Mealamu and Latimer stand out for All Blacks

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The All Blacks were out-muscled in Dunedin last week, but proved they can never be written off with a much better performance in the second test against France.

The returning Jerome Kaino and Conrad Smith added some experience to the team, but it was veteran Keven Mealamu and youngster Tanerau Latimer who stood out in the wild Wellington weather.

Here's how Yahoo!Xtra scored the All Blacks:

1. Tony Woodcock - Steady, but nothing extraordinary from the 51-cap veteran. 6

2. Keven Mealamu - Threw well at the lineout, fantastic around the breakdown and looked dangerous with every run. 8

3. Neemia Tialata - Still yet to impose as a starting prop. 6

4. Brad Thorn - Great tackle denied the French a try and always strong in defence. Led by example. 7

5. Isaac Ross - Great driving and did well in only his second match. A real prospect.6

6. Jerome Kaino - Provided some much needed steel to the loose trio without standing out. 6

7. Tanerau Latimer - Great game considering it was his first start. Quick at the breakdown and dangerous on attack. 8

8. Kieran Read - Made some great breaks and looked more comfortable this week. 7

9. Jimmy Cowan - Kicked first three balls over the top. Couple of bad passes to Rokocoko. Some of his passes were crazy given the conditions. Outshone by Weepu. 6

10. Stephen Donald - Missed kicks, tried to break the French line a few times but decision making and handling was poor. Came off in the 62nd minute to a loud cheer from the crowd. 5

11. Joe Rokocoko - Good chase and tackle early on led to first penalty. More involved in the game this week, but made some handling errors. 6

12. Ma'a Nonu - Great try in the first half but struggled to break the French defence. Better than last week. 7

13. Conrad Smith - Made a difference in midfield, dependable and provided a boost to Nonu inside him. 7

14. Cory Jane - Still looked unsure at times while covering and probably should have had his first try but was denied by video referee. Skinned for French try. A work in progress. 6

15. Mils Muliaina (c) - Stunning catch and break in the fifteenth minute. Played well but held on to the ball a couple of times when he could have cleared. Solid outing from the captain. 7

16. Aled de Malmanche - didn't make it onto the park.
17. John Afoa - Came on for Tialata with 25 minutes left.
18. Bryn Evans - On for the last 13 minutes.
19. George Whitelock - didn't make it onto the park.
20. Piri Weepu - Replaced Cowan after 55 minutes and made a real difference. 7
21. Luke McAlister - on with 17 minutes left to replace Donald.
22. Isaia Toeava - replaced Conrad Smith with 13 minutes left.