The Wallabies have kept alive their chances of winning the Bledisloe Cup with their most complete performance against the All Blacks in recent memory.
The Kiwis were reduced to 14 men just before halftime after Scott Barrett was red carded for a hit on Michael Hooper and the Wallabies - already ahead on the scoreboard - turned it on in the second term to rack up a record score in the 47-26 win at Optus Stadium.
How did they finish in the ratings?
Scott Sio - 7
Strong in 63 minutes on the field, refusing to yield against the might of the All Blacks front row. Worked well in concert with Tolu Latu and Allan Alaalatoa, providing plenty of support for his ball carriers.
Has recovered well from the ankle injury that forced him home early from South Africa ahead of The Rugby Championship opener to be back to his best against the Pumas and All Blacks.
Tolu Latu - 7
Showed he is a genuine option at starting hooker with a strong game that gives the selectors food for thought with Folau Fainga'a and Jordan Uelese also in the World Cup mix. Put himself firmly in the frame though with strong work at the set piece and good support at the breakdown.
Despite giving away a penalty, he maintained his discipline overall to show himself to be an asset in the front row.
Allan Alaalatoa - 7
A massive tick for the tighthead in his first Test of the year coming back from injury. Great workrate in his 55 minutes on the field, making 13 carries and getting to the breakdown well to provide cleanout support.
Like the rest of his forwards, put enormous effort into the pick and drive and his payoff will be a World Cup spot.
Izack Rodda - 7
Worked well in concert with Rory Arnold, the pair starting to form an outstanding second-row combination, with Rodda's effort seamless. Along with the rest of the pack, solid at the set piece and relentless at the breakdown.
Could be under pressure to hold his starting spot after a strong cameo from Adam Coleman off the bench though as the selectors continue to shore up their World Cup squad.
Rory Arnold - 8
Outstanding in 56 minutes on the field, reinforcing his position as one of the top locks in world rugby with a near flawless effort at the set piece. Incredible workrate as the forwards pushed the pace at the breakdown in the first half to provide quick ball.
Showed deft skill to juggle the ball on the fly down the short side before getting a pass away to put Lukhan Salakaia-Loto away for a try. Would have sent a scare through the squad when he grabbed at his arm early in the second half though.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - 7.5
Scored his first Test try after a great pass from Rory Arnold early in the second half to help the Wallabies extend their lead. In one of his best efforts in a gold jersey, he was tireless in attack, making 13 runs in playing the full 80 minutes. Forming a formidable backrow combination with Michael Hooper and Isi Naisarani.
Michael Hooper - 7.5
Workrate outstanding as always in which he made 19 carries despite sustaining a cut early in the game and a knock to the neck in the tackle that led to Scott Barrett being red carded. His effort at the breakdown, especially as the All Blacks tired late in the game was outstanding, while his confident leadership ensured the Wallabies did not become complacent against the 14-man Kiwis.
Isi Naisarani - 7
Not as much influence as in his first two Tests, although that says more about the Wallabies' pack mentality against the All Blacks than Naisarani's performance. Only had eight carries and made fewer metres than against South Africa and Argentina but still beat defenders and managed to offload the ball, causing havoc when he ran.
Continues to be having a breakout season with the World Cup approaching.
Nic White - 9
Man of the match performance from White, backing up his strong game against South Africa and showing the Wallabies have two genuine starting options at no.9. Controlled the game and dictated terms with the ball in concert with Christian Lealiifano.
Finished off an outstanding break from Samu Kerevi with a driving try that started the celebrations for the Wallabies. Only downside, failing to play the whistle ahead of Rieko Ioane's try. Despite a suspect pass and hint of offside, White had to at least make an attempt to tackle rather than throwing his arms in the air in an appeal to the referee.
Christian Lealiifano - 7.5
Lealiifano's influence cannot be measured in stats alone - although his 13-point haul, 21 passes and 38 run metres make for solid reading. He was a standout in the halves with former Brumbies teammate White and his patience and guidance he provides for those around him is as much a key as anything he does with the ball in hand.
Marika Koroibete - 7.5
Carried on from his strong game against Argentina in Brisbane and showed his intent from the start with a strong run and kick before forcing the receiving player into touch to show multiple dimensions to his game. His workrate remains outstanding, with his try from a pick and drive an example of his on-field enthusiasm. Again showed his growing understanding of the game two years on from his switch from league.
Samu Kerevi - 8
Outstanding show of power running to create a try for Nic White as he continued to cause problems for opposition attacks, making over 100 run metres for the third Test in a row. Guilty early in the game of not getting a pass away early, with a try going begging, a trait he has to work on.
Proved the perfect foil for the ballplaying James O'Connor in a combination that could be repeated at the World Cup.
James O'Connor - 8
In his first start in a Test in six years, O'Connor showed exactly why Rugby Australia decided to take a chance on his rehabilitation. His pass to Reece Hodge for the opening try of the match was all class and he unselfishly pushed the ball to Hodge early to allow him to score his second of the match. Has the footwork to take on the line himself and ball-playing ability to put others into space.
Has booked his place at the World Cup without a doubt and will be key to the Wallabies' chances of winning the Bledisloe next week.
Reece Hodge - 8
Scored a double, benefiting from the sublime ball-playing of O'Connor for the first and a slick offload from the no.13 for the second, adding weight to his ability as a finisher despite playing out of position on the wing. Had 89 run metres by halftime, finishing just shy of 100m in a showing. Still a couple of defensive foibles but was one of the best on field in an assured performance.
Kurtley Beale - 7.5
Pure joy when he scored towards the end of the game in a great reward for his constant probing and threatening in offence that resulted in more than 100 run metres. Like O'Connor, has become a mature presence on-field and calming influence and led the back three well. While his versatility has seen him used off the bench in the past, his performances in the past two Tests have marked him as the front-runner for the no.15 jersey at the World Cup.
Reserves
Folau Fainga'a - 5
Picked up where Latu left off when he came into the game. Did nothing wrong in his 17 minutes on the field.
James Slipper - 6
After an outstanding performance off the bench against Argentina, was strong again when he entered the game late in the second term for Scott Sio. Reliable at the set piece, Wallabies lost nothing when he came into the game.
Taniela Tupou - 6.5
Came on in the 56th minute for Allan Alaalatoa and showed his intent, forcing a turnover almost as soon as he got on the ground. Although it was not necessarily reflected in his statline, had a tremendous workrate, getting to the breakdown to support the ball carriers and making his tackles and runs.
Adam Coleman - 6
Fitted into the second row seamlessly when Rory Arnold came off early in the second half, with no evidence he has played little football this season as he battled injury. Impressed Michael Cheika and is likely to get an opportunity to repeat his effort next week, if not in the starting side, at least with another strong cameo from the bench.
Luke Jones - n/a
Played five minutes off the bench with the result already sealed.
Will Genia - 5
Just 12 minutes off the bench after Nic White's starring role but was slick and organised, knowing there is plenty of pressure on for the starting role at the World Cup.
Matt To'omua - 5
Slotted a pair of conversions and played a steady hand when he came off the bench in the final 17 minutes after Christian Lealiifano left the game.
Tom Banks - n/a
Had few chances after coming off the bench in the final 10 minutes. Did not get a carry.
