New Zealand came to within three points of their biggest win over South Africa, when the All Blacks hammered the hapless Springboks 40-7 in Wellington on Saturday.

The chasm in class was obvious, with the 33-point margin second only to the 52-16 win the Kiwis scored over the Boks in Pretoria in July 2003.

The New Zealanders' were not just far more energetic than the visitors, they were also far more clinical in a game where their basic were far superior to the Boks.

Jan de Koning rates the New Zealand players:

15 Mils Muliaina:
He was solid at the back, was never caught out of positions and made a number of strong runs - although his metres gained (36 metres) may nit look that impressive.
6/10

14 Cory Jane:
Made sure the No.14 jersey will be his in the World Cup - a great early grubber, great run for his first-half try and had no trouble stepping a floundering Morné Steyn. Also the best in terms of running metres - 124 in all.
8/10

13 Conrad Smith:
Probably not the most spectacular player, but he is a great allround performer and the perfect partner for the strong-running Ma'a Nonu.
6/10

12 Ma'a Nonu:
He remains a threat with ball in hand and although he had only one full line-break on the day, his reading of the game and all-round workrate showed his class.
6/10

11 Zac Guildford:
There was the occasional mistake - such as an early kick that went directly into touch - but his pure pace and finishing ability saw him score two great tries. He also had three clear line-breaks and made 80 running metres.
8/10

10 Daniel Carter:
His kicking at goal in the testing conditions at the Cake Tin was not the best, although he did manage to reclaim the world record for Test points from Jonny Wilkinson. Allround it was a classy performance from the world's foremost flyhalf.
7/10

9 Jimmy Cowan:
He was steady, rather than spectacular, and little more than a link. Probably New Zealand's worst back on the day.
5/10

8 Adam Thomson:
He had a huge performance and put his hand up for a World Cup spot with some strong carries, making 60 running metres and attending 10 rucks.
7/10

7 Richie McCaw:
A number of early breakdown penalties made him tentative and ensured he had a quieter game than usual. Still plays the referee better than most.
6/10

6 Jerome Kaino:
Probably not his most accomplished performance - just five carries and attended just four rucks. He has left the blindside door slightly ajar (perhaps for Thompson).
5/10

5 Ali Williams:
Most of his work was at the breakdown, where he attended eight rucks. Not as prominent as in the past, but solid in the line-outs.
6/10

4 Samuel Whitelock:
Some great work at the restart, but a quiet day at the office by his usual standards. Attended just four rucks, although he made no mistakes on defence.
6/10

3 Ben Franks:
Made life decidedly unpleasant for the Bok front row and did some work at the breakdown, with five carries for just 20 metres.
6/10

2 Andrew Hore:
The old warhorse showed there is life left in him yet and is a sure bet for the World Cup back-up spot at No.2. His workrate is his best asset.
6/10

1 Wyatt Crockett:
Penalised late in the game at a scrum, but otherwise ensure the All Blacks dominated this set piece.
6/10

Replacements:

16 Corey Flynn (on for Andrew Hore, 73rd min):
Not enough time to be rated.

17 John Afoa (on for Ben Franks, 43 to 49 mins, blood bin):
Not enough time to be rated.

18 Jarrad Hoeata (on for Sam Whitelock, 73rd min):
Not enough time to be rated.

19 Liam Messam (on for Jerome Kaino, 56th min):
Brought the energy that lacked in Kaino's game. Made 60 metres in eight carries and attended nine rucks.
7/10

20 Piri Weepu (on for Jimmy Cowan, 56th min):
His service was more crisp and will challenge Cowan for a starting spot.
6/10

21 Colin Slade (on for Ma'a Nonu, 66th min):
Showed he is the backup at No.10. Also allowed Carter to shift in at inside centre.
6/10

22 Sonny Bill Williams (on for Conrad Smith, 54th min):
He was typical SBW - the usual one-handed offloads and drawing in defenders. But no line-breaks.
6/10