New Zealand vs Wales player ratings: Ben Smith shines in Rugby World Cup 2019 bronze final

We run the rule over both teams after an entertaining bronze final

Jack de Menezes
Tokyo Stadium
Friday 01 November 2019 07:28 EDT
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Rugby World Cup 2019 in numbers

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New Zealand ended their Rugby World Cup 2019 campaign with a win by beating Wales in the Bronze final.

The All Blacks struck after five minutes following a charge by lock Brodie Retallick that ended with prop Joe Moody touching down and Mo'unga converting for a 7-0 lead.

New Zealand cut them open again in the 12th minute when scrum-half Aaron Smith broke sharply and found try-scorer Beauden Barrett. Mo'unga again converted, and Wales were already hugely up against it, trailing by 14 points. Wales then sacrificed two kickable penalties, and their forwards went close to breaching New Zealand's defence before full-back Hallam Amos applied a neat finish, claiming a try that Rhys Patchell converted.

Ben Smith then scored two second-half tries while Ryan Crotty also got in on the action, as New Zealand eased to victory.

Here are our player ratings.

Check the above gallery to see how we rated the two teams.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments section below.

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