All Blacks player Israel Dagg evades Liam Williams of the Lions. Photo / Alan Gibson
See who stood out and who struggled in the first All Blacks v Lions test.
All Blacks
15. Ben Smith - 4
Three high balls in 1st 20 mins resulted in scrambled eggs. Exited after a concussion check before half time.
14. Israel Dagg - 8
Fort Knox tackling to prevent
second minute try to Daly. Hung in the air like a black balloon to take high balls. Ravenous for action.
13. Ryan Crotty - 7
Useful tackling, particularly 29th minute effort to prevent Daly offloading for try. 33rd minute hamstring ping.
12. Sonny Bill Williams - 6
More of a grafting than spectacular performance as Te'o kept him in check. Never overplayed his hand(s).
11. Reiko Ioane - 7
Minimal input then scores match-winning try using Michael Jones' Eden Park bronze statue pose. Wins Earle Kirton "gas" award.
10. Beauden Barrett - 7
Move to fullback after Ben Smith's exit saw his attacking flair wasted, but drilled his place kicks with aplomb.
9. Aaron Smith - 7
Slick service and bounteous energy kept a harness on direction. Perenara kept momentum when he tagged in.
8. Kieran Read - 8
Remains a reliable lineout target on return. Put in some outstanding tackles, especially as Lions surged early in second half.
7. Sam Cane - 8
Robust running game and gritty presence at the breakdown. Stepped up in contest between world's two best teams.
6. Jerome Kaino - 6
Subbed in 46th minute for Savea. Did not seem to enforce with his usual aggression as a red jerseys swarmed.
5. Sam Whitelock - 8
The thought of an All Blacks team without Whitelock would be like NZ telly without Country Calendar.
4. Brodie Retallick - 8
Power on feet at ruck. Looked like he was shearing Lions when hunting for ball. A Soviet era tractor in the channel.
3. Owen Franks - 7
Bushwhacker #1 offered fearless tackling and looked hungry to preserve Eden Park fortress record.
2. Codie Taylor - 7
Hands like Martin Snedden at MCG in Feb 1981 to score the opening 18th min try. NZ relief banks burst to overflow.
1. Joe Moody - 7
Bushwhacker #2 gave an honest account of himself to set the standard required to keep team on front foot.
Reserves
16. Nathan Harris - N/A
17. Wyatt Crockett - 7
18. Charlie Faumuina - 7
19. Scott Barrett - N/A
20. Ardie Savea - 7
21. TJ Perenara - 7
22. Aaron Cruden - 6
23. Anton Lienert-Brown - 5
Lions
15. Liam Williams - 7
Mesmerising run to set up O'Brien try rolling 80m. Shades of JPR namesake. Spilt high ball that saw Ioane blitz to second try.
14. Anthony Watson - 6
Capable of weaving his way through opponents like a knitting needle. Unfortunately defence susceptible to unravelling.
13. Jonathan Davies - 7
Found opening hole in ABs defence and punched through. No surprise to see him feature in the continuity for O'Brien try.
12. Ben Te'o - 6
Gave Williams a 42nd minute hammering. Cost a penalty but memorable. Brought cohesion and stability.
11. Elliot Daly - 7
Offered a peek into his turn of pace, especially playing a cameo in the footy poetry which became their opening try.
10. Owen Farrell - 5
Struggled to make an impact, given Lions lack of possession at times. Set backs free on occasion but verve absent.
9. Conor Murray - 6
Knitted team together with his linking but Lions could not capitalise on weaknesses exposed by pinpoint box kicks.
8. Taulupe Faletau - 7
Contributed the most tackles as he maintained vigilance. Likely to wake bruised after confronting black juggernaut.
7. Sean O'Brien - 7
Roved with intent at breakdown. Worthy try-scorer as home nations showcased expansive mastery.
6. Peter O'Mahony - 7
Solid lineout work. 54th minute exit to make way for Warburton but the side were in their pomp under his leadership.
5. George Kruis - 7
An 80-minute exercise in commitment, but hard to maintain resilience against the might of Whitelock and Retallick.
4. Alun Wyn Jones - 7
Support play handy. Played at a high tempo and brought experience before Itoje added impact, as per tactical plan.
3. Tadhg Furlong - 7
Useful basketball passing skills on occasion. Charge down of Smith box-kick added pressure. Tackled ferociously.
2. Jamie George - 7
Marksman at the lineout, especially finding O'Mahony. Presumably a gutterboard specialist at primary school.
1. Mako Vunipola - 6
Busied himself in the tight setting the platform for a backline. Subbed in 52nd minute as the fuel light flickered into life.
Reserves
16. Ken Owens - N/A
17. Jack McGrath - 4
18. Kyle Sinckler - 7
19. Maro Itoje - 6
20. Sam Warburton - 6
21. Rhys Webb - 6
22. Johnny Sexton - 5
23. Leigh Halfpenny - N/A