All Blacks player ratings for 2025: Who was best in Scott Robertson’s second year as coach?
This Herald Premium Sport story was first published in November.
As each of the All Blacks 13 tests across 2025 reached the final whistle, Herald writers were furiously tapping out player ratings assessing the performances of every player. Just under 300 ratings were handed out across their 10 wins and three defeats.
No player produced the perfect test, though a few went close, with a nine rating being given out on 10 occasions.
We’ve averaged out the ratings across every test this year to determine who was the best-performing All Black.
Cam Roigard – Average rating 7.85
Probably stands as the best halfback in the world – though it’s a shame we didn’t get match-ups with Antoine Dupont or Cobus Reinach this year to really see who holds the belt. It’s no fault of Roigard’s, but as he gets better, the massive drop-off from the All Blacks’ first choice to the back-up at No 9 grows.
Minutes played: 470
Points scored: 25
Test starts: 7
Highest rating: 9 v Australia, Eden Park
“A welcome return to the side with a brilliant outing. Seven carries and one kick in the first half showed the All Blacks’ intent. Brilliant 50-22 and scored the crucial late try.”
Lowest rating: 7 v Australia, Perth and Scotland
“Mixed test. Good support work to score early on back of Lord break. Made a saving tackle on Darcy Graham in the corner but then threw an intercept from an attacking position. Did most of the kicking.”
Ardie Savea – 7.33
Reached his usual highs with five tests where he was the top-rated player but also produced a few rare stinkers. When he’s running hot, though, he still looks the best in the world. He now takes a well-earned sabbatical, where he’ll play in Japan – and hopefully also get some rest ahead of another big All Blacks season.
Minutes played: 950
Points scored: 15
Test starts: 12
Highest rating: 9 (five times)
v Ireland: “Stepped up as skipper. Leading the way with 14 carries along with 11 tackles. Great finish to score in the corner. Got a huge turnover to deny Irish attack and also got a hand in to force knock-on and stop another attack with 10 minutes to play. Amazing leg-driving run in the 79th minute. Superb.”
Lowest rating: 4 v South Africa, Wellington
“A couple of turnovers in the first half, but was unable to tame the Boks beast and had few opportunities to get the thighs pumping.”
Caleb Clarke – 7.2
His ability in the air is his best quality, which says a lot about a player who has the explosive running power Clarke possesses. Probably ends the season as the first-choice winger after injury niggles earlier in the year saw him miss tests.
Minutes played: 249
Points scored: 15
Test starts: 4
Highest rating: 8 v Ireland and Wales
“Proved a constant threat on attack, finishing with the most carries (14), metres gained (113) and line breaks (three). Added pressure under the high ball and won a drop-out. Did turn the ball over after one strong run, which can be an issue.”
Lowest rating: 6 v Scotland
“Enjoyed some early ball as the All Blacks found space out wide but wasn’t able to turn any into a line break. Held his own under high ball at least while others struggled. Off shortly after halftime with a failed HIA.”
Peter Lakai – 7.2
Wasn’t really a factor in the selectors’ notebooks until the Northern Tour, where he stepped straight into the starting side and impressed, much like he did at the end of last season.
Minutes played: 320
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 4
Highest rating: 9 v Scotland
“For whatever reason, he becomes his best in the Northern Hemisphere. Two turnover penalties and was the top tackler in the match with 20. This looks to be the best All Blacks loose-forward trio. The best All Black on the field.”
Lowest rating: 6 v Australia
Dalton Papali’i – 7
Only came off the bench once all season and has clearly fallen out of favour with the selectors. Nine loose forwards wore black in 2025 and the Blues flanker played the least minutes. But he did impress in his brief time in the third test against France.
Minutes played: 15
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 0
Only rating: 7 v France, Hamilton
Noah Hotham – 7
Was sitting third in the halfback rankings, but his start against South Africa in Wellington was cut short after fracturing a fibula just nine minutes into the match. That ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Minutes played: 24
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 1
Only rating: 7 v France, Hamilton
Leicester Fainga’anuku – 6.8
A welcome return to the black jersey after spending a few seasons in France. Was tried on the wing, in the midfield and off the bench as an impact option. Expect to see plenty more of him in 2026.
