player ratings – Michmutters
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Wallabies player ratings from record loss to Argentina, highlights, analysis, team news

The Wallabies conceded seven tries and four of them came from kicks.

If you’re looking for a reason why the Wallabies lost, that paints a pretty clear picture.

The Wallabies’ raw fullback Tom Wright was exposed. The Brumbies back has been excellent in his previous three Tests of the year, but his lack of time spent in the role was brutally exposed by Argentina, who tested his positional understanding and his aerial skills too.

He wasn’t the only one either. Marika Koroibete was found out in the air, while Reece Hodge was penalized after he made contact in the air after not being in a realistic position to compete for the ball.

The Wallabies’ scrum was edged, too, with the Argentine pack up for the challenge following their heavy defeat a week earlier.

As for James O’Connor, the recalled playmaker faces a fight to keep his place after a frustrating performance.

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Wallabies try BRUTALLY disallowed! | 01:22

Had his try midway through the first half not been disallowed it likely would have been a different story for the 32-year-old. It didn’t, and anyone wearing the No.10 jersey generally shoulders the blame regardless of whether they deserve it.

Here are our player ratings from the record loss to Argentina.

Tom Wright- 3.5

Given the fullback’s struggles under the high ball, Dave Rennie will likely recall Andrew Kellaway should the Rebels back be fit to take on the Springboks later this month.

Wright doesn’t deserve to be dropped. One poor game doesn’t define a player, but the Brumby is a developing 15 and could benefit from more time on the wing. He’ll be a strong contender for the No.23 jersey should Kellaway be fit.

The tough day started in the very first minute, as he fumbled a tough ball from Jordan Petaia and Argentina scored.

Moments later and Argentina won a 50-22 as the home side exposed Wright’s positional understanding.

“Pretty inexcusable from the Wallabies from set phase not to be able to defend a 50-22 in that situation,” former All Blacks playmaker Andrew Mehrtens said for Stan.

On three occasions Wright lost possession in the air. He was out leapt in the eighth minute by Emiliano Boffelli.

He didn’t get a hand on a kick in the 27th minute. He was also beaten in the air again in the 36th minute but fortunately was saved by some Marika Koroibete brilliance in defense as he forced Boffelli to spill the ball over the tryline.

Later, in the 52nd minute, Wright chose to run the ball but should have played the percentages as he was tackled and gave away a penalty for not releasing.

Tom Wright had a difficult match at fullback against Argentina.  Photo: Getty Images
Tom Wright had a difficult match at fullback against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Jordan Petaia – 6

It was a case of being so close yet so far for Petaia.

Petaia sent O’Connor in to score but the try was denied for an illegal cleanout from James Slipper.

Later he lost the ball over the tryline as the ball was ripped away.

But there was also one of those passes into touch in the 51st minute, while he also intercepted a pass in the 56th minute before quickly throwing one of his own as he sought to keep the ball in the field of play.

More promisingly Petaia got his hands on the ball. Yet the fact Australia has not put an attacking kick in for Petaia tells you a lot about the Wallabies’ attack in recent weeks.

Len Ikitau – 7.5

One of the Wallabies’ best. Ikitau scored a try, made a massive linebreak and was strong on either side of the ball.

His linebreak in the 29th minute should have led to some points. Instead, it led to a penalty to the Pumas one phase later as Nic White was pinged for a side entry at the ruck.

The Wallabies were smashed by Argentina at San Juan del Bicentenario Stadium on August 13, 2022 in San Juan. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Lalakai Foketi – 6

A couple of good touches, including in the 10th minute to slip a great ball to Ikitau.

Foketi did, however, overtrack in defense along with James O’Connor and Lachie Lonergan ahead of the Pumas’ third try.

Marika Koroibete – 6

Defensively Koroibete was excellent.

He had a fantastic trysaver on Boffelli and laid on some big shots, including one ahead of Fraser McReight’s turnover in the 10th minute.

His clearing kick beyond halfway in the 19th minute was a cracker, too.

Unfortunately Koroibete too was beaten in the air and the uncertainty in the air meant Argentina continued to pepper the Wallabies’ back three.

The little knock-on in the 41st minute at the base of the ruck straight after half-time summed up the Wallabies’ frustrating performance.

