All Blacks fullback Ben Smith was the pick of the New Zealand backs during their Rugby World Cup win over Tonga at St James' Park in Newcastle.

The All Blacks ran circles around Tonga in the second half at St James' Park in Newcastle to secure a 47-9 win to finish top of Pool C at the World Cup.

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PLAYER RATINGS

Ben Smith – 7

Another good allround display. More than often right place at right time. Penalised for an awkward tackle that might still be a worry.

Nehe Milner-Skudder – 7

Quiet first half. Scored good close range early in second spell using step and strength, then popped up on opposite wing to score again.

Conrad Smith – 5.5

Solid but unspectacular. Didn't test the Tongans much. Subbed with a quarter of match to go.

Ma'a Nonu – 7

Strong effort in 100th game rewarded with late try. Brought some much-needed direct play to a backline struggling for fluency.

Waisake Naholo – 5.5

Operating out of comfort zone on left wing. Glaring dropped pass. Couple of promising probes and one telling tackle but lacked usual impact.

Dan Carter - 7

Produced some crucial early tackles. Looked better when he unearthed his running game in second spell. Delivered the goalkicks.

Aaron Smith - 6

Mixed game. Looked better once the forwards finally got a roll on in the second spell.

Kieran Read - 6

Involved in Woodcock try. Early struggles, highlighted by dropping high balls and embarrassing yellow card as skipper.

Sam Cane – 6.5

Nice hand in opening try. Solid work rate as always and rewarded with try. Went the distance.

Jerome Kaino – 5.5

Again struggled to implant his notorious physicality against the tough Tongans. Shifted to lock for last phase.

Sam Whitelock – 6.5

Buried in the tight and produced a tireless effort to be pick of the engine room.

Luke Romano - 5

Some strong early runs but impact faded as Tongans turned up heat. Penalised early in second half and subbed.

Owen Franks - 5

Not much impact around the field where microscope is on him. Gave away two scrum penalties.

Dane Coles – 6.5

Busy as usual and popped up everywhere, from wing to back of lineout.

Tony Woodcock - 4

Scored a try but had a tough first half that included giving away two scrum penalties and being monstered in a tackle. Tellingly subbed after 42 minutes.

RESERVES (in order of appearance)



Keven Mealamu - 6

Got the last 14 minutes as the bench raised the overall performance.

Wyatt Crockett - 6

On straight after halftime for Woodcock. Helped revive the forward effort.

Ben Franks - 6

On after 61 for brother Owen.

Brodie Retallick – 6.5

On with half an hour left and his grunt coincided with the pack stepping up.

Liam Messam - 6

Finally got his RWC debut for last 14 minutes and produced busy cameo.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow - 6

On for last eight minutes and benefitted from the improvement in front of him.

Beauden Barrett – 6.5

On after 58 minutes for Naholo and instant impact with delightful grubber kick to set up try.

Sonny Bill Williams – 6.5

On for Conrad Smith and quickly popped up to collect Aaron Smith's pop-pass for sweet try.