The Wallabies have their first win of the Dave Rennie era, courtesy of their 24-22 victory over the All Blacks in Bledisloe 4.
As always, we want to know how you think each of the Aussies played tonight (and somehow, we reckon these ratings might, just might, make for slightly better reading than last week’s ones).
It was a Wallabies team with a veritable deluge of changes, so there’s plenty to cast a critical eye over here.
Related
Tom Wright took just over two minutes to score his first Test try, but how did you rate the rest of his game?
Lachie Swinton was also on debut in the back row, and there were new roles for Rob Simmons at lock, Reece Hodge at flyhalf, Hunter Paisami at inside centre, and Tom Banks was added back into the side after missing Game 3.
If you need a refresher on each of the ratings, have a quick read of this guide:
1. Had he not played, the team would have been better off. Negatively affected the performance of the side. May God have mercy on his soul.
2. Anonymous. Was he even there?
3. Did some things that you expect a player to be able to do, but did a whole bunch of other things that sucked.
4. Was passable in patches, but not up to standard in a squad of such depth.
5. Performed his role without anything really noticeable happening.
6. Good.
7. Pretty good, actually.
8. Very good.
9. Excellent.
10. Might as well have been John Eales.
So go on, cast your judgement on each of the Wallabies’ performances in Brisbane, and we’ll tally up the results and publish them on Monday.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
If they were heavier and picked to play tighter they wouldn’t be an open side flanker...
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
I was glad to see Banks play well, I’d said a few times he deserved at least one more shot at the WB 15. He’s earned a few more games now.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
I’d like to see Hodge play 12. He looked like a 12 playing 10 to me on the weekend (no criticism meant). Simone is the other option as I think he didn’t play too badly the previous week. I thought Paisami did well though. He surprised me and would be happy to see us run out the same centres again in the future.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
I really don’t get the calls for Hodge at 15. Well, I do in a way, but also not. He’s a big body in defence and has the huge boot. But despite what some of the Roarers say I don’t think he’s played fantastically in that position consistently, and he plays it rarely. From memory he was always behind DHP and sometimes even Maddocks at the Rebels? He runs hard but doesn’t really have a step. Agree he would be a useful big body back there, but I just feel like there is a call for it despite little evidence he is really a good option there. I think he’s better up in the front line where he can use his front on defence and straighten the attack. His role on the weekend reminded me a bit of him playing 12 for the Wallabies in 2016 when I think he did a very good job outside of an out of form Foley. Agree it would be very useful to have him in the back, a bit like Frans Steyn. But Frans Steyn was a better 12 from memory. I think his acceleration was shown up a bit at fullback when he had to defend against quick blokes.
UpTheStudents
Guest
Q: Who had Swinton for a red-card in the first half? Most People: Bit of a surprise that. Never saw it coming. Just a bit of bad luck. Played well. Will learn from it. Sydney Uni Fans: Genuinely surprised he lasted that long. Always a good chance he knocks himself out headbutting the wall during the warm-up and doesn't take the field. Lachie Swinton - a truly destructive force that has been causing immense damage to Shute Sheild teams for the last 5 years, unfortunately, that sometimes includes his own. Has made a great transition to Super Rugby and will no doubt prove to be a great wallaby... just needs to channel that energy a bit
Gun Dog
Roar Rookie
Wilson will..
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Yes, Swinton has to be a starter not a bench player. He's the sort a player that softens the opposition up early.
Alli Anz
Roar Rookie
No, they’re trying to minimise brain injuries. League should be doing the same. The lawsuits will break them if they don’t.
David Oneil
Guest
Hooper, Philips and Hodge were outstanding for 80 minutes. How anyone could rate a winger ahead of them just doesn’t understand the game.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Agree with that and I have Banks and Hodge 50/50 for 15. Unfortunately for Hodge is also now confirmed to also be a real bench cover for 10-15.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Thor?
dazell
Roar Rookie
I think Tupou is better off the bench, maybe just bring him on earlier. Phillip has been great but I am not a fan of LSL, would really love to see Hosea get a run with Phillip. O'Connor and Toomua should be the starting half back and Fly Half but with Toomua out long term maybe Hodge could play there but I'd prefer him at Fullback. The problem then is I really don't think Paisami is an inside centre, is there not another player in any of the Australian teams that could be considered for selection? Could Maddocks play 12? Maybe play Hopper there and select McReight at 7. On lasts nights abbreviated form Swinton should be at 6
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think Penney, Cockbain and Gilmore will be great for him as well.
jeznez
Roar Guru
100% Agree Oz, more ruined games like that please!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Andy, I can imagine at the ground that the end of that first half was tough to watch. I was edge of my seat at home. That really is part of the challenge of the game that without being close enough to see what is happening it is tough to engage.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Spot on TWAS, I love the bloke's aggression. He just needs to lower the height on his shots. He's shown a fair bit of growth in his game this season, he can learn and I'm confident this should be a trigger for that.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Very hard to play the mongrel in the pack role that he is and be captain. Not saying he might not be a capable leader but he'd have to shelve the niggling abrasive role that he's really built this year. Was one of the battles Coleman faced (apart from playing through serious injuries) he couldn't be the enforcer as well as the captain. Horwill another who shelved it when he got the leadership role. About the only guy I can think of that successfully maintained the enforcer role and the captaincy is Martin Johnson. Is incredibly tough to do.
Fin
Roar Rookie
I don't think he is a bench player at all. I think Rennie has found his best backrow.
Brian Westlake
Roar Rookie
Probably because they weren't used to new zealand losing. They're a salty bunch when it doesn't go their way
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Has a heart bigger than Phar Lap