James O’Connor – 5

The Wallabies playmaker will likely shoulder some of the blame for the defeat, but that would be an unfair marker.

Had O’Connor’s try stood the Wallabies would have been in front and he would have had a great highlights moment. It didn’t and the Wallabies conceded two quick tries.

Defensively O’Connor had a couple of moments that won’t reflect well.

He was run over the top by Tomas Gallo in the sixth minute as Taniela Tupou fell off a tackle, he overtracked ahead of the Pumas’ third try and he spilled a ball in contact for the Pumas’ try after the Wallabies’ back three didn’ Don’t get hands on another kick.

There was however some nice manipulation of the defense in the 72nd minute as she ran to the line and put Ikitau through a little hole. But, as Rennie later lamented, the Wallabies pushed the pass and found the touchline.

James O’Connor (L) had a frustrating return at fly-half. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Nick White – 5

The Wallabies’ struggles to hold onto the ball meant White had a frustrating Test.

The experienced halfback had little space to test out the Argentine defence.

Frustratingly, too, when the Wallabies had the ball in the opposition half they looked dangerous. They just didn’t keep the ball long enough to mount any real pressure.

He appeared lost with what to do in the 30th minute and had his pass intercepted.

Rob Valetini – 9

The Wallabies’ best player on the field.

Valetini’s ball carrying was a real feature.

I have powered over the gain line ahead of Slipper’s try for the Wallabies.

He was strong in defense too, producing a great counter-ruck in the 18th minute to allow McReight to get on the ball to win a penalty.

Lachie Lonergan’s nice ball sent Valetini through a huge hole in the 45th minute. It should have ended in a try as he unleashed Petaia, who was stripped over the line.

Valetini’s one blemish came in the 61st minute, as he slightly changed his direction after a chip and chase and was penalized.

Rob Valetini was the Wallabies’ best against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Fraser McReight – 5.5

Good pressure on the ball, including a great breakdown win in the 10th minute.

Unfortunately for McReight he was sent to the sin bin midway through the second half despite referee Karl Dickson playing advantages ahead of their fifth try.

Jed Holloway – 6

Holloway was effective in the lineout and had a steal, too. He had some good runs to the line as well. But he needs to demand more of the ball.

The Waratahs forward looks set for a long stint in the side and his physical prowess will help with the pack.

Darcy Swain – 5.5

After last weekend’s outstanding Test, Swain wasn’t nearly as effective. why? Quite simply the Wallabies had little set piece ball.

Swain was penalized in the 28th minute after playing on despite a ruck being formed.

Rory Arnold – 6.5

A respectable return for the Japanese-bound lock.

Arnold carried well and even took an intercept in the 29th minute.

But his real strength around the maul wasn’t able to be used because of the Wallabies’ struggles under the high ball.

Taniela Tupou struggled for the Wallabies in his return to the starting side. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Taniela Tupou – 5

Punished at the scrum, the Wallabies struggled at the set-piece. They were penalized there on a number of occasions, with Tupou pinged for not driving straight.

Tupou was also penalized for collapsing a maul in the 24th minute.

It wasn’t until the 46th minute that Tupou managed to get well over the gain line.

The massive Wallabies tight-head prop has yet to master a Test that he has started.

Lachlan Lonergan – 6

A reasonable effort, having been asked to start against the Pumas.

The young Brumby’s lineout was largely effective.

But the Wallabies’ scrum was beaten, he over tracked ahead of the Pumas’ second try and missed a tackle from the kick restart in the 55th minute.

James Slipper (c) – 6.5

One of the Wallabies’ better forwards.

Slipper’s opening 20 minutes was outstanding. Unfortunately he was penalized for an illegal cleanout, which was questionable at best.

Slipper carried strongly and showed some good hands, too. He also scored the Wallabies’ first try.

The Wallabies suffered their greatest defeat to Argentina. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

BOOK

Billy Pollard – 5.5

Came on midway through the second half and hit the mark with his throws on debut. tick.

Matt Gibbon – N/A

Came on late for Slipper, but helped the Wallabies win a penalty when he went through the middle of a maul in the 71st minute.

