Star on the chopping block; No.7 frontrunner emerges after Fiji disaster — Crawls’ Roos Ratings

The Kangaroos were handed an almighty scare against Fiji, with a host of big-name stars failing to stamp their mark on Australia’s second World Cup clash.

One outside back is on the chopping block, while one playmaker has edged forward in the battle for the No.7 jersey.

Read below for Paul Crawley’s Kangaroos player ratings!

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Has well and truly put the heat back on Reece Walsh in the battle to see who wears the No 1 jumper for the big end of tournament games. Was easily the Kangaroos’ most influential player setting up four tries and played a hand in a fifth. Finished with 13 runs for 146 metres.

Came crashing back to earth after one of the great Test debuts against the Kiwis. Let one good try scoring opportunity slip and was beaten for another high ball early in the second half. Finished with 14 runs for 141 metres but no standout moments like last week for the young Dolphin.

Hard to see how the Broncos centre can keep his spot at right centre moving forward. Ran a great line for Australia’s first try but other than that was a part of the right edge that really struggled.

Failed to impose himself on the game like most expected he would.In fairness, didn’t get a lot of opportunity. Did have 16 runs for 110m but just the one tackle bust and one line break assist.

Scored three tries and played a hand in another. But also came up with a few defensive errors and just doesn’t look comfortable playing on the wing. Factor in Turbo was also rocks and diamonds against Kiwis last week and it is a huge problem moving forward given Australia’s lack of options on the wing.

Was great off the bench last week but disappointing this week. Wasn’t helped by the fact Australia’s pack didn’t provide enough go forward.

‘UNTOUCHABLE’: Teddy, Turbo save the day as Kangaroos survive almighty scare

Had enough nice touches to probably get the jump on Dearden to be Cam Munster’s starting halves partner going forward, but only just. Was guilty of trying too hard early and it backfired on him a few times. Did score a try and came up with some crucial conversions.

8. KEAON KOLOAMATANGI — 4.5

Was part of the starting middle that was out muscled by the Fijians. Was replaced by Tino in just the 23rd minute. Returned in the second half but finished with just the 10 carries for 88m and 19 tackles.

Tackled his heart out but would have liked to see a bit more creativity from dummy half. Just the one run but again not helped by a pack that struggled to get on the front foot.

Worked hard and finished with the most metres of any of the Aussie forwards with 14 runs for 124 metres along with 25 tackles.

Another of the Australia forwards who just didn’t stamp his authority. Had eight runs for just 59m and only two tackle busts.

Never stopped giving his all whether it was playing on the edge or in the middle.

Suffered a first half setback when he was forced off the field in the 28th minute for head injury assessment. But really made an impact in the second half with his energy and fast play the balls.

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14. TINO FA’ASUAMALEAUI — 5.5

Worked hard off the bench with nine runs for 80m but needs to be a lot more dominant when the big games roll around.

Got plenty of game time and didn’t do his hopes of winning a spot in the best 13 any harm when he crossed for a well-deserved late try.

Made an impact off the bench with 11 runs for 111 metres.

17. CAMERON MUNSTER — N/A

19. LATRELL MITCHELL — N/A