Minutes played: 309
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 2
Highest rating: 8 v Ireland and Scotland
“A constant threat for the Irish defence. On early replacing Jordie Barrett. Line break set up the opening try for Savea with offload to Jordan. One error dropping the ball in the second half but overall, a welcome return to the fray.”
Lowest rating: 5 v England
“Moved to the wing and made less of an impact. Lost the ball early with a poor pushed pass. Good work in lead-up to his own try. And made another busting run out wide. Missed a tackle in lead-up to George Ford try, which was called back. Unreliable under the high ball. Finished with two turnovers lost including a penalty.”
Codie Taylor – 6.8
Remains the best hooker in the country by some distance. Still one of the best tight forwards in terms of work around the field and at the breakdown. Lineout had a few wobbles and that yellow card at Twickers will be one he’ll stew over during the summer.
Minutes played: 542
Points scored: 10
Test starts: 10
Highest rating: 8, three times
v Australia at Eden Park: “Back from injury and made an impact almost straight away. Another busy test with high work rate. Stole ball at breakdown. Made 11 tackles in the first half and finished with 15. Was flawless at lineout time.”
Lowest rating: 5 v Argentina and England
v England: “Mixed night for the veteran. Lineout was strong when he was on the field, as was the scrum. Scored another test try but a turnover on halfway led to an England attack. Then a yellow card, which although probably a harsh call, was the key turning point of the test, leading to a messy 10 minutes for the All Blacks. Off after 66 minutes.”
Patrick Tuipulotu – 6.8
Was becoming a great option off the bench before first suffering a fractured skull in Argentina and then undergoing shoulder surgery that ruled him out for the season. Hopefully his body can hold on for 2027.
Minutes played: 224
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 1
Highest rating: 8 v France, Hamilton
“Phenomenal effort from ABs locking duo, who each played full match. The Blues skipper showed he has much to offer to a team that occasionally needs serious grunt work.”
Lowest rating: 5 v Australia, Perth
“Off the bench but little time to leave an impression.”
Tupou Vaa’i – 6.71
Arguably the form lock of the Super Rugby Pacific season and carried that through most of the international season, where he started on the side of the scrum before moving to back lock. A torn meniscus near the end of the Rugby Championship finished his year before the question could be answered – where’s the best position to play him. It might be off the bench.
Minutes played: 497
Points scored: 10
Test starts: 7
Highest rating: 9 v South Africa, Eden Park
“Changed position to lock and was one of the best on the field, especially in the first half. Was a constant lineout threat on the Boks’ throw and was the All Blacks’ go-to man. Was massive around the field. Finished the test with 11 tackles. Made two turnovers as well.”
Lowest rating: 4 v Argentina, Buenos Aires
“Worst game in the No 6 jersey, including the 2023 World Cup opener. Missed four tackles, second only to Jordie Barrett. Was shown a yellow card for offside in the lead-up to Argentina’s second try.”
Christian Lio-Willie – 6.67
Became the forgotten man after making his test debut in the first game of the year, followed by a second start against France in Wellington. Then fell out of favour, going back to the NPC with Otago and touring with the All Blacks XV before being named on the bench for the last test in Cardiff. Hard to make what Robertson thinks of him.
Minutes played: 118
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 2
Highest rating: 7, Twice v France
“A busy 50-minute debut. Good play in lead-up to the first Will Jordan try, sucking in French defenders. Even had a strip. Was one of leading tacklers when he left the field, replaced by Kirifi.”
Lowest rating: 6 v Wales
“Got a 13-minute run in the late scramble after being parachuted in from the XV touring squad.”
Fabian Holland – 6.67
What a maiden season! The big Dutchman earned the World Rugby breakthrough player of the year award after filling a much-needed role at lock, impressing from his debut against France through to the final game of the season. His only low scores were in the two tests against South Africa. A shame illness ruled him out of the England test, as it would have been great to see him matched up against Maro Itoje.