Puts Fa’amausili – 6

Some great shots and strong carries after coming on midway through the second half. A promising debut off the bench.

Nick Frost – 5

Wasn’t able to impose himself like he did a week ago.

Pete Samu – 6

Effective on both sides of the ball after replacing Holloway in the second half.

Tate McDermott – 6

McDermott’s 50/22 in the 69th minute was a cracker. Unfortunately Valetini got clipped first phase from the attacking lineout and was brought down before Irae Simone was pinged for side entry at the ruck.

Irae Simone – N/A

Came on late but gave away a penalty for side entry at the ruck.

Reece Hodge – N/A

Another who came on late, Hodge was penalized for making contact in the air after not being in a realistic position to catch a ball at fullback.

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Rugby Championship, reaction, New Zealand rugby Ian Foster, Scott Robertson, highlights

One of New Zealand’s most respected scribes has called for Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster as tensions reach breaking point across the Tasman following the All Blacks’ 26-10 defeat to the Springboks over the weekend.

“It’s time to ring Scott Robertson, tell him to be waiting with his hand-picked assistants and for him and Jason Ryan to get on with rebuilding a legacy that is in danger of being horribly tainted if there is no definitive action taken,” wrote Gregor Paul in the New Zealand Herald.

“There is nothing now that can happen to convince anyone in New Zealand – anyone who knows the game – that the All Blacks are going to miraculously improve without a total and brutal cleanout and reset.

“Confidence has been shattered, all hope lost and it would be madness for New Zealand Rugby to do anything other than get out the check book, pay off the termination fees and usher in a new era.”

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Calls for Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster are becoming deafening after the All Blacks slumped to their third straight defeat.  Photo: Getty Images
Calls for Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster are becoming deafening after the All Blacks slumped to their third straight defeat. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

The strong column comes after the All Blacks slumped to a 24-year first, as the nation slumped to its third straight defeat after previously losing their first home series in 28 years.

The 16-point loss, which was also their fifth defeat from six Tests, will see New Zealand drop to a historic low of fifth when World Rugby updates their rankings.

But, as was pointed out, it was not just the scoreboard that revealed the grim picture, it was the nature of the All Blacks’ defeat.

Foster’s side barely fired a shot.

It took until midway through the second half to get inside the Springboks’ 22 meter line and, for much of the game, they were suffocated by a rush defense that forced errors from the usually highly skilled New Zealand backs.

Malcolm Marx was the chief disrupter for the All Blacks, as the Springboks hooker, playing his 50th Test, regularly got on the ball and turned it over.

Malcolm Marx was awarded player of the match for his stunning breakdown work against the All Blacks. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

The All Blacks only made two real chances.

The first they bombed after some Beauden Barrett brilliance from his own goal-line ended in a terrible forward pass from flanker Akira Ioane near halfway.

The second chance saw Shannon Frizell slam the ball down out wide after Caleb Clarke crashed the Springbok defence, before brilliantly being tackled from behind by a diving Damian Willemse.

“In their defining hour, their day of reckoning, the All Blacks barely fired a shot,” wrote Liam Napier for the New Zealand Herald.

“Mbombela Stadium exploded at the seams with 45,000 screaming South Africans forming a sea of ​​green; a piercing atmosphere. The locals sure had plenty to shout about, too.

“In that white hot cauldron, among the swarming Springboks, on their first venture to South Africa in four years, the All Blacks failed to cope with the relentless aerial and physical assault on their senses.

“It wasn’t the All Blacks were intimidated. It wasn’t they were caught off guard, either. The Boks stuck to their unimaginative kick-heavy, forward-dominated blueprint and executed it to perfection. The All Blacks knew it was coming – and still had few answers.”

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The All Blacks barely fired a shot against the Springboks in their Rugby Championship opener. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Some of the more colorful writing came from Jamie Wall.

“Here we go again. Another All Black loss in 2022, the third in four tests, another week of mounting pressure on the coaching staff and the people that put them there. The loss was another extension of the gaping wound that is the national side, now festering with pus and infection, stinking to high heaven of defeat and desperation,” Wall wrote for Radio New Zealand.

In his post-match interview, Foster described the defeat as “probably our best performance of the year”.

