to-head with Ardie Savea, but didn’t stop working, including a team-high of 26 tackles. Relentless. 7.5/10

8. Harry Wilson: The captain was at the centre of all his side’s best work, running at pace and causing dents in the All Blacks’ defence. After struggling to understand Christophe Ridley’s officiating in Sydney against Argentina, he was equally lost for words for Andrea Piardi’s decisions at the breakdown. Conceded three penalties himself. 6/10

9. Tate McDermott: Cruelly, the halfback left the field after just 18 minutes clutching his hamstring after being cleaned out in a ruck. N/A

10. James O’Connor: The globetrotting playmaker had a frustrating day at the office. Brilliant off the kicking tee and carried bravely into contact, but there was a huge error, missing touch from a penalty at 52 minutes that swung momentum back to the All Blacks with the game on the line and six points between the teams. He will also be annoyed at sending a restart straight into touch. 4.5/10

11. Corey Toole: A tough day for the speedy winger. Three carries, four missed tackles and completely outgunned in the air. Starved of any space to shine. It must be remembered that he is right at the start of his Test career. 4/10

12. Len Ikitau: At the centre of the Wallabies’ fightback and consistently makes the players around him look better. Led his side with 12 carries. Not the biggest inside centre, but certainly one of the bravest and smartest. 8/10

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: Didn’t have as much space as he would have liked, but still beat three defenders and dovetailed neatly at inside centre when Ikitau went off the field. 6/10

14. Harry Potter: A mixed bag for the winger, who scored a great try to keep his side in the game at Eden Park. He will be disappointed with five missed tackles. Really worked his way back into the game after a tough start. Was yellow-carded late in the game. 6/10

15. Max Jorgensen: Didn’t look out of place in his first Test start at fullback and did well snuffing out the All Blacks’ aerial bombs. Made some crucial defensive reads. 6.5/10

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa: The hooker adds a huge amount of muscle when he comes on and didn’t disappoint at Eden Park. 6/10

17. Angus Bell: Bell didn’t get the opportunity to show his world-class ability to break a defence, carrying for just three metres. 5/10

18. Allan Alaalatoa: Kept the scrum solid and a welcome return from his shoulder injury. He will be better in Perth. 5/10

19. Jeremy Williams: Was unlucky to not steal a lineout and was busy when he came on 6/10

20. Carlo Tizzano: Got a try as a reward for his energetic cameo, will be desperate for a win at home in Perth. 7/10

21. Ryan Lonergan: Has waited patiently since 2021 for his Wallabies Test debut and came on far earlier than he expected after just 18 minutes with his side at sea. Brought a calmness and a strong kicking game. Will get even better and will be in this squad for years to come. 7.5/10

22. Tane Edmed: Didn’t get on the field. N/A

23. Filipo Daugunu: The perfect man to spring off the bench, slotted in seamlessly at 13, and was also dangerous speeding down the wing, catching a pass at his boot laces and looking threatening any time he had the ball. Must be pushing to start next week in Perth on the wing, particularly given his aerial abilities. 6.5/10

Watch every match of The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup live and on demand on Stan Sport kicking off 17 August.