Splitting them into 3 groups (Ticks who fared well, Crosses who didn't fare well and Question Marks for jury is still out on).

Ticks

Cory Jane - Probably moves into the established group after this tour. Sublime. The test in Wellington showed it and the Tour has shown consistency which is brilliant. Probably better on the wing at the moment but had a fine game at fullback v Baabaas.

Kieran Read - was a starter heading into this tour but by end of it had locked down number 8 as his own - especially against France. Great work rate, good lineout option, runs great angles. He may not have the skills of Zinny at 8 but he has the motor of an energizer battery.

Adam Thomson - came on strong in the Tri Nations and continued this through the tour. Tends to get penalised less while being physically more dominant at the breakdown since 12 months ago. Great on getting turnovers and a pretty heads up player with ball in hand too.

Jerome Kaino - this time last year had locked down an established spot but indifferent form this season saw him with a question mark of whether he could do it at test match level. Marseille answered that question easily. Terrific test. Consistency is his issue now.

Tom Donnelly - A very promising and underrated debut against the Wallabies in Wellington. Continued this through Europe. Really shows the value of a hard-nosed, rugby-battled tight five member versus a flashy youngster who is thrown in the deep end (Isaac Ross). Adds real starch and accuracy to the tight five.

Neemia Tialata - The Twitter King Neyza himself had some questioning his fitness, heart heading into this tour. No expert on propping but by all accounts really stepped up his game this tour. Probably got shaded against Italy but other than that stood up well.

Owen Franks - continued on his quality rookie season. Should be seeing him in black for a long time.

Corey Flynn - I admit I haven't been a fan of Corey Flynn's in the past. HOWEVER he was the best All Black on the park against Italy and impressive against the Baabaas too. Seems to be more accurate and has slotted into new improved lineout well. Has added some much needed depth at hooker.

Zac Guildford - not perfect but for a 20 year old rookie he showed me enough. Nice chase down vs Wales and has a good kick chase game. Serious pace. I'm not sure he will ever develop the silky skills of a Jane or Kahui and seems a bit robotic when he runs but he's daarn good.

Anthony Boric - would have been in the question marks section but thought he had a v good game v Baabaas. Maybe not physical enough at breakdown?? Considering he will probably be 4th in pecking order (Ali comes back), All Blacks have some nice depth there.

Crosses

Stephen Donald - Dude isn't up to it. Tries hard and will always be thankful he somehow didn't ruin the Eden Park All Black record earlier this year but a test player he ain't. Doesn't have the skillset.

Brendon Leonard - I'm sure he will be in the mix going forward but his game doesn't suit tests. After a poor Tri Nations he didn't have a great EOYT. I know Cowan had a shocker vs England but he is surely clear no1 now. Leonard decision making at rucktime is poor. Number of times he goes the wrong way is frustrating as heck. Add to that he's a bit of a ball hog (though he is the best running halfback out of the 3) and his box kicking is erratic does not help his cause. Yet to show his S14 form in tests and its no coincidence.

Tanerau Latimer - seems ineffectual. It must be hard to replace Richie but he doesn't have much impact on games. I think he's too small for the style of game he plays (physical tackler, ball runner etc) Still fairly young and may make another charge but didn't help his cause.

Liam Messam - Not up to it. You never know, like Nonu he might finally figure it all out but I doubt it. Doesn't seem as dangerous with ball in hand at test level and doesn't play tight enough. Reminds me of Ron Cribb.

Tamati Ellison - He played quite well vs the Baabaas but he's not a centre nd he's not good enough for fullback. With talent coming back at centre (Kahui, Toeava), and the fullbacks in the country (Mils, Jane, Toeava, Dagg) its tough to see him making the squad again. He actually played pretty well I thought - didn't disgrace himself. This is more of a 'he's unlikely to make the squad in future' cross rather than a 'he didn't play very well' cross.

Rodney So'oialo - past it? has been a fine All Black and a good leader but is he done? With guys like Vito, Sai'li and Manu coming through he might not have a spot.

Question Marks

Ben Smith - probably didn't do quite enough for a tick but thought he acquitted himself nicely. Maybe needs to work a bit on his high ball catching (Italy and Baabaas game) but his line breaking ability seems to translate to tests which is a positive.

Luke McAlister - played a lot better in the Baabaas game but still has issues. Seems to have regressed since 07 but has been stuffed around all season. Needs a full Super 14 playing 12.

Mike Delany - needs more opportunities but didn't nail the ones he got. I saw enough to be happy to give him another crack in future though. Id love to see him with a full strength side around him.

Jason Eaton - Good player for a 4/5th string lock. Not quite in his 06 form but a lot better than last season. Good lineout steals.

John Afoa - Will he ever be more than a solid bench man? No expert on propping but not sure he will ever be a long term starting option.

Wyatt Crockett - young and seemed to improve. Will they stick with him or give him time to improve and revisit?

Andy Ellis - he still has annoying tendencies but I thought he improved his spot with this tour. Id happily have him at 3 in the pecking order behind Cowan and Weepu.

Aled DeMalmanche - No gametime - Needs to be persevered with. Its amazing how our lineout throwers are going better when we fix the whole lineout so there is hope for Aled.

This tour has shown for mine that our starting XV are very very good and has also shown improvements in some weaknesses (lineouts, back play). It has also shown that depth is an issue. I honestly believe the talent is there in NZ rugby, it just might be a bit young at the moment - Slade, Vito, Sai'ili, Cruden, Luke Braid etc.

S14 will be very interesting for these youngsters coming through...