Minutes played: 762
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 9
Highest rating: 8, five times
v France, Dunedin: “A fine debut in a strong 80-minute effort. How often do you see that from a new lock? Earns another test to see if we have the new Brodie Retallick. Led the All Blacks with 17 tackles and also had 13 carries.”
Lowest rating: 3 v South Africa, Wellington
“Beaten in an important lineout by Pieter-Steph du Toit, but got one back shortly afterwards. Was largely a spectator as the Boks men he must emulate show how it has to be done. Here’s hoping he learned.”
Fletcher Newell – 6.61
Stepped up from a bench role in 2024 to become a regular starter and proved he can put in decent shifts, entering the final quarter twice this year. Working well in tandem with Taylor and de Groot.
Minutes played: 613
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 9
Highest rating: 8, three times
v Australia, Perth: “Put in a big shift, staying out there for 65 minutes. Led the All Blacks in tackles completed with 19 in a very strong defensive effort. Scrum held up well. Proven this year he’s not just a bench player.”
Lowest rating: 4 v South Africa, Wellington
“A 37-minute stint of chasing shadows and staring at the turf in wobbly scrums.”
Simon Parker –6.5
The Chiefs man looked the part when getting his chance on the blindside, and his monster frame certainly fills the No 6 jersey nicely. But it’s hard to know where he sits in long-term thinking, with Shannon Frizell considered a contender for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and Tupou Vaa’i still in the mix. Given the best part of a season to make his case, Parker hasn’t put a foot wrong, but has seldom brought explosive impact.
Minutes played: 523
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 7
Highest rating: 8, twice
“Another great showing in his second test. Started strongly with some big early tackles and disrupted South Africa maul to force a turnover. Won a key penalty. Finished the test as the top tackler with 14.”
Lowest rating: 5 v South Africa, Wellington
“Plenty of first-half impact from another newbie who looks like he could settle in nicely at this level. But the players he needed to learn from in Wellington were all wearing green jerseys, and Parker was less visible as the Boks rose.”
Emoni Narawa – 6.5
Wasn’t given another opportunity after suffering an injury in the win over the Springboks at Eden Park that ruled him out for the season seeing him fall behind Leroy Carter and Leicester Fainga’anuku in the outside backs pecking order.
Minutes played: 86
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 1
Highest rating: 7 v South Africa, Eden Park
“Given the chance to impress with a start in biggest test of the year to date but, sadly, injury meant he only lasted six minutes. But still made his mark with a brilliant try to open the test.”
Lowest rating: 6 v France, Eden Park
“Late call-up after Caleb Clarke injury. Beat a handful of tackles but didn’t see a lot of ball his way.”
Leroy Carter – 6.33
Made a great first impression at the closing end of the Rugby Championship but didn’t exactly have a breakout tour. He’s surely the fastest of the outside-back options available to Scott Robertson.
Minutes played: 424
Points scored: 15
Test starts: 6
Highest rating: 8, twice
v Australia, Eden Park: “Second test to impress and was even better than his debut. Dived over for early try and put in a few hits. Got involved in the middle of the park. Seems to have that X-factor.”
Lowest rating: 4 v England
“Showed up by Ollie Lawrence with a missed tackle which led to opening England try – you don’t see that happen to an All Black. Did make a nice run and chip ahead with good recovery.”
Wallace Sititi - 6.33
Not exactly a sophomore slump but didn’t have as big an impact in 2025 after missing the start of the season through injury. Was back to his hard-running best against Wales. Robertson tried five different players at No 8 during the season switching between Sititi and Lakai on the Northern Tour.
Minutes played: 435
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 5
Highest rating: 9 v Wales
“A superb shift of damaging, punchy ball carries, a couple of which had a bit of the Ruben Wiki about them. With 17 tests to his name, the No 8 was suddenly the veteran in the All Blacks’ loose trio, and stepped up nicely with an inspirational showing.”
