It wouldn’t be far-fetched to just pick the All Blacks in their entirety for this week’s selection, but there were in fact some very strong performances among the other sides.

1 – Tony Woodcock (New Zealand) Despite a couple penalties, it was a typically robust performance from the veteran. No signs of slowing down just yet from the old master.

2 – Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa) A selection based as much in protest as in quality. Arguably the outstanding player on the pitch while he was allowed to partake.

3 – Juan Figallo (Argentina) Has unsurprisingly adapted to the new scrum engagement without skipping a beat. Massive all-around contribution.

4 – Brodie Retallick (New Zealand) Possibly his best game in an All Blacks jersey. Huge carries, tackles, ruck clearing, and his first test try.

5 – Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) Another tremendous game necessitates his inclusion, though he concedes the no4 jersey to Retallick. A tower of strength in the tackle and the lineout.

6 – Scott Fardy (Australia) Easily his biggest game in his young test career. Has improved his tight game considerably, a real presence around the pitch.

7 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) Difficult to leave out Sam Cane, who literally bled all over the pitch for his country, but Matera was again a standout in an excellent Pumas back row. His third consecutive selection to the team!

8 – Kieran Read (New Zealand) Similarly tough to leave out Juan Manuel Leguizamon, whose swashbuckling form has been a real feature thus far. It’s just impossible to leave out Read, however, who scored two tries and led from the front.

9 – Aaron Smith (New Zealand) A debateable selection where no candidate stood head and shoulders above another. More of a job well done rather than anything exceptional.

10 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) Off goes Carter, in comes Barrett, and the All Blacks didn’t miss a step. Did everything asked and made a couple good breaks.

11 – Julian Savea (New Zealand) Not a particularly memorable game for the big man but did enough to get the nod over Nick Cummins.

12 – Jean de Villiers (South Africa) Indispensable for his side at the moment. His leadership kept his side in the game and will surely be a factor in the rematch.

13 – Conrad Smith (New Zealand) Another week, another class performance. Lovely pass to Retallick for a crucial score.

14 – Ben Smith (New Zealand) No tries this week, but did all the hard work that wings rarely get credit for – chasing kicks, making tackles, and supporting inside runners when required.

15 – Israel Folau (Australia) Not a great week for fullbacks, but Folau’s well-taken finish gets him bonus points. Now if only the Wallabies can figure out a way to get him the ball more often…