Australia

Mat Rogers: One of the Wallaby stars. Full of running from deep and came up with some raking touch-finders with his left boot. A firm fixture at full-back.

Wendell Sailor: A roar of support greeted his first touch of the ball but again failed to impose himself on the game, although kept Rokocoko quiet.

Stirling Mortlock: Caused mayhem in the All Black defence throughout. His early breakaway try set the tone and he always took the ball forward.

Elton Flatley: Not flashy but helped keep things fluid throughout. A visionary with the ball in hand and landed six of his seven kicks.

Lote Tuqiri: Saved a try when forcing Muliaina to knock-on and was a constant thorn in New Zealand's side in attack, darting in off the left-wing at pace.

Stephen Larkham: Looked back to his best bar the failure to kick for touch before Thorne's try. The lazy breaks and eye for a gap were crucial.

George Gregan: His service was slow and he missed making the most of a number of overlaps, but he led his troops well and played with passion.

Bill Young: Full of running. It is easy to mistake the prop for back-row team-mate Waugh, so conspicuous is he with his mop of blond hair.

Brendan Cannon: Cannon never lasts a match, making way for Jeremy Paul on 50 minutes this time, but when he was on he was a constant nuisance.

Ben Darwin: Stretchered off with a neck injury after half-time. The Telstra Stadium could be cursed for the Wallabies after David Giffin's injury last time out.

Justin Harrison: Quiet in the loose but the master of the line-out. Stole ball to help his team maintain possession and a willing tackler in defence.

Nathan Sharpe: Was only on for a half and left battered. A high tackle from Collins left him dazed and confused early on, but good in tight and loose.

George Smith: Was told by referee White that his "timing had to be considerably better next time" after one late tackle. It was, he was everywhere.

Phil Waugh: Covered every blade of grass and was crucial to the game plan, linking backs and forwards as well as scavenging for possession.

David Lyons: One of his quieter games but always made yards when crashing on to the ball in the midfield and gave Australia plenty of "go forward".

Replacements:

David Giffin: On for Sharpe shortly before half-time - a seamless transition. His experience helped the forward effort.

Rest of the bench: Coach Eddie Jones used his replacements to the full and they all gave their all to a memorable winning performance.

New Zealand

Mils Muliaina: When he almost scored early on, he must have thought another chance would come his way. It never did despite his best efforts.

Doug Howlett: He got so little ball in the first-half he went looking for it in the second. He could not do a thing with it when it finally came his way.

Leon MacDonald: The Achilles heel was always going to be the kicking - and MacDonald was the fall guy. Was not up to the job.

Aaron Mauger: Dithered and dallied in midfield when New Zealand needed darting incision instead. Knock-on at the final whistle summed up the effort.

Joe Rokocoko: One of the stars of the campaign but was absolutely anonymous. Won a cheer for dropping a high ball and that was it.

Carlos Spencer: Hero or villain? A telegraphed pass set-up Australia's try and a dancing break got Thorne over, but he failed when it mattered.

Justin Marshall: Threatened to take the game by the scruff of the neck before going off with a rib injury. His experience was missed.

Dave Hewett: Largely anonymous before a knock-on early in the second-half with New Zealand pushing for a score. He was off within minutes.

Keven Mealamu: The all-action hooker offered himself in midfield taking the tackle, but he neglected his prime job in the side, line-out throwing.

Greg Somerville: He worked hard in the scrum and around the field, but like the rest of the team was always pushed backwards.

Chris Jack: Took some of the rare clean ball in the line-out but, like many wearing black, all too often resembled a startled rabbit in golden headlights.

Ali Williams: Spiked Larkham in the build-up to New Zealand's only try and gave his all in the loose. Emerged with credit, but that is little consolation.

Reuben Thorne: The captain has often been criticised and, despite scoring his side's only try, the flak will come in spades now.

Richie McCaw: Players like McCaw need to be playing on the front foot to be seen at their best. Worked tirelessly but was forever on the back foot.

Jerry Collins: Was lucky to stay on for a high tackle on Sharpe but made the most of the let-off and was often first receiver taking the game to Australia.

Replacements:

Byron Kelleher: Came on for Marshall early in the second-half and a poor first pass showed the gulf in class between the players.

Rest of the bench: Kees Meeuws made a short-lived appearance but coach John Mitchell made his other changes too late in the game.