Lowest rating: 4 twice
v South Africa, Wellington: “Sharp running, handling and breakdown work in the first half. Seldom sighted in the second.”
Will Jordan - 6.3
Was shifted around between fullback and wing and wasn’t completely reliable under the high ball as opponents often looked to exposed that part of the All Blacks game. Remains one of the best in the world at spotting a gap.
Minutes played: 1030
Points scored: 35
Test starts: 13
Highest rating: 9 v Argentina, Cordoba
“Most influential at fullback. Showed off his ability to create, had two try assists to his name. Deadly with ball in space, ran for 39m with two defenders beaten, including slicing through to set Cortez Ratima up to score. Moved to the wing late in the game as Damian McKenzie took over at fullback, but overall a solid outing.”
Lowest rating: 4 twice
v Argentina, Buenos Aires: “Uncharacteristically poor night for Jordan. Beaten in the air on multiple occasions, and was shown a yellow card for cynically changing his line to interfere with Mateo Carreras. Still ran the most metres of any All Blacks back and made three tackles without missing.”
Jordie Barrett - 6.2
No doubt about his quality, but this was a year of injury and inconvenience for the vice-captain midfielder. The youngest Barrett is a key figure in planning for the next few seasons, as evidenced by the selectors going to elaborate lengths to keep the rising contender of the No 12 jersey, Quinn Tupaea, out of the No 12 jersey.
Minutes played: 641
Points scored: 9
Test starts: 9
Highest rating: 8 v France, Hamilton
Second test v France: “Saved two tries, one in first half with cover defence out wide and also held up a try. How many times has he done that now in tests? Forced a pass that wasn’t needed hot on attack, but that was the same tackle that saw him dumped on his head, leading to a yellow for France. Offload to Proctor almost led to try. Showed his versatility again as happy to slot in at 10 with his brother in the bin.”
Lowest rating: 4 v Argentina, Buenos Aires
“Another to lose the aerial battle. Gave away four turnovers and one penalty. Made 10 tackles, but missed five. Made just two metres with ball in hand.”
Ethan de Groot - 6.18
The All Blacks scrum was adequate across the season but not exactly dominant but to the credit of de Groot, most scrum wobbles came later in the match when he’d been replaced. De Groot’s work-rate at the field looked to improve as he took claim on the No 1 jersey.
Minutes played: 480
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 11
Highest rating: 8, twice
v France, Hamilton: “Handled the pill and bashed away well in an impressive first-half display. That half-chance try would have been well deserved.”
Lowest rating: 3 v South Africa, Wellington
“Conceded an early scrum penalty and then spent most of the remaining scrums backpedalling. Nice spacial awareness and distribution in the old Brodie Retallick role. But mate, those scrums!”
Damian McKenzie – 6.07
We’re still no clearer about the answer of whether he should be starting or coming off the bench - which gets complicated when Richie Mo’unga returns next year. McKenzie performed well in both roles, peaking with that brilliant turn at Murrayfield.
Minutes played: 672
Points scored: 69
Test starts: 4
Highest rating: 9 v Scotland
“Won the test. Turned the match, first with his 50-22 and then the brilliant finish in the corner, where a try never seemed on and kicked the penalty to close the test out. But not a perfect performance off the bench. Made a poor clearance behind own tryline and was pinged for being in front of the kicker, which led to Scotland levelling the match at 17-17. But then his magical touch in the final five minutes decided the encounter.”
Lowest rating: 4 v England
“How things change in a week. Arrived on the field with All Blacks on back foot and couldn’t pull out a second magic trick in two matches.”
Josh Lord – 6
Chiefs lock was the beneficiary of skipper Scott Barrett’s badly cut knee in Chicago. He got 77 minutes against the Irish and a starting jersey in Edinburgh, and showed enough with impressive lineout work and rangy running to reassure armchair selectors about second-row depth. He’s only 24, so should be plotting a long-term partnership with Fabian Holland.