“We’re bitterly disappointed but I felt it was our most improved performance this year,” Foster said.

“Some of the areas we really shifted our game forward. In a game dominated by defense we defended well but our timing was out a little bit in terms of the attack so we’re going to have to go and have a look at that. There’s a few players over here for the first time feeling the pressure that comes from this type of team.

“We’re pretty excited about the next challenge of playing at Ellis Park for a trophy.”

Wall said that “seems somewhat laughable considering it was the heaviest defeat to the Springboks since 1928.

“But really, the sad truth is that he might be right.

“However, if that’s all there is to brag about, then the labeling of this test shows just how delusional this side is about the way they are playing. As if it wasn’t already, this is a serious crisis that is only going to get worse before it gets better.”

New Zealand’s coach Ian Foster looks ahead of the Rugby Championship international rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Mbombela Stadium. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Long-time rugby writer Marc Hinton quite rightly pointed out that there was nothing shocking about losing to the Springboks, but he added the heavily one-sided nature to the defeat was concerning. After all, the All Blacks did beat the Springboks 57-0 in 2017 — a match which included eight players in the 23 from the weekend’s 26-10 loss.

“This was a limited, painful and at times gormless performance from an All Blacks side that has completely lost its mojo, its confidence, its rhythm and, to be frank, its wherewithal,” wrote Hinton for stuff.

“Ian Foster’s coaching tenure now hangs by a slender thread after his All Blacks proved patently ill-equipped to handle a superb display of high-intensity rugby from the world champion Springboks.

“The South Africans started and all-but finished this Rugby Championship opener, in front of a passionate, seeing crowd of over 43,000 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, with players being driven off the field in medi-carts, but in between they applied a massive knockout blow to these reeling All Blacks with a 26-10 victory that was every bit as one-sided as it sounds.

“It is no disgrace to lose to a side of the caliber of this South African outfit. Plenty have over the years, and plenty more will too in days to come. But to go down so decisively, and largely fail to apply anything resembling sustained pressure on their opponents for so much of this one-sided contest, well, it spoke to how far this All Blacks side has plunged.”

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NZRU CEO Mark Robinson (L) has come under fire for overseeing the All Blacks’ struggles on and off the field. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Meanwhile, the South African media basked in their team’s glory, but highlighted that this was the most “convincing winning margin in the professional era” over the All Blacks.

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“They may have failed to keep the All Blacks tryless in a Bok win for the first time since the Wellington success in 1998, but the 16-point buffer was by far their most convincing winning margin in the professional era,” wrote Khanyiso Tshwaku on news24.com

“It wasn’t pretty – seldom is the Bok way of rugby – and it is said that only a mother could love how they go about their business.

“However, they earned the love of not just the 42,387 who packed into the giraffe-propped nation, but the entire country. “It was aggressive. It was physical. It was faultless and flawless in every sense.”

Craig Ray, writing for DailyMaverick.co.zasaid the Boks were “dominant, emphatic, claustrophobic and clinical.

“The Springboks have seldom, if ever, dominated an All Black side so comprehensively. Despite a 26-10 final scoreline, the tourists were lucky it was not a lot worse.

“New Zealand hardly had any ball, they lost the aerial battle, they were destroyed on the ground and smothered when they did try to launch attacks.

“All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s time in charge is now surely measured in hours, not days.”

New Zealand’s fly-half Beauden Barrett (2nd R) attempts to get away from star center Lukhanyo Am (2nd L) at the Mbombela Stadium on August 6, 2022. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Brendon Nel, writing for SuperSportinstead focused attention on the marvelous Springboks.

“You could sense it walking into the stadium. The electricity in the air. The nerves, the tension. So many of us who have arrived at these games before – in places across the world – know there simply is no thing as a bad All Black team. They may be wounded, but they are dangerous. And before the naysayers take out another knife for the now-inevitable demise of Ian Foster’s coaching stint with the All Blacks, let’s say it fairly – This was a magical Springbok performance,” Nel wrote.

He continued: “This was a night that Nelspruit had been waiting for. There weren’t just one or two heroes, but an entire team.This was a night where the ghosts of the past were laid to rest, where the passion and pride in Springbok rugby showed that while there may be those who relish writing them off across the world, those who have turned Springbok-hating into a sport, nothing can stop the heart of a Springbok.”

