15. Ben Smith: 8
Key part of a New Zealand back three that was operating on another level. Leapt majestically to take a high ball that he had no right to get to, that led the following phase to Savea’s second.

14. Nehe Milner-Skudder: 8
Only played a half but still contributed with one of the finest finishes of the World Cup so far, jinking and darting inside a cover defence that had drifted much too hard.

13. Conrad Smith: 7
Not as threatening as other members of this backline, but as always, the glue that held them together. Gave a glorious offload in the build-up to Milner-Skudder’s effort.

12. Ma’a Nonu: 9
Delightful offloads led to two tries and his understanding of centre play in general was highlighted by the seamless switch from 12 to 13 when Sonny Bill entered the fray. Playing some of his best rugby at the moment.

11. Julian Savea: 9
Savea has had a relatively quiet World Cup, but lived up to his nickname of ‘the bus’ with a hattrick that showcased his pace, power and ability to time a run in equal measures. No man will ever truly replicate Jonah Lomu but in terms of being the all-round complete winger, there is no one as close as Savea at the moment.

10. Dan Carter: 9.5
A regal outing from Carter, which recalled some of his best in a Kiwi jumper. Threatened the gainline more than he has in recent times and his no-look offload for Savea’s first try will grace the post-tournament highlight reels.

9. Aaron Smith: 8
Kept the tempo high and made sure New Zealand continually had quick ball, which is no mean feat when you are breaking the line as often as they did. Saw where the space was for Savea’s second try and crabbed sideways accordingly, before giving a lovely pass to Retallick.

1. Wyatt Crockett: 7
Scrum went solidly enough and although he had little impact in the loose, he didn’t miss a tackle either. Pretty much all you can ask of a prop.

2. Dane Coles: 8.5
The man is unlike any other hooker in world rugby in that he genuinely possesses the pace and feet of a back. Looked threatening in the wide channels and ripped the ball that led directly to Savea’s third.

3. Owen Franks: 7
See Crockett’s section above…

4. Brodie Retallick: 9
On top of doing everything a lock is supposed to (100% tackle success, two steals at the lineout) he bagged a try from a charge-down and showed such glorious hands in the loose that on more than one occasion led directly to a try. The blueprint for how the modern lock should play.

5. Sam Whitelock: 7.5
When Retallick plays Whitelock can be overshadowed, but you sense he doesn’t mind – did enough of the grunt work in the tight that his teammates could reap the benefits in the wide spaces.

6. Jerome Kaino: 7.5
Some strong carries, more often than not across the gainline, were rewarded with a try in the second half romp.

7. Richie McCaw: 8
Won the breakdown battle, winning three turnovers single-handedly. Made 13 tackles and although he wasn’t overly conspicuous as his side ran in try after try, as captain he can take some of the credit.

8. Kieran Read: 8.5
Another All Black who had been quiet at the tournament until now to have an absolute stormer on Saturday night. His handling in tight spaces was a joy to behold and the decision making to pass back inside led to Kerr-Barlow’s second.

Replacements: 9
New Zealand’s third choice loosehead prop, Joe Moody, gave an offload that matched – if not bettered – Carter’s from the first half, and pretty much defined why New Zealand are better than everyone else – their forwards are taught from a young age to handle properly and think on a rugby pitch, rather than just run into things.

Beauden Barrett enjoyed an open second half that was tailor made for his enterprising style of play, while Sonny Bill got into the action with a trademark delicious offload. Tawera Kerr-Barlow cut some brilliant support lines to finish with a brace.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images