After an awful start in Sydney, the Wallabies came within three points of pulling off an all-time victory against their greatest rival, losing 28-31 to the All Blacks.
While the Bledisloe Cup is gone for another year, the notable improvement was noted in the votes cast by The Roar‘s audience this week, in almost stark contrast to the brutal scores handed out in their previous fixture against Argentina.
Compared to the sixteen fail marks in Santa Fe, only six players received such a grade this week. By comparison, eight players received an average score of 6 or higher, with two having an average of over 7. Even more notable, SEVENTEEN players achieved a most common rating of 6 or higher, with plenty of split votes between the audience.
It should come as no surprise that the loose forwards sat at the top of the pile, and the best performer saw Fraser McReight take the crown – producing one of his best performances ever with an average of 7.80, and an impressive most common rating of 8.
Close behind him was skipper Harry Wilson with an average of 7.22, while Lukhan Salakai-Loto (6.95), Tom Wright (6.88) and Roar-regular Rob Valetini (6.58) rounded out the top five, all achieving a most common rating of 7.
It should also be noted that the bench saw a notable uplift in performances, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Langi Gleeson and Tate McDermott also scoring well.
At the bottom – by quite some margin – saw veteran winger Marika Koroibete, with an average score of 3.69 and most common rating of 4. Noah Lolesio (4.75) and Taniela Tupou (4.81) round out the bottom three.
Speaking of Lolesio, the halves continue to split the audience vote, with Nic White not scoring much better than Lolesio. However, a final notable surprise is that despite their fail averages, some players with low averages have ended up with a much higher most common rating. This week saw White achieve an average of 4.83, yet achieve a most common rating of 6, while Kellaway also scored a 6 with an average of 4.97.
The Roar audience is currently very split over key positions, with fans either loving or hating the performance of certain positions and individuals.
Check out the full DIY player ratings below.
Reader player ratings from loss to New Zealand
1. Angus Bell
Average score: 5.99
Most common rating: 6 (33.2%)
2. Matt Faessler
Average score: 5.59
Most common rating: 6 (37%)
3. Taniela Tupou
Average score: 4.81
Most common rating: 5 (28%)
4. Nick Frost
Average score: 5.15
Most common rating: 5/6 (both 28.4%)
5. Jeremy Williams
Average score: 5.57
Most common rating: 6 (29.5%)
6. Rob Valetini
Average score: 6.58
Most common rating: 7 (30.6%)
7. Fraser McReight
Average score: 7.80
Most common rating: 8 (38.6%)
8. Harry Wilson (c)
Average score: 7.22
Most common rating: 7 (32.1%)
9. Nic White
Average score: 4.83
Most common rating: 6 (23.6%)
10. Noah Lolesio
Average score: 4.75
Most common rating: 5 (23.8%)
11. Marika Koroibete
Average score: 3.69
Most common rating: 4 (24.1%)
12. Hunter Paisami
Average score: 5.28
Most common rating: 6 (25.7%)
13. Len Ikitau
Average score: 5.52
Most common rating: 6 (28.4%)
14. Andrew Kellaway
Average score: 4.97
Most common rating: 6 (26.5%)
15. Tom Wright
Average score: 6.88
Most common rating: 7 (39.8%)
Reserves
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Sub on in 53rd minute)
Average score: 6.18
Most common rating: 6 (32.3%)
17. James Slipper (Sub on in 50th minute)
Average score: 4.84
Most common rating: 5 (30.1%)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (Sub on in 45th minute)
Average score: 5.55
Most common rating: 5 (32.8%)
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Sub on in 56th minute)
Average score: 6.95
Most common rating: 7 (40.6%)
20. Langi Gleeson (Sub on in 68th minute)
Average score: 6.01
Most common rating: 6 (31.8%)
21. Tate McDermott (Sub on in 62nd minute)
Average score: 6.07
Most common rating: 6 (28.2%)
22. Tom Lynagh (Did not take the field)
Average score: N/A
Most common rating: N/A
23. Dylan Pietsch (Sub on in 64th minute)
Average score: 5.88
Most common rating: 6 (33%)