"Nightmare tour" - Three All Blacks starters who flopped against Wales

Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Ruben Love, and Rieko Ioane crossed the line, and Damian McKenzie kicked 17 points, but flashes of brilliance were marred by uncharacteristic mistakes, missed tackles, and lapses in discipline.

Even in a comprehensive victory, there were moments when the All Blacks looked vulnerable, giving Wales chances to shine — including Tom Rogers’ historic hat-trick.

For a side that prides itself on precision and consistency, these lapses underline that some key players failed to perform at their usual high standard.

Ratima showed flashes of control but lacked his usual running threat. Early in the match, his left-foot grubber was off-target, though he settled into a passing rhythm later. Box kicks were solid, and as Wales tired, his composure and distribution in the second half became increasingly important. A promising but inconsistent showing, with plenty to work on ahead of the season.

Planet Rugby: "Needs to improve several areas of his game if he is to stick around the All Blacks set-up. Ratima has a lovely pass, but he’s a bit too cumbersome, while his kicking game simply isn’t up to Test standard at the moment."

Rugby Pass: "Unfortunately was inaccurate at times with his left foot, especially in the opening ten minutes, where he decided to place a grubber kick in behind the defence just as the All Blacks looked to score their second. Lacked the lethal running game that All Blacks fans have been accustomed too with Cameron Roigard, but also looked more comfortable than he did at Twickenham."

STUFF: " Plenty of decent early box kicks, before settling into passing rhythm, but never got his running game going. Faces a big year ahead to stay in the mix."

RUCK: "Ratima struggled at times, but he found his rhythm in the second half. As Wales tired, his improved distribution became increasingly important. His growing composure and accuracy in the latter stages elevated his rating."

Kirifi was busy but lacked the punch expected at Test level. Early carries and a strong hit on the Wales fullback showed intent, but a crucial knock-on in the 47th minute halted momentum. Defensively solid but underwhelming compared to his potential, he showed glimpses of impact beyond the breakdown, yet still needs to prove he can consistently influence games.

FloRugby: "One a few All Blacks who didn’t quite get to the level required, although he was busy he lacked any significant punch in the carry or tackle. His knock-on in the 47^th minute on the ground ruled out his side’s fourth try. Getting on the ball 12 times for 17 meters perhaps offers a snapshot to the lack of punch compared to what Ardie Savea routinely produces."

Planet Rugby: "Was present at plenty of breakdowns and managed to slow Welsh ball down relatively effectively, but Kirifi needed a statement display, and he didn’t produce it."

Rugby Pass: "Looked alive and started the Test match with something to prove. Good shot on Wales fullback in the 12th minute, and was often used as a ball carrier in the opening stanza. The game flow didn’t exactly suit his style, as he was only forced to make seven tackles. Showed that he can impact the game other than at the breakdown, but still hasn’t showed enough to solidify his place in the match day squad going forward. Off at 67 with 12 carries."

STUFF: "Heart-in-mouth moment when wide wayward pass was intercepted as Wales seized momentum, only for advantage to save him, then had ball slip from hands which cancelled out Clarke try. Solid both sides of the ball without being able to be his renowned breakdown menace."

Christie struggled to find his usual spark. An early misfired pass highlighted a sluggish start, and despite plenty of ball, he never fully imposed himself. While his vision and quick feet were evident at times, he failed to match the pace of the game, leaving him below his usual standards around the breakdown.

Stuff: "A misfired early pass before finding his targets with plenty of ball to play with and tried to get stuck into breakdown"

RUCK: "The crafty halfback known for his sharp vision and quick feet, started with a misfired early pass and never looked up to the pace ."