Triumphant trio lead All Blacks to victory

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The All Blacks were under pressure to perform after a disapponting Iveco Series against France and Italy and they showed their class with the 22-16 victory over Australia.

Stephen Donald was under immense pressure - his quality had been constantly questioned in the run up to the game - but he silenced his critics with a fantastic kicking display in difficult conditions at Eden Park.

The returning Rodney So'oialo and Richie McCaw also had a major impact on the game as All Blacks once again were forced to come from behind to beat Robbie Deans' Wallabies.

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

1. Tony Woodcock - Missed an early tackle and was maybe lucky with a couple of scrum calls when referee Craig Joubert penalised Al Baxter. Strong in the scrum. 7

2. Andrew Hore - Threw a couple of line-outs long early but showed some strength carrying the ball through the middle. Replaced in the 45th minute without really making his mark. 6

3. Neemia Tialata - Needed to impose himself more on the Wallabies scrum. Replaced early in the second half. 5

4. Brad Thorn - Continues to be the backbone of the team. Strong in the tackle and always leads from the front. 7

5. Isaac Ross - Coped with the pressure well without hitting the highs of the Italian Test. Took a well earned break with five minutes left. 7

6. Jerome Kaino - Won a couple of great turnovers when the Aussies were looking dangerous with ball in hand. Great charge-down and pick up on Giteau almost led to a try. 7

7. Richie McCaw (c) - Didn't have the greatest of starts. Missed an early tackle in the build-up to the Berrick Barnes try and was penalised for Giteau's second penalty but showed his leadership skills with the try to get the All Blacks back in the game. 8

8. Rodney So'oialo - Outstanding game. Became the go-to guy when the early line-outs weren't working and then was at the heart of virtually every positive All Black movement utnil he took a break for the last quarter. 9

9. Jimmy Cowan - Obviously playing to a game plan and kicked the ball a lot from the back of the scrum. Kicks were generally good and marshalled well at the breakdown. 7

10. Stephen Donald - Missed first attempt but was pretty solid after that. Was a little lucky when the Aussies blew a try following a grubber which should never have been attempted. Great break just before half-time almost gave the All Blacks a lead. 9

11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Left alone with four Wallabies for Barnes' try. Showed good handling and passing abilities and tried hard to get involved in the game. 7

12. Ma'a Nonu - Quiet early on and was pretty well marshalled by the Wallaby midfield. The devastating midfielder didn't really impose himself. 6

13. Conrad Smith - Great half-break to set up McCaw's try. Didn't get too much ball as the All Blacks looked to get dominance up front. 7

14. Cory Jane - Brilliant take from Jimmy Cowan's early bomb but didn't get too many opportunities. Always solid. 7

15. Mils Muliaina - Didn't have any chance with the early Barnes try. Was solid without being spectacular. Didn't make too many appearances in the midfield and made a questionable decision to run when he was faced with a wall of Wallabies. Not his best outing. 6

Replacements:

16. Keven Mealamu - On in the 45th minute for Hore. More solid than Hore and dependable as the game went on. 7
17. Owen Franks - On in the 45th minute for Tialata. Was penalised for coming in on Lachie Turner and maybe fortunate to avoid a spell on the sidelines. Solid. 6
18. Jason Eaton - On for Ross in the 72nd minute.
19. Kieran Read - On for So'oialo in the 62nd minute
20. Piri Weepu - On for Cowan in the 53rd minute. Always impresses off the bench. 6
21. Luke McAlister - Didn't get on the park
22. Josevata Rokocoko - Didn't get on the park