Loose forward trio a fizzer

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The All Blacks' new-look loose forward trio was found wanting big-time in the 27-22 loss to France.

The trio of Kieran Read, Adam Thomson and Liam Messam neither had a night to remember as a combination or in terms of their individual efforts.

France showed up the work of the loose forward trio in the opening minutes of the Iveco Series test at Carisbrook.

A succession of turnovers were gained by the tourists at the breakdown.

The rookies were unable to match the French physicality, or team-work.

All three of the All Black starting loosies then made some major mistakes as the French poured the pressure on in Dunedin.

The sooner Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo and Jerome Kaino are fit to return, the better.

Here is how Yahoo!Xtra rated the All Blacks out of 10:

Mils Muliaina: His captaincy debut was always going to be a major challenge. Played a major role in Ma'a Nonu's late try. However, was unable to inspire the All Blacks to victory. 7

Joe Rokocoko: Rarely figured for the All Blacks. While play didn't often goes his way, neither did he really go looking for work. Did little to justify his retention. 5

Isaia Toeava: The first time he touched the ball the utility showed how elusive he can be, cutting through the French defence from inside his own half. But he then showed some terrible hands to bomb a great All Black attack in the French 22m as halftime neared. Replaced in the 60th minute. 6

Ma'a Nonu: Had very little room to move as the French defence zeroed in on him. When he was on defence he also found the going tough, with France directing numerous attacking forays down the first-five/second-five channel. 7

Cory Jane: Spent most of the first half getting stuck in on defence, with the All Blacks unable to free their outside backs. However, he showed his skills to inspire the All Blacks try on the stroke of halftime. Impressed with his kicking and also provided some much-needed help at the breakdown. 8

Stephen Donald: Tried to be too fancy with an early 22m restart and handed France a great attacking chance. However, he then unleashed several well-placed towering tactical kicks. Made a try-saving tackle but then backed it up by directing the restart after France's second try out on the full. 6

Jimmy Cowan: Helped take some of the pressure of Donald by showing a good tactical brain with his kicking game. Produced a great chip kick to help inspire Cory Jane's try on halftime. Replaced in the 51st minute. 7

Liam Messam: Provided an extra line-out option with good affect. However, he playing a leading role in France's first try, first throwing a terrible pass which was knocked on by Ma'a Nonu and then missing a tackle near the line. 5

Adam Thomson: Is he the ideal replacement for Richie McCaw? On the evidence of Saturday night the reply would be 'No'. While he wasn't helped by the all-round lack of cohesion in the loose forward trio, this wasn't Thomson's greatest moment. 6

Kieran Read: Among a loose forward trio which was found wanting at the breakdown. Was guilty of a feeble attempted tackle in France's first try. 7

Isaac Ross: Called the early All Black line-outs well. Also snared a French line-out inside the first 10 minutes. Replaced late in the game. 7

Brad Thorn: His presence was a blessing for the under-pressure pack, getting stuck in and showing some leadership. Was also reliable at line-out time. 7

Neemia Tialata: Scrummed well alongside propping partner Tony Woodcock. Also was more than willing to use his strength as a ball carrier. Replaced by John Afoa with 17 minutes remaining. 7

Andrew Hore: Started well at line-out time but his test was ended in the 18th minute with injury. 5

Tony Woodcock: Had a similar night to Neemia Tialata, muscling up against a strong French scrum. Also fronted up with ball in hand in the tight exchanges. Both props weren't helped by some poor officiating by Irish ref George Clancy. 7

Reserves:

Keven Mealamu: Came on for Andrew Hore after 18 minutes. Wasted little time in getting stuck into the work around the fringes. 6

John Afoa: On for Neemia Tialata in the 67th minute.

Bryn Evans: On with eight minutes to go for Isaac Ross.

Tanerau Latimer: Brought on for his test debut in the 60th minute for Adam Thomson.

Piri Weepu: On for Cowan in the 51st minute and instantly showed his value. Unleashed some crisp passing and deft kicks. 7

Luke McAlister: Made his All Black return with 20 minutes remaining. Capped his return by throwing an intercept pass which saw France secure the win.

Lelia Masaga: Not required.