Minutes played: 232
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 2
Highest rating: 8 v Scotland
“Too early to make Retallick-Whitelock comparisons with this young locking combo (Lord-Holland)? Probably give them a few more tests together. Lord made his mark with busting run in the early stages to set up the Roigard try. Three lineout wins and big tackle count with 18 in 59 minutes.”
Lowest rating: 3 v Argentina
“Only got 12 minutes, managed two tackles and a lineout steal for his efforts.”
George Bell – 6
Played the last 16 minutes of the season so test rugby must appear easy to him.
Minutes played: 16
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 0
Only rating: 6 v Wales
“A handy run with smart defensive work, though less impact on the ball than his impressive predecessor. Lineout stayed sharp when he took over throwing duties.”
Quinn Tupaea – 5.9
A strange old season for a talented midfielder who (despite his low average in the Herald ratings) is surely a frontrunner in future planning for the All Blacks selectors. Seized his chance well as a starter in the unfamiliar No 13 jersey in Perth and Chicago, but looks his best on chest-out, straight-ahead forays at second five-eighths.
Minutes played: 435
Points scored: 15
Test starts: 5
Highest rating: 8 v Australia, Perth
“One of his best games in black. Strong run in lead-up to Leroy Carter try. Good chase for his opening try and then all power and speed. Also won a key breakdown penalty.”
Lowest rating: 3, twice
v Argentina, Buenos Aires: “Slipped in at centre after replacing Proctor, despite being a specialist No 12. One run and one missed tackle in a quiet 30 minutes.”
Billy Proctor – 5.88
Selectors certainly backed the Hurricanes man, but the step up from Super Rugby (where he impressed) to international grade seems steep. Proctor got the No 13 jersey in the biggest tests of the year (with the exception of Ireland) and found there’s not much space between blokes like Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende.
Minutes played: 569
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 7
Highest rating: 7, twice
v Australia, Eden Park: “One of his better tests, starting to get the hang of this level and making a decent duo with Jordie.”
Lowest rating: 5, three times
v France, Dunedin: “Answer at centre? The question remains. Missed tackle in lead-up to France’s opening try. Poor pass ended an All Blacks attacking opportunity. Good hands before Jordie Barrett’s try.”
Scott Barrett – 5.88
Started 2025 with questions over whether he’s the right man to lead the All Blacks, then had a tough time with injuries. In the Wellington shambles against the Boks, Barrett struggled to assert his presence in set pieces or as a leader. Locking stocks are strong, and those questions about captaincy will linger over the summer. The skipper is taking an extended break at the star of the year and needs to return fully fresh.
Minutes played: 594
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 9
Highest rating: 7, four times
v Argentina, Cordoba: “Good comeback after sitting out most of the French series. Made 10 tackles, missed one. Led well, twisted the knife when Argentina were down to 14 men.”
Lowest rating: 3 v South Africa, Wellington
“Skipper couldn’t rally his troops when desperation mounted. Set piece should be his domain and it was a shambles. Took a few knocks and seemed off the pace by the end of the match when the Boks ran riot.”
Beauden Barrett – 5.6
A down year for the two-time World Rugby player of the year. The oldest Barrett was used as a fullback and bench player in Robertson’s first season, then became the go-to choice at first five-eighths in 2025. Was it just a holding season with the return of Richie Mo’unga next year? Mixed performances all year and he was obviously carrying an injury in the England game, which left a sour finish to his test year.
Minutes played: 645
Points scored: 56
Test starts: 10
Highest rating: 7, four times
v Argentina, Cordoba: “Marshalled the attack well and was prepared to sit back and let other players take the wheel – namely Jordie Barrett and Jordan. Flawless off the tee in the first half, didn’t land a kick in the second. At times kicked away possession needlessly and was outperformed by his opposite. But otherwise a solid outing in the first test since Richie Mo’unga’s return was confirmed.“
Lowest rating: 3 v England
“Completely outplayed by his opposite, who showed how a No 10 can run a test. Barrett was great for the first 20, with a good kick towards the corner, a skip-pass which led to opening try and another which put Jordan into space before the second try. Vintage. But then lost his way. A woeful penalty touch finder wasted an attacking opportunity, not the first time this tour. And a chip ahead for Savea seemed a wasted turnover. Saw some space out wide for Tupaea wide kick that didn’t work out. Possibly carrying an injury or lacked confidence as he handed kicking duties over to Jordan before leaving the field in 54th minute.”