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Wallabies player ratings from Argentina win, Quade Cooper, Fraser McReight, video highlights

Dave Rennie’s team is full of character. That much is certain.

The Wallabies have once again won a Test they had every right not to.

After losing their best back Samu Kerevi, they lost their consistent hooker Dave Porecki throughout the week and their talismanic captain Michael Hooper 24 hours out from kick off.

Then, compounding the issues, they lost their quarterback and most experienced back Quade Cooper, who was forced off and might not play for the Wallabies again. This was a devastating blow, and his loss from him could be felt hardest next year if, indeed, the extraordinary playmaker does not recover in time to play at his third World Cup.

Making their 41-26 come-from-behind victory all the more extraordinary was that they trailed 19-10 at half-time and 26-17 midway through the second half.

Yet on the back of a fabulous second half, where the Wallabies went back to basics and did a number of Argentina’s set-piece, particularly at the maul (well done Dan McKellar), but the Wallabies won and earned a bonus point with the last play of the game.

Players like Jed Holloway and Fraser McReight, who were quiet in the first-half and gave penalties away too, had second halves to remember as they played their role in doing it for ‘Hoops’.

Here are our player ratings from the 15-point win, which saw the Wallabies move to the top of The Rugby Championship standings.

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The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza.  Photo: AFP
The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Tom Wright- 8

There’s something beautiful about watching Wright play in the outside backs. He’s such a gifted runner and playmaker that he looks like he could do something with every touch of the ball.

Importantly the mistakes have largely been cut out and the Brumbies back should be named in the No.15 jersey again after an excellent first start in the role.

Wright’s running play was again a feature and was first on display at the 24th minute.

Later, in the 43rd minute, he combined spectacularly with Cooper from a quick lineout, dummied, ran and sent Jordan Petaia away and got the ball back before slinging it back in the field where Holloway almost scored.

His clearing kick in the 55th minute, however, was something to learn from. Kicking has to be done with purpose and rather than see the man open and unmarked in the middle of the field, Wright under pressure smashed it down field and Argentina countered and scored. It was excellent running rugby, but Wright was gassed on the other side of the field as his efforts were in vain.

Regardless, this was a good first-up showing from the new fullback.

Jordan Petaia – 7

Did little wrong, but was a little quiet – in large part because of the new, clunky combinations at 9-10-12.

But Petaia scored after running a good line off Cooper.

His slips catch, break and kick to a barnstorming Nick Frost in the 84th minute also set-up the Wallabies’ bonus point fifth try.

Physically Petaia stood up to the test, too.

Len Ikitau – 6.5

Strong on either side of the ball, Ikitau showed up in lights when he scored.

But before then he had a couple of good runs, including a flick out the back door to the ever-impressive Rob Valetini, and defensively was strong.

Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43

Hunter Paisami – 7

In the absence of Kerevi, Paisami had a reasonable showing.

The chunkiness of the backline at times became from the new combinations, as well as the change from Cooper to Reece Hodge.

But Paisami regularly challenged the line, including his last second linebreak and pinpoint pass to Ikitau to score.

Earlier, in the sixth minute, he overtracked in defense when Pablo Matera scored but that was because his forwards had left a gaping hole around the ruck near their own goal line/A couple of good show and goes late in the second half.

Marika Koroibete – 6.5

Busy as always and showing a good awareness of the laws of the game (clear release and go), Koroibete hardly put a foot wrong against Argentina.

He did, however, get pinged for an extra roll in the 30th minute, but that was likely in an attempt to buy some more time for his teammates after Wright’s inside ball.

Quade Cooper suffered a devastating injury against Argentina in his comeback match. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Quad Cooper – 6.5

Forced off in the 48th minute due to a severe Achilles injury, Cooper’s season is over in the most devastating circumstances.

There was the good: his beautiful ball to Petaia to score, the linebreak through the middle and the twinkle feet.

There was the bad: the offload in contact in the opening minute after Nic White’s box kick was charged down.

But there was also voice, direction and purpose in what was his first game in months.

