Following the completion of the All Blacks’ international season, every player selected by Scott Robertson was rated based on their performances throughout the year. New Zealand faced a mixed campaign, with a disappointing Rugby Championship performance sandwiched between strong starts and finishes. Although they lost the southern hemisphere title to the Springboks, 2024 was mainly focused on rebuilding, replacing key players from the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Despite challenges, the All Blacks finished the year with a record of 10 wins and 4 losses and are optimistic for a strong 2025 season to reclaim their top spot in the World Rugby rankings.
The ratings for the players were as follows:
Outside Backs:
Will Jordan: After missing the start of the season due to injury, Jordan was outstanding at full-back, cementing his spot. (Rating: 8)
Caleb Clarke: Clarke showed growth in all aspects of his game, becoming a well-rounded player with solid defence and high-ball skills. (Rating: 8)
Stephen Perofeta: While given an opportunity, Perofeta didn’t do enough to secure a key role moving forward. (Rating: 5)
Sevu Reece: Struggled with consistency and faced challenges on the northern hemisphere tour. (Rating: 5)
Mark Tele’a: Made a strong impact in the England series, but Robertson seemed hesitant to fully trust him. (Rating: 6)
Ruben Love: Though talented, Love had limited opportunities and will have to wait for his time. (Rating: 5)
Emoni Narawa: Narawa, who performed well in Super Rugby and NPC, had limited opportunities in Test matches. (Rating: 3)
Centres:
Rieko Ioane: Consistent but lacking standout performances. Needs to improve in 2025. (Rating: 5)
Jordie Barrett: Despite a few injury setbacks, Barrett remained a strong presence in the midfield. (Rating: 7)
Billy Proctor: Impressive when given the chance but didn’t get enough opportunities against top nations. (Rating: 6)
Anton Lienert-Brown: Solid in his performances but didn’t stand out much beyond the Rugby Championship. (Rating: 5)
David Havili: Struggled for form and barely featured in the season. (Rating: 3)
Fly-halves:
Damian McKenzie: Showed promise, especially in the win over Ireland, but struggled at times to control the game. (Rating: 7)
Beauden Barrett: Had an exceptional year, proving key in the All Blacks’ victories, especially in the series against England. (Rating: 9)
Harry Plummer: Had minimal impact with very little game time. (Rating: 3)
Scrum-halves:
Cam Roigard: Played well in his limited appearances, showcasing potential as a long-term successor to Aaron Smith. (Rating: 8)
Noah Hotham: Did well in his only appearance but didn’t get further opportunities. (Rating: 4)
TJ Perenara: Struggled to reach top form in his final season with the All Blacks. (Rating: 5)
Cortez Ratima: Showed promise in the Rugby Championship but struggled during the northern hemisphere tour. (Rating: 6)
Finlay Christie: Lacked impact when called upon, with the emergence of other scrum-halves pushing him down the pecking order. (Rating: 4)
Loose Forwards:
Ardie Savea: Maintained high standards throughout the year, though not quite at his 2023 level. (Rating: 8)
Wallace Sititi: A breakout star who impressed with his performances and won Breakthrough Player of the Year. (Rating: 9)
Sam Cane: After losing the captaincy, Cane showed his worth with solid leadership and excellent work in defence. (Rating: 8)
Dalton Papali’i: Struggled with injury and failed to stand out when given the chance. (Rating: 4)
Samipeni Finau: A promising start to the season was marred by inconsistency, but he showed glimpses of potential. (Rating: 5)
Ethan Blackadder: Injuries hampered his progress, but when fit, he played well. (Rating: 6)
Peter Lakai: Impressive when given a chance, showing talent and composure. (Rating: 6)
Luke Jacobson: Struggled to make a major impact, with injuries limiting his contribution. (Rating: 4)
Locks:
Scott Barrett: Led well as captain but wasn’t quite at the level of 2023, though it was a learning year for him. (Rating: 7)
Patrick Tuipulotu: Excellent when on the field, particularly as an impact player during the northern hemisphere tour. (Rating: 7)
Tupou Vaa’i: Found his form in the Rugby Championship, suggesting a long-term role with the All Blacks. (Rating: 7)
Sam Darry: Showed promise but didn’t get many opportunities. (Rating: 5)
Josh Lord: Struggled with injuries and had limited game time. (Rating: 3)
Hookers:
Asafo Aumua: A breakthrough season with improved set-piece work and strong performances. (Rating: 7)
George Bell: Made a solid debut but will need to wait for more opportunities. (Rating: 3)
Codie Taylor: Rolled back the years with some excellent performances, especially in the Rugby Championship. (Rating: 8)
Props:
Tyrel Lomax: Outstanding throughout the year, particularly in the scrum and in loose play. (Rating: 8)
Pasilio Tosi: Surprised with solid performances, particularly in the Rugby Championship and northern hemisphere tour. (Rating: 6)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi: Made significant contributions off the bench, excelling in his role. (Rating: 7)
Ethan de Groot: Underperformed due to injuries and inconsistent performances. (Rating: 5)
Tamaiti Williams: Impressive in his scrummaging and overall play, establishing himself as a dominant force. (Rating: 8)
Fletcher Newell: Struggled to find consistent game time but performed well when given the chance. (Rating: 5)