Finlay Christie – 5.6
Sits in third spot in the halfback depth chart, but stepped up when needed in the biggest win of the year at Eden Park. A handy experienced player to have in a bigger squad.
Minutes played: 257
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 1
Highest rating: 7 v South Africa, Eden Park
“Was under the spotlight, being next halfback off the rank, and spent a lot of the test box-kicking, with mixed success. A few loose passes but held his own under plenty of pressure from the Boks.”
Lowest rating: 4 v Argentina, Cordoba
“Immediately beaten to concede a try after coming on. Missed more tackles (4) than he made (1) in 31 minutes. Did win a turnover for his efforts, perhaps unlucky to come on as Argentina made their fightback.”
Sevu Reece – 5.6
Crusaders winger had a mixed year, becoming Super Rugby’s all-time leading try-scorer on the way to an umpteenth title, then getting left on the discard pile by Scott Robertson after an unimpressive French series. His selection for the end-of-year tour mystified many – do selectors have such little faith in developing wingers that they’re backing Reece to deliver at the 2027 World Cup?
Minutes played: 232
Points scored: 20
Test starts: 4
Highest rating: 7, three times
v France, Hamilton: “Worked hard in his return after unlucky head knock in first minute of series. Brought trademark dash and hustled smartly for chances.”
Lowest rating: 3 v Argentina, Buenos Aires
“Finished the game in the sin bin for a cynical knockdown. Made an impressive nine tackles, but he’s not there to defend. Was caught out in the air, made just nine metres with ball in hand from four runs.”
Rieko Ioane – 5.56
Fell out of favour after starting five of the first six tests on the wing, only to appear in the midfield for the final test. An odd season for the veteran, who now heads to Ireland for a sabbatical.
Minutes played: 505
Points scored: 10
Test starts: 6
Highest rating: 7 v France, Wellington
“Good chase pressure all night. A slick pass to Holland in the lead-up to the Vaa’i try. Solid defence, including an intercept, which denied French try. Much better attacking effort in second half, finished with 10 carries total, including a line break and a decent finish to score in the corner.”
Lowest rating: 4 v Argentina, Buenos Aires
“Ineffective, but was hardly given the chance with ball in hand. Made only two runs for three metres. Held up Pumas flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez to save a try, but otherwise absent.”
George Bower – 5.5
Sparingly used across the season with three appearances off the bench and none in consecutive tests.
Minutes played: 77
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 0
Highest rating: 7 v France, Hamilton
“Came off the bench and continued the All Blacks stronghold at scrum time.”
Lowest rating: 5 v Australia, Perth
Samipeni Finau – 5.5
Another member of the loose forward unit whose progress across the 2025 season is hard to judge. Only given a handful of chances earlier in the year and then a family illness meant he came home early from the Northern Tour.
Minutes played: 117
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 1
Highest rating: 6 v France, Hamilton and Argentina, Cordoba
v France, Hamilton: “Finally got a chance to show his goods in the No 6 jersey after watching Chiefs teammate Tupou Vai’i impress in opening tests. Handled plenty and was accurate without being able to physically dominate the big Frenchmen.”
Lowest rating: 5 v France, Dunedin and Wellington
Timoci Tavatavanawai - 5.5
Two tests off the bench against France before a broken arm in NPC ended his season early. Tavatavanawai has the promise to show impact off the bench, though the rise of Quinn Tupaea may close openings for him.
Minutes played: 39
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 0
Highest rating: 6 v France, Wellington
Lowest rating: 5 v France, Hamilton
Anton Lienert-Brown – 5.5
Made just four appearances after playing in every test last year. This talented guy has played almost half of his 88 tests off the bench, and if (as seems sensible) the All Blacks move to a Bomb Squad bench, a specialist midfielder could be deemed a luxury.