Cooper showed some physicality in defense too, while he was pinged at the breakdown once, but he was engaged and ever present.

Nick White – 6.5

Charged down in the opening minute, it looked like it could be a long day early for the Wallabies.

White’s kicking game was a feature and twice the halfback managed to get incredible angle from his clearing kicks past halfway.

Rob Valetini – 9

The engine behind the Wallabies’ win, Valetini was everywhere.

Valetini was strong carrying and regularly powered the Wallabies over the advantage line.

It started from the outset too, with storming runs in the eighth minute, which allowed Cooper to slot an early three points.

Some poor hands in the 25th minute hurt, but otherwise Valetini was the Wallabies’ best ball-runner.

Australia’s Rob Valetini (C) was one of the Wallabies’ best. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Fraser McReight – 7.5

Stepping in at the last moment for Hooper, McReight showed how capable he is in his first Test start.

After a frustrating first-half, which included not being passed the ball after Cooper’s linebreak and was pinged at the breakdown for side entry, McReight had a second half to remember.

He scored a try from a lineout move and regularly got his hands on the ball, too. Physicality McReight stood up.

From a balance perspective, McReight seemed to compliment Valetini and Jed Holloway very well.

Jed Holloway – 6

By his own admission, Holloway had an unfortunate first half but got better as the game went on.

He was pinged a couple of times for penalties – jumping across the lineout in the fifth minute, hick tackle in 36rd and landing on the lifter in the 40th – even though the latter was unfortunate and he won the ball.

But Holloway’s second half was excellent and included some incredible hands on the deck, dragging McReight over the try line and some physicality in defense too.

Matt Philip – 6.5

A strong lineout steal in the 31st minute, Philip’s lineout work was strong.

His missed tackle on Marcos Kremer in the 51st minute came back not to haunt him fortunately, as the Pumas No.10 dropped it cold with the line in sight.

Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight had days to remember at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Darcy Swain – 9.5

The Wallaby’s best game.

Swain was brilliant at the lineout, in the maul, in contact, and even allowed space to open up for Cooper to run into.

The returning lock even got on the ball in the 17th minute to win a breakdown penalty.

Allan Alaalatoa – 6

Penalized once again the scrum for walking the scrum around

Alaalatoa managed some grunt and put the foundations in place for Tupou to then explode into.

Folau Fainga’a enjoyed his best performance in the Wallabies jersey. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Folau Fainga’a – 9

The Force-bound hooker doesn’t always get a rap for his lineout work, but Fainga’a’s throw was excellent all day and his attention to detail was evident.

The Wallabies’ lineout was a weapon and Fainga’a was at the epicenter of it, scoring a try, contributing to a penalty try and another to McReight.

James Slipper – 7.5

The Wallabies captain didn’t necessarily take the game by storm, but he gets another point for his leadership and ability to keep the squad focused following Hooper’s late withdrawal.

The scrum largely operated well with him on, while defensively he was strong.

Slipper’s decision making on when to take the points and when to go to the lineout also paid off.

James Slipper receives The Puma Trophy after winning The Rugby Championship against the Argentina Pumas at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

BOOK

Lachlan Lonergan – N/A

Came on late in the 72nd minute, Lonergan was busy and did little wrong.

Matt Gibbon – N/A

On debut, Gibbon replaced Slipper at the death.

He was pinged for in the 75th minute at the scrum.

Taniela Tupou – 7.5

A couple of brilliant runs in defense and some great scrummaging, Tupou had a massive influence on the game after coming after 53 minutes.

Nick Frost – 6.5

A real player for the future What about the pace to reel in Petaia’s kick in the 85th minute?

Rob Leota – N/A

Another to come on late. Leota had a strong carry.

Pete Samu – 6

Played his part in the second half as the Wallabies made the most of their momentum.

Jake Gordon – N/A

Gordon came on in the final 10 minutes but got away with a flat ball to Paisami, who sent Ikitau in.

Reece Hodge – 7.5

Kicked his goals, was composed with and without the ball. Job done.

But did the forward pass to Koroibete in the 67th minute show his playmaker shortcomings? His body shape of him was interesting to observe.

Either way, Hodge once again showed how important he is to the Wallabies squad.

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