Debutants fail to shine as rookie Ross dominates

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Wyatt Crockett and Lelia Masaga didn't make the impact they would have hoped for in their All Blacks debuts but it was another rookie, Isaac Ross, who stood head and shoulders above his team-mates.

The three-cap Canterbury youngster played like an old professional and scored his first try in black after a sensational performance alongside Brad Thorn in the second row.

Luke McAlister didn't ease any nerves with a mixed performance at first five-eighth while Joe Rokocoko scored his first try in almost two years to show he still has something to offer New Zealand.

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

1. Wyatt Crockett - Scrum never looked entirely comfortable and won't be happy with his debut. Replaced after 50 minutes. 5

2. Keven Mealamu - Lineout throwing wasn't up to scratch this week but still strong at the breakdown. 6

3. John Afoa - Looking for more from the staunch Blues prop with the scrum never looking settled. Replaced by debutant Franks. 5

4. Brad Thorn - Great performance again. A rock in the scrum and useful in the midfield when his old legs can't get him to the breakdown. 7

5. Isaac Ross - Simply outstanding. Safe under the kick-off and a nuisance in the line-out. Another impressive outing from the rookie, capped with his first try. 9

6. Jerome Kaino - Very hard to put down and showing much better than he did for the Blues. Impressive on the run and solid throughout. 7

7. Tanerau Latimer - Carried the ball well but was well marshalled by the Italians. Replaced after 50 minutes. 6

8. Kieran Read - Should have had a try in the 50th minute but denied by video referee. Scrum didn't really provide a good platform for him this week. 6

9. Brendon Leonard - Kicking was more effective than Jimmy Cowan's has been. Made a couple of breaks to show , on his day, he could be the number one half-back. Replaced after 50 minutes. 6

10. Luke McAlister - Some nice chips over the top early on, but kicking and passing lacked. Brilliant kick to set up Rokocoko try but didn't impose himself enough on the game. 6

11. Joe Rokocoko - Much more involved than in the French test matches. Did well to score against the two scrambling Italian defenders. 6

12. Ma'a Nonu - Didn't get much of a chance. Passed pretty well, but never looked like adding to his try count. Unlike most of his colleagues he played better in the first half. 6

13. Isaia Toeava - Showed little in the first 55 minutes, but a brilliant break to set up Ross proved he has the goods. Just needs to show it regularly. Still too many mistakes. 5

14. Lelia Masaga - Showed some of the fantastic touches we witnessed in the Super 14 but never got to show his speed on attack. 6

15. Mils Muliaina - Brilliant under the high ball and always dangerous on the run. Led by example once again. 8

16. Aled de Malmanche - Finally made a deserved debut with five minutes left.
17. Tony Woodcock - Added some much needed leadership when he came on for Crockett in the 50th minute. 5
18. Owen Franks - Came on with 20 minutes left to make his debut in front of his home crowd. 5
19. Bryn Evans - didn't get off the bench.
20. George Whitelock - Made his debut when replacing Latimer in the 50th minute. Scored a great try and did well at the breakdown. 7
21. Piri Weepu - On in the 50th minute. Not quite the impact he's had in previous weeks. 6
22. Cory Jane - On for the last 12 minutes to replace Masaga on the wing.