Minutes played: 171
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 2
Highest rating: 8 v France, Hamilton
“Stalwart clocked up his 85th test, running on home soil, returning after 12 weeks with a crocked collarbone. Put his body straight back into the fray with grunty short-game work. Crucial try to end first half highlighted his strength and smarts.”
Lowest rating: 3 v England
“Made very little impact in his 25 minutes on the field with three carries and zero tackles.”
Ruben Love – 5.5
Headline writers’ dream looks real deal when blazing on to front-foot ball. The eye for space that makes him a weapon in Super Rugby seems to work pretty well in the top flight, too.
Minutes played: 157
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 2
Highest rating: 7 v France, Hamilton and Wales
v Wales: “Had a cracking first half, entering the line smoothly to put Caleb Clarke away for the opener after four minutes. His own try was beautifully taken, cutting back through defenders in the 28th minute. There were some unpolished moments from a guy low on game time – he’s not the only one to be wobbly under the high ball. Came off his line badly, leaving the gap that led to Tom Rogers’ hat-trick try.”
Lowest rating: 3 v South Africa, Wellington
“Came on for the final quarter for the star debutant, Leroy Carter – and might have wished he hadn’t.“
Tamaiti Williams – 5.33
It could be convincingly argued that the rot that ruined the All Blacks against the Boks in Wellington started with a humiliating backpedalling scrum at Eden Park. The biggest of the big boppers can be a brutal force around the park, with surprisingly deft touches – but that will count for nothing if the front row folds in South Africa next year.
Minutes played: 397
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 3
Highest rating: 8 v Australia, Perth and Wales
v Australia: “A big shift for the All Blacks’ biggest player. Strong early hit on Will Skelton. Pinged for a ruck infringement, which led to three points. Good work in the scrum and around the field right up until he left in the 65th minute.”
Lowest rating: 2 v South Africa, Eden Park.
“The pack went backwards when he and Lomax came on, embarrassingly so.”
Samisoni Taukei’aho - 5.23
Standing behind behind Codie Taylor as the All Blacks’ No 2 No 2, Taukei’aho is one of the most powerful ball carriers in the squad and steers a driving maul with aplomb. He had a couple of notable mis-hits at lineout time this year. His role in the next two years is crucial; many of the biggest challenges ahead of the All Blacks will come in the second half, when Taukei’aho is firing into the match. Accuracy is key.
Minutes played: 424
Points scored: 15
Test starts: 4
Highest rating: 8 v Wales
“Accurate lineout was one of the pillars of All Blacks’ dominance. But the hooker’s punishing runs made up his standout contribution to the side, one mighty Mike-Catting on Louis Rees-Zammit in 21st minute set the tone.”
Lowest rating: 3 v England
“Didn’t help defuse the Pom squad as the English reserves won the day.”
Pasilo Tosi – 5.22
Shaping as a solid squad man in this World Cup cycle. Made eight of his nine appearances off the bench and saved his best for his start against Wales.
Minutes played: 251
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 1
Highest rating: 7 v Wales
“Nabbed a key 20th-minute jackal penalty under his own sticks and later bagged an outright turnover. Like his front-row pals, he was another who impressed on the charge.”
Lowest rating: 3, twice
v Argentina, Buenos Aires: “Five tackles, two missed. Clearly the third-choice No 3 when everyone is fit and available.”
Cortez Ratima – 5.2
Remains the lead candidate as back-up to Roigard and it’s a shame injury denied him the chance to start in the two big tests against the Springboks. Ratima’s kicking game can be hit-and-miss at times – which is risky given the All Blacks apparent frailties in the air. Across all the All Blacks’ matches this year, Roigard seemed to be the only halfback with real intent to make sniping runs himself. It’d be good to see Ratima add a cheeky burst to his repertoire.
