Four Nations Final: Kiwis player ratings
Words: Martin Gabor ‌, National Correspondent , NRL.com , Pic: SWpix.com
Mon 21 Nov 2016, 06:30 AM
NRL.com rates the performances of all 17 New Zealand Kiwis players in the 2016 Four Nations Final.
1. Jordan Kahu
Popped up like all good fullbacks should to score New Zealand's opening try and then did it all himself to complete a classy second-half double. Needs to work on his passing game if he wants to challenge for the No.1 spot when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns in 2017. 7/10.
2. David Fusitu'a
Generally a right winger, Fusitu'a struggled to have any impact on the left edge. He was safe under the high ball but didn't provide the bulldozing runs we know he's capable of. Would have been worthwhile moving him to fullback to get him more involved. 4.5/10.
3. Solomone Kata
Made an error with his first touch and the Aussies scored from the ensuing scrum. Produced another mistake near his own line 20 minutes later which wasn't punished. Generally uses his leg drive to torment his opponents but got carried away for trying to impersonate a Liverpool striker. 4/10
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
On his day he can be one of the most destructive centres in the game. This wasn't one of those occasions. The rangy centre couldn't find the space he usually thrives in, and his handling was iffy in the key moments. 4.5/10
5. Jordan Rapana
Split the Kangaroos early in the contest and produced a magical flick pass that went unrewarded. Broke a few tackles with some robust running out of dummy-half but had his afternoon cut short due to a nasty head knock. 5/10
6. Tohu Harris
Terrific player, but he's not a five-eighth. The Kiwis missed a trick by not picking a specialist playmaker like Te Maire Martin to replace the injured Thomas Leuluai. Harris is an outstanding back-rower but doesn't have the flair the Kiwis need on the left edge. The Aussies targeted him in defence with Darius Boyd repeatedly beating him on the outside. 5/10
7. Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson is one of the most electrifying players in the world, but even the conductor of the Viennese Philharmonic Orchestra needs some support. The Kiwis halfback had his moments in the final but will never reach his full potential until he plays alongside an accomplished halves partner. 5.5/10
8. Jesse Bromwich
Fearless – but sadly peerless – performance from the Kiwis skipper. Ran for 125 metres, made 25 tackles and came close to scoring on a number of occasions. Easily the best prop in the world. 7/10
9. Issac Luke
Unforced error was punished by Trent Merrin for a try. To be effective, Luke needs his forwards to lay a platform. That didn't happen on Sunday afternoon, and as a result, he couldn't influence the game. 5/10
10. Adam Blair
Does flashy things that front-rowers aren't supposed to be able to do. Took his tally to 40 Test appearances for the Kiwis, but had little to celebrate about against a dominant Kangaroos pack. 5.5/10
11. Kevin Proctor
No one made more tackles than the Titans-bound back-rower – 43 to be exact – while he also produced the key offload for New Zealand's first try. Handled Johnathan Thurston's show-and-go with ease. 7.5/10
12. Manu Ma'u
Was promoted to the starting side but didn't produce the sort of ferocity he has shown at the Eels over the past few years. 5/10
13. Jason Taumalolo
Barely sighted in the first half but was far more effective in the second stanza. Was on the bench for what seemed an eternity in the middle stages. The Dally M winner must play at least 60 minutes at international level. We know he can do it. He just needs to be given the opportunity. 6/10
14. Lewis Brown
Filled in at dummy-half and then shifted to centre when Rapana was forced from the field. 4/10
15. Martin Taupau
Has been brilliant for the Kiwis in 2016. Ran for over 100 metres despite limited game time off the bench. Might be worth starting him. 6/10
16. Greg Eastwood
Only managed 15 metres. Says a lot about how the game was played. 4/10
17. Joseph Tapine
Provided energy through his footwork when he was injected into the game before half-time. He is a point-of-difference player who has the ability to do special things. Definitely one to keep an eye on for the future. 5.5/10
This article first appeared on NRL.com
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