ON THE RISE
1) Jerome Kaino
There were those who doubted Kaino could get back to his best after two years in Japan. But he has returned with a bang. A big, bruising runner who makes sure everyone knows he is around. Hard to see anyone passing him in a hurry.
2) Ben Smith
Just keeps getting better. Smith had a mixed effort on the right wing at Eden Park but he was not the only one in black that night in Auckland. With Israel Dagg getting injured, Smith went to the No 15 jersey and made every post a winner. He was top notch in both tests from the back. Given an inch, he took more than a mile - it was more like 500.
3) Dane Coles
Probably by default more than anything but Coles has emerged as the country's No 1 hooker. His throwing is much improved and he gets around the park. The real test will come when he comes up against the South African pack. But he is more sure of his place than he was three weeks ago.
ON THE SLIDE
1) Wyatt Crockett
One wonders how Crockett has amassed 27 test caps. Does he actually do anything different than another dozen or so props running round the country? Gives away lots of penalties, makes little impact off the bench, and gets in the way too often.
2) Israel Dagg
Played injured in the first test and it told. Never looked right and his usual booming punt was missing. Missed the rest of the series, watching his certain position in the side slide away from him.
3) Keven Mealamu
How much longer can this guy go on? Age does appear to be catching up on him but, with the cupboard bare, he will hang around for as long as he is wanted. Can a 35-year-old hooker play effective matches at this level?