Minutes played: 277
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 4
Highest rating: 8 v Argentina, Cordoba
“Grew more confident as the game went on in an unfamiliar starting role and with arguably the biggest shoes to fill. Was caught out a couple of times, needs to be more decisive with his passing game. Excellent awareness to stay with Jordan to score, then broke Argentina’s line for Reece’s second. Ripped jersey for good measure to show for his efforts.”
Lowest rating: 3 v England
“Could have avoided a scrum penalty when the ball was there to play on. Did it again trying to get scrum penalty, which put ABs on the back foot.”
Du’Plessis Kirifi – 5.12
Seemed a step-up to the international game after an outstanding Super Rugby season. Was used sparingly on the Northern Tour before starting in the final test as selectors used the year to mix and match their loose forwards. Certainly a player who could grow into a test regular, but there is a lot of competition. The fact he’s an openside specialist (and quite a traditional fetcher, too) might count against Kirifi as other contenders can play in a couple of different roles.
Minutes played: 327
Points scored: 5
Test starts: 3
Highest rating: 7, twice
v Argentina, Cordoba: “Did a lot of the dirty work in an 80-minute display. Made 13 tackles – equal with Savea – but missed two. Was missing as Tomos Albornoz scored his try, but otherwise did well on his second test start.”
Lowest rating: 3 v South Africa, Wellington
“A thankless task. His 15-minute stint as a loosie in a black jersey gave him the best seat in the house for one of Springboks rugby’s greatest moments.”
Kyle Preston – 5
Impressed in Super Rugby and earned a callup to the bench with the preferred halfbacks injured for the first Springboks test, but then missed out on the Northern Tour squad behind Finlay Christie.
Minutes played: 12
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 0
Only rating: 5 v South Africa, Eden Park
“Good closing effort. Worth another go off the bench.”
Ollie Norris – 5
Three tests off the bench in the opening four tests but didn’t feature again as a knee injury and then surgery ruled him out for the season.
Minutes played: 88
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 0
Highest rating: 5, three times
Lowest rating: 5, three times
v Argentina, Cordoba: “Struggled when he came on and was penalised almost straight away, but worked his way into the game. Made five tackles, with one missed.”
Brodie McAlister – 4.5
Made his debut in the third test against France and then was thrown in the fire for the last 26 minutes against the Boks, when the All Blacks fell apart. Didn’t make the Northern Tour squad.
Minutes played: 57
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 5
Highest rating: 7 v France, Hamilton
“Came off the bench and impressed as the All Blacks wrapped the series sweep against a French pack who had probably had enough after three weeks.”
Lowest rating: 2 v South Africa, Wellington
“Second test cap, forced a knock-on as soon as he got on there by driving into a ruck. Over-thought a lineout in the 60th minute that led to Damian Willemse’s try.”
Tyrel Lomax - 4.25
Surgery on broken thumb ended his season before the Northern Tour. That was after his best outing of the year, when he was busy around the park in Perth and brutal in the scrums. Will spend the summer festering on the fact he was part of a pack that was beaten up by the Boks.
Minutes played: 177
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 3
Highest rating: 7 v Australia, Perth
“Solid at scrum time in his 50-minute shift. Huge defensive night with 15 tackles but missed a crucial one in the lead-up to the second Aussie try. Like his fellow front-rowers, he looked good in the first attacking 20 minutes.”
Lowest rating: 2, twice v South Africa
v South Africa, Eden Park: “Very rare to see an All Blacks scrum go so far backwards. Sure, there were six other guys in the scrum but Williams and Lomax wear it.”
Sam Darry – 4
Been overtaken by Holland as the young up-and-coming lock after playing more than 200 minutes in 2024, to just a few minutes off the bench at the end of this season. Was a standout at NPC level and will want a strong Super Rugby season in 2026 to keep knocking on the door.
Minutes played: 35
Points scored: 0
Test starts: 0
Highest rating: 5 v Scotland
“Brief time on the field in closing stages of win.”
Lowest rating: 3 v England
“Late call-up on to the bench. Won a few lineouts but poor pass led to England’s final try.”